PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- The House Health and Human Services Committee of the South Dakota legislature approved a measure brought to session by the South Dakota Attorney General to reclassify the drug Xylazine as a Schedule Three controlled substance.  State Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt says they worked with the animal health industry on the bill.

Xylazine is a sedative for large animals and Attorney General Marty Jackley says they understand there is a need for the drug in South Dakota’s veterinary industry.

Jennifer Stalley says the Veterinary Medical Association in South Dakota supports the bills ag exemptions.

The measure passed the Committee unanimously and will be sent to the consent calendar in the House.