Don’t let me die like this!!!

Euthanasia -(noun) Painless killing to relieve suffering.
"MAN’S BEST FRIEND" does NOT deserve this. These dogs have committed no crimes, yet they are killed painfully in mass, in a gas chamber! If they MUST die, then please do it painlessly by injection. Help us to make change happen- we can.

We are raising funds and raising awareness to end the barbaric method of necessary killing of the pets in our nation. There is a more humane way and most of the country uses a more gentle method to euthanize dogs and cats. Sadly though, there are still many counties in the US that allow the use of gas chambers-this is a horrible way for dogs and cats to spend their last moments alive-tramatic to both the animals and the human beings who must institute the actions (see link of video here).

Please help spread the word, by raising money to purchase billboards to expose the states and counties who still perfom these horrific acts every day, so we can put an end to this! CHANGE CAN and has already happened in many states-we can put an end to this nationwide!

Thank you!

The following states DO NOT have a law BANNING the use of gas chambers as a method of death for dogs and cats-help change these laws by speaking up- write your State’s General Assembly members at their district offices to introduce a bill to protect your state’s dogs and cats from a TERRIFYING end like this-

The states that need changes URGENTLY are:

NORTH CAROLINA (3rd highest of all per capita) OHIO, GEORGIA, FLORIDA, ILLINIOS.

Euthanasia technicians would face revocation of their certification and fines up to $1000 for failure to euthanize animals humanely by one of the allowed methods or to perform their job duties.

The proposed law would change the name of the Humane Euthanasia in Animal Shelters Act to the Humane Animal Euthanasia Act. The bill also provides for continuing training and education and renewal of certification for euthanasia technicians. Veterinarians and instructors in euthanasia techniques would be exempt from the certification process.

It would be illegal to perform the duties of a euthanasia technician outside the scope of employment or when not employed by a euthanasia certified agency. Euthanasia technicians would be charged with scanning animals for micro chips prior to euthanasia, complying with laws, and maintaining the security of controlled substances used in euthanasia procedures. They would be responsible if they allowed non-certified personnel to euthanize animals. Violations can mean revocation of their certification and fines up to $1000.

The Dept of Health would be restricted from certifying for at least 10 years following release from prison anyone who has been convicted of a violent felony, felony violation of the Humane Care for Animals Act and felony violations of drug laws.

Talking Points

1. Under HB 4844 use of CO gas chambers to euthanize animals is basically banned, and the recommended method of euthanasia is lethal injection. The 2007 and 2000 American Veterinary Medical Association reports on euthanasia state the "preferred method" for euthanasia of animals is lethal injection by barbiturate sodium pentobarbital. For the animal, if administered properly, it is usually no different than a shot given by a veterinarian. If the animal is or becomes aggressive, it can be sedated prior to the injection. Training for lethal injection costs less than $300.

2. Shelter workers are at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning when they load and unload or clean the gas chamber, breathing in low levels of the gas on a regular basis. The AVMA report warns, "[Carbon monoxide gas is].... hazardous to personnel because of the risk ... or health effects resulting from chronic exposure". According to the 1993 AVMA Report, as the concentration of CO [in the body] increases, humans may experience decreased visual acuity, tinnitus, nausea, progressive depression, confusion, and collapse along with convulsions and muscular spasms. Long-term effects may include cancer and cardiovascular diseases." In Tennessee a shelter worker died from CO poisoning from the gas chamber. As a result Tennessee has banned the use of gas chambers.

It is likely many chambers in use are in poor or at least unknown condition. The 2007 and 2000 AVMA Euthanasia reports warn: "Leaky or faulty equipment may .. be hazardous to ... personnel."

3. It is also clear that use of the gas chamber causes incalculable psychological suffering for many shelter workers. Animals don't lose consciousness or die until there is a build up of the CO gas in their lungs. Shelter workers have documented that until that build up happens, they hear the piercing cries, howling, frantic calls, scratching and panic of animals. The AVMA reports confirm this. It is not uncommon for shelter workers to have to gas some animals a second time.

4. Many states including Tennessee, Florida, Indiana, Nebraska, and Colorado, among others, now ban the gas chamber. Less than 1% of shelters in the U.S. continue to use the outmoded gas chamber.

5. Lethal injection or EBI is actually cheaper. A study conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society by using an Animal Euthanasia Cost Analysis work sheet developed at Texas A&M University, showed in September 2000 concluded that to euthanize 10,000 animals per year, cost of gassing averages $13,230 while lethal injection averages $12,700.

6. It is not a defense to the gas chamber to say that lethal injection is just as cruel if not done properly. Any method of euthanasia must be performed properly, and proper use of gas chambers as well as lethal injection requires training. But gas chambers are dangerous to workers and cruel and inhumane to workers and animals even if used properly. The goal is to euthanize as few animals as possible, not argue over the best method of killing. But in the meantime, there is no reason to use this particularly cruel, outmoded method of killing.

7. H.B. 4844 would also regulate euthanasia technicians to assure lethal injection and other techniques are performed by the most trained, qualified personnel possible.