If gas chambers were so "humane" then why was this practice banned for the worst serial killers in America, yet it's "okay" to do this cruelty to our innocent pets, losing bowel and bladder control due to fear, and often drown in their own vomit from convulsing. Contrary to popular belief, is not humane.

The Association of Shelter Veterinarians has stated, "...the use of carbon monoxide for individual or mass companion animal euthanasia in shelters is unacceptable due to significant humane, operational and safety concerns." Please read their document available online at: http://www.sheltervet.org/associations/4853/files/CO%20Position%20Statement.pdf

HSUS states, "Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is, without question, an unacceptable method of euthanasia in states where shelters can legally obtain and administer sodium pentobarbital." Source: http://www.animalsheltering.org/resource_library/policies_and_guidelines/statement_on_euthanasia.html

Further these tanks can leak that can damage employee health (leading to litigation) and is highly explosive. Many cats and dogs went in a coma and were buried alive, or put in the freezer, still alive, by mistake. That's a horrible way to die.

One such example was Andrea the cat, who went through TWO gas chamber sessions, then was put in a freezer for 45 minutes - and by accident was found still alive.  No animal deserves to be buried or frozen  alive.

http://www.fox13now.com/news/local/kstu-cat-survives-euthanasia-exclusive-cat-survives-euthanasia-and-being-placed-in-a-freezer-20111014,0,6588360.story


Elderly and pregnant animals often require several gas chamber sessions due to reduced lung capacity-and many animals are thrown into a single chamber.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/04/0411_050411_peteuthanasia_2.html

"The animal is in a warm or hot box, usually with other animals. They don't know what's going on. The hiss of the gas is going on inside. They get dizzy, and they panic," he said. Fights can break out, and animals' calls can be heard.

Today most private and city animal shelters euthanize animals with sodium pentobarbital, a controlled substance that is injected into one of a dog or cat's veins. Animals die in seconds, experts say, and without pain or suffering.
Currently 13 states, including California, Florida, and New York, require animal shelters to perform death by injection, according to the AHA."

Death by heart stick (intracardiac injection) should also be banned-a poison-filled syringe is jabbed through an animal's chest wall. This method also causes excruciating pain."

Humane suggestions: A  $15 or $20 surcharge for animal cruelty/animal ordinance violation to fund spay/neuter programs would cost the State nothing and help tax payers save money and reduce animal cruelty (homeless animals have nobody to look after them). Also consider a spay/neuter State license tag to help such organizations.

Thank you.

Sincerely,