Sen. Jehlen Supports Poisoning Prevention Bill

| July 21, 2010 | State House News | No Comments

Bill to Prevent Antifreeze Poisoning Headed to Governor’s Desk

Senator Jehlen announced Tuesday that the State Senate passed H 4285 An Act Requiring Engine Coolant and Antifreeze to Contain a Bittering Agent so as to Render It Unpalatable. H. 4285 would require antifreeze and engine coolant to include a bitter flavor agent to prevent animals and children from being poisoned by the sweet-tasting liquid. Poisoning occurs because children and animals are attracted to the sweetness of antifreeze and engine coolant, which inadvertently spills in our driveways or is left in open containers in garages. The bill will require manufacturers to add bitter-tasting denatonium benzoate to antifreeze and coolant sold in the state.

“Senator Jehlen’s leadership on animal protection issues has made the Commonwealth a much better place for animals and people who share their lives with them. This legislation protects both animals and people and will prevent thousands of unnecessary poisonings,” said the MSPCA’s Director of Advocacy, Kara Holmquist. “The MSPCA and people who care about animals across the state are fortunate to have legislators like Senator Jehlen working to make the Commonwealth safer for animals.”

“This is an excellent bill,” Senator Jehlen said. “The MSPCA has been working hard on this legislation and I was happy to be able to help them finally get it passed.”

In a MSPCA survey, 67.9 percent of responding, licensed veterinarians in Massachusetts reported treating animals for antifreeze ingestion. Many veterinarians noted the high mortality rate and the speed at which antifreeze poisoning causes irreparable damage to the animals’ internal organs. An estimated 90,000 animals are poisoned each year after ingesting ethylene glycol, a highly toxic substance used in antifreeze and coolant.

The bill was also supported by the Consumer Specialty Products Association, the trade association representing antifreeze and engine coolant manufacturers, and the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association.

The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.

– Information from State Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville, Medford)