The use of gas chambers for euthanasia in animal shelters is legal in many states, but that doesn't make it any less of a barbaric form of torture for innocent, unwanted animals who are unfairly subjected to its fate.
I would like to ask the state of Texas to ban animal gas chambers. Some Texas cities still use carbon monoxide chambers instead of injection. In honor of National Justice for Animals Week FEB 19-25, I have started an online petition to BAN ANIMAL GAS CHAMBERS IN Texas. http://www.change.org/petitions/ban-animal-gas-chambers-in-texas. If it is wrong in one state, it should be wrong in all states.
Texas should pass a law similar to other states that have banned these chambers. If an animal has to be put down, euthanize companion animals and shelter pets via an injection of sodium pentobarbital (referred to as EBI, for euthanasia by injection). EBI is accepted by all national veterinary and humane organizations as the most humane method currently available for euthanasia. When performed properly by trained personnel, EBI is painless to the animal, and begins to take effect within seconds.
Gas chambers are ineffective and inefficient. The gas chamber cannot be humanely used for the majority of animals that require euthanasia, including the old, very young, sick, pregnant, or injured. Even under the best of circumstances, animals can only be gassed one at a time, and the 25 or more minutes it can take to end that animal’s life can be agonizing. At least one Michigan shelter has indicated that sometimes more than one animal is put into the chamber.
Gas chambers are more expensive. Recent studies have proven that EBI, including the costs of permitting and acquiring euthanasia drugs, actually costs less than using a gas chamber.
Gas chambers pose a danger to shelter staff. Carbon monoxide is highly toxic and is one of the leading causes of accidental poisoning in the United States. Animal shelter workers have been injured and even killed by malfunctioning gas chambers.
Training and funding for EBI is readily available. Grants may be obtained for initial EBI set-up and training in EBI procedures and with gas chamber buyback and disposal. State law should permit trained shelter technicians to directly administer euthanasia drugs without supervision by a veterinarian, and a majority of shelters are licensed to receive EBI drugs directly. Statewide regulation is needed to ensure that all Texas pets receive the same humane treatment if euthanasia is necessary.
Thanking you in advance for your time and attention to this matter.
I believe that animals deserve to be treated with respect, even in death.
Debra Pinegar
