A bill that will allow first responders to provide medical treatment to dogs and cats has unanimously passed out of the General Assembly and is now headed to Gov. John Kasich’s desk to sign.
Pets who are often considered a part of a family “and they should receive treatment if necessary or life-threatening situations,” said Meg Stephenson, executive director of the Animal Friends Humane Society.
The bill would allow first responders to open and manually maintain an airway, administer oxygen, control a hemorrhage, and — if authorized — administer naloxone hydrochloride, also known as Narcan.
“The intent is to allow emergency responders to provide basic first aid so the animal can be safely transported to a veterinarian for further care and treatment,” said Jack Advent, executive director of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association. “The bill simply allows animals to receive critical care at the earliest possible moment, which is in the best interest of the animal.”