Dear Representative __________________,
I am writing to ask for your support for House Bill #6, Davie's Law/ Humane Euthanasia in shelters.
As a resident of North Carolina, I feel strongly that we should provide the most humane treatment possible for animals in our state's shelters. Gas chambers are outdated, dangerous, costly, and inefficient.
Euthanasia by injection of sodium pentobarbital (EBI) is used in most animal shelters in our state. Staff at those shelters have been trained to safely euthanize all sorts of animals by injection, even those who may be aggressive. However, it can be quite dangerous to force a conscious, aggressive animal into a gas chamber. Since animals are normally gassed in groups, placing frightened, aggressive or wild animals into a chamber with others can lead to fighting.
EBI is the only method approved by all national humane organizations in the United States, and the preferred method of the National Animal Control Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. I understand that a recent cost study from Animal Care and Control Consultant Doug Fakkema shows that EBI can be less expensive than gas chambers, based on figures from North Carolina shelters. This could save money for our counties, while at the same time providing a humane end to the lives of animals in the care of shelters.
Inspections from several government agencies in recent years have revealed leaking and malfunctioning gas chambers, many of which have caused employee overexposure to carbon monoxide. It simply isn't worth the risk of increased worker compensation claims and possible lawsuits, when a safer, more cost effective, and more humane method is readily avilable.
Please support House Bill 6, Davie's Law/ Humane Euthanasia in Shelters.
Sincerely,
__________________________________________name
__________________________________________address
__________________________________________phone