Six states seek ban on gas euthanasia of shelter animals

[The Straight Story]

Six states seek ban on gas euthanasia of shelter animals

Seven states are considering proposals to ban carbon monoxide gas chamber use in animal shelters as a means of euthanasia, in response to animal rights supporters who say the process is inhumane.

Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, West Virginia and Pennsylvania have legislation pending, according to Kimberley Intino, director of the Shelter Services Program for the Humane Society of the United States. Twelve states already ban it, she says.

Death by CO poisoning can be slow and terrifying," says Daphna Nachminovitch, vice president of cruelty investigations for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "During the process, which can take 30 minutes, panicked animals may gasp for breath, try to claw out of the chamber, and even attack each other."

Intino says that in her six years at the Humane Society, this is the first time multiple states have introduced legislation banning euthanasia by carbon monoxide gas chambers. She says the Humane Society is "incredibly involved" in advocating legislation to protect animals.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-04-01-animalgaschamber_N.htm

[LostinVA]

1. k&r great news

I wish every animal would be adopted, and there wwre no strays or puppy mills. But until then, at least let the poor things die with peace and dignity.

[sixmile]

2. It should be banned in all fifty states

Better yet - Worldwide.

Spay and neuter your pets. (Why am I bothering? All DU'ers are responsible pet owners, surely.)

[The Straight Story]

3. I spayed and neutered my dog

He was confused :)

[sixmile]

6. I'm sure that straightened him right up

At least (God willing) he will have a healthier, longer life.

[flvegan]

4. Opposition from the NCVMA?

Morons.

I hope the legislation is specific as to what the approved method is that remains.

[Mojorabbit]

5. I do wildlife rehab

and as a group most don't use co2. I use an anesthesia med that puts the animal gently to sleep when I have to euthanize.

[achtung_circus]

7. The AVMA says

Advantages—(1) Carbon monoxide induces loss of consciousness without pain and with minimal discernible discomfort. (2) Hypoxemia induced by CO is insidious, so that the animal appears to be unaware. (3) Death occurs rapidly if concentrations of 4 to 6% are used.

Disadvantages—(1) Safeguards must be taken to prevent exposure of personnel. (2) Any electrical equipment exposed to CO (eg, lights and fans) must be explosion proof.

Recommendations—Carbon monoxide used for individual animal or mass euthanasia is acceptable for dogs, cats, and other small mammals, provided that commercially compressed CO is used and the following precautions are taken:
(1) personnel using CO must be instructed thoroughly in its use and must understand its hazards and limitations;
(2) the CO chamber must be of the highest quality construction and should allow for separation of individual animals;
(3) the CO source and chamber must be located in a well-ventilated environment, preferably out of doors;
(4) the chamber must be well lit and have view ports that allow personnel direct observation of animals;
(5) the CO flow rate should be adequate to rapidly achieve a uniform CO concentration of at least 6% after animals are placed in the chamber, although some species (eg, neonatal pigs) are less likely to become agitated with a gradual rise in CO concentration;98 and (6) if the chamber is inside a room, CO monitors must be placed in the room to warn personnel of hazardous concentrations. It is essential that CO use be in compliance with state and federal occupational health and safety regulations.

As an enforcement officer for an SPCA I have seen injection go horribly wrong.

I have seen CO work exceedingly well.

ETA: Linky. http://www.avma.org/issues/animal_welfare/euthanasia.pdf