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RESOLUTION URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO ENACT LEGISLATION REQUIRING THAT AN AVERSIVE AGENT BE ADDED TO ANTIFREEZE PRODUCTS TO PREVENT POISONING FROM ACCIDENTAL INGESTION

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WHEREAS, antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is an extremely hazardous substance and can result in death if treatment is not provided swiftly; and
WHEREAS, antifreeze is also harmful if ingested by animals; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that between 10,000 and 90,000 animals across the United States are poisoned annually by antifreeze; and
WHEREAS, animals may be attracted to antifreeze because of its sweet smell and taste; and
WHEREAS, some humane groups have proposed that people and pets be protected from antifreeze poisoning by adding a bitter, taste aversive agent to the product; and
WHEREAS, according to the Associated Press, states such as Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont and Washington have passed laws requiring taste aversive agents be added to antifreeze; and
WHEREAS, Florida should also have a similar law to protect individuals and animals from the deadly consequences of ingesting antifreeze,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board:
Section 1. Urges the Florida Legislature to enact legislation requiring that antifreeze or engine coolant sold in the State of Florida contain a taste aversive agent so as to render it unpalatable.
Section 2. Directs the Clerk of the Board to transmit certified copies of this resolution to the Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, the Chair and Members of the Miami-Dade State Legislative Delegation.
Section 3. Directs the County�s state lobbyists to advocate for the issue identified in Section 1 above, and directs the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to include this item in the 2010 state legislative package.