WHAT'S NEXT

Urge Alabama Legislators to Ban Gas Chambers for Animals
  1. Signatures
    738 out of 1,000
    Petitioning
    1. The Governor of AL
  2. Created By
    Martin Matheny
    Athens, GA
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates
How We Won

Jun 15, 2011

With widespread support both in the legislature and among the public, Alabama passed "Beckham's Bill" to ban gas chamber euthanasia. The law was named for a dog who had narrowly escaped death in a Cullman County gas chamber. Although Beckham's Law won't stop needless killing in animal shelters, it will reduce suffering by forcing shelters to use the more humane method of lethal injection.

There's no excuse for using gas chambers to euthanize animals. Compared to euhanasia by injection (EBI), gas is both far less humane and far more expensive. 

Alabama legislators are considering "Beckham's Act," HB 147 and SB 172, which would ban the use of carbon monoxide gas chambers in animal shelters. The bill is named for Beckham, a dog who survived the gas chamber earlier this year.

With over 50 cosponsors, Beckham's Act seems to have the support to pass, but it's up to animal advocates like you to make sure that Alabama legislators pass this important legislation this year.

Photo credit: spotreporting

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

Vote Yes on HB 147/SB 172 and Ban Gas Chambers in Animal Shelters

Greetings,

I'm writing today to urge you in the strongest possible terms to vote yes on Beckham's Act (HB 147/SB 172), which would ban the use of carbon monoxide gas chambers in animal shelters, and require the more humane euthanasia by injection (EBI) method.

EBI is both more humane and less expensive. In a gas chamber, animals are tightly packed in, and often bite and claw each other, trying to get out. The entire experience can take half and hour or longer. It also costs an average of $4.98 per animal to use carbon monoxide gas, compared with $2.29 per animal using EBI, according to Alabama Voters for Responsible Animal Legislation.

Beckham's Act has the support of animal advocacy groups as well as over 50 members of the Alabama Legislature, including both the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tem of the Senate. I hope you'll join your colleagues in voting favorably upon HB 147/SB 172.

[Your name]

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