American Humane considers euthanasia by injection to be the only acceptable and humane means of euthanasia for all animals that enter shelters.
Senate Bill 672 would ensure that when the state’s unwanted, sick or unadoptable shelter animals have to be euthanized, the procedure will not be done with a carbon monoxide gas chamber, but instead would be done by injection of sodium pentobarbital.
The bill would also fine any person or organization that violates the provision with a maximum of $500 for the first violation, and a maximum of $1,000 for subsequent violations.
Most shelter workers wish to hold and comfort a frightened animal in its final moments of life. That act may be the only kindness the animal has ever known. In contrast, even with vigilant oversight, euthanizing any shelter animal by means of a carbon monoxide gas chamber is severely inhumane, and is demoralizing and dangerous to shelter workers.
The American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines on euthanasia do not recommend gassing of medium and large animals. Furthermore, such outdated practices create public outcry and demean the purpose of an animal shelter.
Please ask Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Chairman Michael W. Brubaker to schedule SB 672 for a committee hearing today.
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