End All Gas Chambers in NC shelters
- by: Cynthia Woodcock and Dusty D.
- recipient: The North Carolina General Assembly
Four state and local agencies of North Carolina government have documented hazards of faulty gas chambers and supply cylinders at public animal shelters since 2004. Leaks and malfunctions have been recorded by the North Carolina Department of Labor, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina Department of Agriculture, and local fire marshals in Reidsville and Stokes County. The findings of these agencies were obtained through public records.
Most gas chambers in North Carolina had reportedly never been formally inspected prior to 2004. Since that time, complaints from thousands of residents to government officials and the media have brought the controversial euthanasia method to the forefront. Now in 2010 the chambers are only inspected by the manufacturer of said chamber.
Several mishaps have been reported by North Carolina media, showing that gas chambers are not always effective. Leaking carbon monoxide can keep the machines from reaching or maintaining a lethal level of 6%-10% for animals inside the chamber. The result can be a slower death, or mere unconsciousness and assumed death before the animal is placed in a freezer, dumpster, landfill, or incinerator. Some animals do not die the first time, whether due to inadequate gas levels, age of animal, or health issues.
THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!!! THERE IS A HUMANE WAY TO EUTHANIZE ANIMALS TODAY THAT IS BEING USED ALREADY IN THE MAJORITY OF SITUATIONS.
Euthanasia by injection of sodium pentobarbital (EBI) is used in most animal shelters North Carolina. Staff at those shelters have been trained to safely euthanize all sorts of animals by injection, even those who may be aggressive. However, it can be quite dangerous to force a conscious, aggressive animal into a gas chamber. Since animals are normally gassed in groups, placing frightened, aggressive or wild animals into a chamber with others can lead to fighting.
EBI is the only method approved by all national humane organizations in the United States, and the preferred method of the National Animal Control Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. I understand that a recent cost study from Animal Care and Control Consultant Doug Fakkema shows that EBI can be less expensive than gas chambers, based on figures from North Carolina shelters. This could save money for our counties, while at the same time providing a humane end to the lives of animals in the care of shelters.
Please, I urge the administration of humane euthanasia for all animals in North Carolina. It very well could be the only kindness these poor unfortunate animals will ever receive.
Please sign this petition to help bring an end to this inhumane way of extinguishing an unwanted animals life.
Dear Representative
I am writing to ask for your support for House Bill #6, Davie's Law/ Humane Euthanasia in shelters.
As a resident of North Carolina, I feel strongly that we should provide the most humane treatment possible for animals in our state's shelters. Gas chambers are outdated, dangerous, costly, and inefficient.
Euthanasia by injection of sodium pentobarbital (EBI) is used in most animal shelters in our state. Staff at those shelters have been trained to safely euthanize all sorts of animals by injection, even those who may be aggressive. However, it can be quite dangerous to force a conscious, aggressive animal into a gas chamber. Since animals are normally gassed in groups, placing frightened, aggressive or wild animals into a chamber with others can lead to fighting.
EBI is the only method approved by all national humane organizations in the United States, and the preferred method of the National Animal Control Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. I understand that a recent cost study from Animal Care and Control Consultant Doug Fakkema shows that EBI can be less expensive than gas chambers, based on figures from North Carolina shelters. This could save money for our counties, while at the same time providing a humane end to the lives of animals in the care of shelters.
Inspections from several government agencies in recent years have revealed leaking and malfunctioning gas chambers, many of which have caused employee overexposure to carbon monoxide. It simply isn't worth the risk of increased worker compensation claims and possible lawsuits, when a safer, more cost effective, and more humane method is readily avilable.
Please support House Bill 6, Davie's Law/ Humane Euthanasia in Shelters.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Woodcock and Dusty D of North Carolina
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