Ontario pounds must record destruction method and will adopt CCAC euthanasia guidelines for dogs and cats

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Amendments scheduled to take effect in early 2027 make three practical changes to how Ontario pound operators handle animal destruction. First, whenever an animal is destroyed, the pound's records must now also capture the method of destruction used — not just the date and the reason. Second, the fixed list of permitted non-chemical and chemical euthanasia procedures (currently set out in two separate sections) will be replaced by a single standard tied to the Canadian Council on Animal Care's published Euthanasia Guidelines, referencing the acceptable and conditionally acceptable methods tables for dogs and cats respectively. Third, the requirement for Director-approved equipment is removed alongside the repeal of the old sections. Pound operators should review the CCAC guidelines and update their record-keeping practices and staff training before the changes come into force.

Who this affects
pound operators · municipal animal control services · research facilities acquiring animals from pounds · pound staff responsible for animal destruction records