| (a) The commission veterinarian may order a postmortem examination on any race animal that, while on an association's grounds, dies or suffers an injury in training or in competition and is subsequently euthanized. The examination shall be conducted at a time and place acceptable to the commission veterinarian and to the extent reasonably necessary to determine the injury or sickness that resulted in the death or euthanasia of the race animal. (b) An examination required by this section must be conducted by a veterinarian licensed by the Commission on the authority of the commission veterinarian or at a qualified laboratory approved by the commission veterinarian. The commission veterinarian shall either witness the examination or designate another person to witness the examination. (c) Specimens may be obtained from a race animal for which a postmortem examination has been ordered and may be delivered for testing to an approved laboratory in accordance with Subchapter D of this chapter (relating to Drug Testing). When practical, specimens should be procured before euthanasia. (d) Specimens may be obtained from a race animal that was euthanized but for which no postmortem examination was ordered and may be delivered for testing to an approved laboratory in accordance with Subchapter D of this chapter. (e) The owner of a deceased race animal shall pay any charges due the veterinarian or laboratory which conducts the postmortem examination or subsequent laboratory tests. (f) Not later than 72 hours after a postmortem examination, the person who conducted the examination shall file a report of the examination with the commission veterinarian on a form prescribed by the executive secretary. (g) An owner or trainer who fails to comply with this section is subject to disciplinary action by the executive secretary. |
