Something is rotten in Garland, Texas. And the Citizens for Reform of the Animal Shelter are trying to stop it. 

The Garland Animal Shelter (appropriately acronymned the GAS) has been using carbon monoxide to euthanize homeless shelter animals, despite the fact that the practice is outlawed in many other states. 

While a memorandum on gassing has since been passed this year, only allowing the procedure to be used on “vicious dogs, feral cats, wild animals or other animals that present a significant danger to shelter staff,” that still leaves 31% of dogs and cats facing the chamber. And there really is no excuse. 

Only 44% of animals that end up in the GAS ever make it out. While that number is up from an even more egregious 34% in 2009, it isn’t remotely enough. While the mayor, Ron Jones, and shelter manager, Diana Oats, speak of other improvements to the shelter, the fact remains that the shelter is gassing animals when it doesn’t have to.    

The American Humane Association has an extensive collection of research that demonstrates how euthanasia by injection is not only more humane to animals and safer for humans, but is less costly for shelters, as well. Even the National Animal Control Association has condemned gassing as an inhumane method of euthanasia. And because GAS is already utilizing EBI for a significant percentage of homeless animals, there is no valid reason for refusing to employ it with all of the animals in their care. 

Join with me and the citizens of Garland, Texas, to encourage the city of Garland and the staff of the GAS to end this inhumane practice. The homeless animals of Garland, Texas, would thank you themselves if they could. 

Photo credit: henrycountyhumanesociety