By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-911109.mp3
LANSING, MI – Legislation before the state House would outlaw the use of gas chambers when animal shelters put down dogs and cats.
In most Michigan counties, animal shelters have already stopped using gas chambers, but there are still a few that use carbon monoxide to euthanize dogs and cats. The legislation would ban the practice, and require shelters to switch to a lethal injection of sodium pentobarbital.
"I have personally viewed films and I find it very inhumane that we still use carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide to euthanize dogs and cats," says State Representative Rick Jones.
The films show dogs clawing and biting each other as they try to escape the gas chambers. Defenders of using gas chambers to put down animals say it's a safer way for shelter workers to euthanize aggressive dogs and cats.
Illinois outlawed gas chambers to kill abandoned pets last year.