Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) is introducing legislation to crack down on the fraudulent acquisition of controlled substances meant for animals and pets.
Specifically, Rep. Mills' Practitioner Enforcement and Tracking of Substances (PETS) Act requires veterinarians to adhere more strictly to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), a system that tracks controlled substance prescriptions, and clarifies aspects of the reporting system by linking records to owners or caretakers.
After all, each state has its own standards, and the PETS Act strengthens oversight with a more consistent federal guideline.
Other provisions include a requirement to report a non-lethal overdose event within 72 hours and strengthened consistency across states in PDMP compliance expectations for all practitioners.
"Prescription drug monitoring programs are a critical tool in combating substance misuse and protecting public health," said Rep. Mills in his press release, adding, "The PETS Act ensures these safeguards are applied consistently, including in the veterinary space where controlled substances still require proper oversight. This legislation strengthens accountability, improves data reporting, and helps close gaps that can be exploited in the system."
In Florida, State Representative Rachel Plakon (R-36) introduced House Bill 57 in December 2024, which strengthens penalties for possessing, selling, or trafficking xylazine, an animal tranquilizer that is frequently used as a recreational drug with the street name of "tranq" or the "zombie drug" due to its horrific effects on skin after sustained use.
Similarly, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act in February 2025, which would rule xylazine a Schedule III illicit substance as defined by the Controlled Substances Act, allowing the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to track its manufacture and prevent entry onto the black market, but include protections for farmers and veterinarians for its intended use of tranquilizing animals.
"The fentanyl crisis is already devastating families across Arizona, and xylazine makes it even deadlier. This bill is another step in our fight to keep dangerous drugs like tranq out of our communities," said Sen. Gallego.
