ANTIFREEZE SAFETY ACT
H.R. 1563

Sponsors: Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA)

NM co-sponsors: Rep. Udall. Rep. Wilson is expected to sign-on soon. Sen. Bingaman has pledged support for a soon-to-be introduced senate version of the legislation.

APV position: SUPPORT

Bill Status: H.R. 1563 has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee

What the law would do: The Antifreeze Safety Act, to require engine coolant and antifreeze sold in the United States “to contain a bittering agent so as to render it unpalatable to humans and animals.”

Why it is needed: The bill is welcomed by animal guardians nationwide, as a remedy to the thousands of needless animal deaths caused by the ingestion of antifreeze. Countless companion animals and wildlife die an agonizing death every year after drinking spilled antifreeze, attracted by its sweet taste. Requiring manufacturers to add a bittering agent is a common sense solution.

New Mexicans became familiar with the tragedy of antifreeze poisoning when Scooby, a golden retriever who had survived being shot in the head by an off-duty police officer, died as a result of ingesting antifreeze a few weeks later. As a result, the City of Albuquerque passed an antifreeze safety ordinance and the state is also considering legislation. (See APV’s state legislation pages for details.)

Photo: Cat Fanciers' Association: CFA Health Committee -Antifreeze Warning