Banning the Gas Chamber
American Humane has begun a campaign to ban the use of gas chambers to euthanize animals. American Humane is a national animal welfare organization that has been in existence since 1887. They have a lot of credibility.
Gas chambers used to euthanize animals are typically a 2x2x2 foot cube. They use carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide to slowly euthanize the animal. Euthanasia of animals using a gas chamber is considered to be inhumane by most animal welfare organizations.
The Lee County Humane Society has been using the EBI or euthanasia by injection method for more than 15 years. It is our only way of euthanizing dogs and cats. While there are many advantages to EBI, the most important reason is the staff can compassionately hold the animal before it dies.
Currently, only nine states have officially banned all forms of gassing for all types of animals in shelters: Delaware, Illinois, Maine, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia and Wyoming. There are many states that are moving towards eliminating the gas chamber but just can’t quite get there.
The biggest reason for not eliminating gas chambers is typically economics. There was a time when the gas chamber was cheaper especially when you could pack animals in the box without any restrictions. That is not true any more; American Humane estimates that the cost for EBI is $2.29 per animal vs. $4.98 for the gas chamber.
The other reason for continuing the use of gas chambers is logistics. The solution used for EBI is a controlled substance. Not all shelters are licensed or have access to a veterinarian who has a license to purchase the euthanasia drug. States are realizing this and are developing laws that will and are making this less of a problem.
The State of Alabama is moving in the right direction. We have established new laws over the past decade that makes it easier for shelters that are properly trained and certified to purchase EIB drugs. We have not banned the gas chamber yet, but we will one day.
If you would like more information about the American Humane campaign and how you can help please visit their Web site. The address is www.americanhumane.org.
Humane Society Weekly Wish: We have some great adult dogs and cats that need new homes. We’d encourage you to take some time and visit the shelter. You can get to know a few of these adoptable pets and who knows, you might just take one home.
Jack Fisher
Board of Directors
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