Statement on Xylazine

On behalf of the of The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, we want to thank Governor Shapiro’s Office for their quick action to hear our concerns and their willingness to work with us regarding the scheduling of xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance.

Xylazine is an FDA-approved prescription sedative with pain-relieving and muscle relaxing properties for use in animals. It is one of the most widely used veterinary drugs across many species, including cats, dogs, horses, cattle, deer, elk, rats, mice, wildlife, and zoo animals.

H.R. 1839/S. 993 (Combating Illicit Xylazine Act)

Illicit xylazine has been found to be an adulterant in illicit fentanyl and heroin and can contribute to overdose deaths and the development of chronic sores in drug users. Xylazine is an important veterinary sedative used to facilitate the safe handling of many species and is particularly important in livestock. Sedation of fractious animals is essential to keep people and the animals on which they work safe.