The animal welfare field has made remarkable progress over the past few decades. Euthanasia rates are down, adoption rates are up, and everywhere, caring people are making changes for animals. But much remains to be done, and as long as euthanasia remains a reality in animal shelters, The HSUS will work to ensure that it is performed in the most humane way possible.
In more than half of the states in the U.S., it is still legal to use carbon monoxide—a method considered only conditionally acceptable by The HSUS—for the euthanasia of cats and dogs. While the vast majority of animal shelters have moved toward the highest industry standards by voluntarily ceasing the operation of their carbon monoxide chambers in favor of euthanasia by injection, some agencies still use this method—many because they don’t have access to the drugs and training necessary for the more humane option.
Virginia has long been one of the states continuing to use carbon monoxide. However, by the end of 2007, all shelters in Virginia will have shut down their carbon monoxide chambers for good, even though it is still legal to use them. The City of Martinsville, Va. discontinued use of the method earlier this year. Wythe County, too, recently finished the conversion to euthanasia by injection. Lee and Scott counties—the last two remaining counties using carbon monoxide—have begun the conversion process and will be carbon monoxide free by year’s end.
Overcoming the Obstacles
No one disagrees: The necessity of euthanasia in animal shelters is tragic. But it is more tragic still when obsolete traditions, outdated laws, and lack of resources make it hard for caring shelter workers to perform this function in the most humane way possible. Veterinary and animal welfare professionals agree that carbon monoxide is not the most humane method. In addition, expert comparisons have shown that euthanasia by injection costs less than carbon monoxide, and human health hazards posed by the administration of carbon monoxide have been well documented. But in some areas of the country, it’s the only method shelter staff are familiar with.
The first step to discontinuing carbon monoxide euthanasia across the country is ensuring that shelter staff have access to—and training in—a humane alternative. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) recommends injection of a sodium pentobarbital product, one manufactured specifically for use in euthanasia, as the preferred agent for the euthanasia of dogs and cats. This method, when properly performed, is the most humane, safest, least stressful, and most professional choice.
Typically, shelters still using carbon monoxide are located in states where sodium pentobarbital and other euthanasia-related drugs are not accessible. This is due to the absence of a state direct licensing law which would allow animal care and control agencies to obtain and administer controlled substances specifically for euthanasia without having a veterinarian on staff.
Absent a direct licensing law, shelters must either contract with a veterinarian to perform euthanasia by injection or provide sodium pentobarbital under his or her license to allow shelter staff to perform injection euthanasia themselves. This can prove costly, and can be logistically difficult; veterinarians can be hesitant to provide such services or allow their license to be used in this manner. As a result, some agencies continue to utilize carbon monoxide.
Paving the Way for Direct Licensing
Currently, only 32 states have direct licensing laws. In states with these laws, shelter directors are granted a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) license with which to obtain and administer controlled substances.
This is the most effective licensing method for shelters, as it requires that the drugs are properly accounted for, secured, and administered. However, the passing of direct licensing laws is a slow process, and does not compel agencies to make the switch. Put simply: A direct licensing law is not an outright ban of carbon monoxide chambers, and does not necessarily equip agencies with the practical measures needed to transition. Without provisions for training for staff and alternate euthanasia space, no law is a panacea.
This is where The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and others are stepping in.
Helping Shelters Make the Shift
In November 2000, Kate Pullen, then the director of animal sheltering issues at The HSUS, and animal welfare consultant Teresa Dockery began a statewide outreach program to improve conditions at Virginia animal shelters. Generous grants from the Leonard X. Bosack & Bette M. Kruger Charitable Foundation and from Sandy Lerner provided the resources necessary to help more than a dozen shelters transition from carbon monoxide gas chambers to sodium pentobarbital injection.
"It is exciting to reach this milestone. I feel privileged to have worked with these localities, animal control officers and shelter staff in making this conversion,” says Dockery. “I am grateful to Sandy Lerner for her financial support, which has allowed these localities to bring on additional staff and make the structural changes necessary to ensure this conversion."
"This move to a more humane form of euthanasia speaks volumes about the commitment of Virginia’s animal shelters,” says Kimberley Intino, now director of animal sheltering issues for The HSUS. “It is our hope that other states follow in the footsteps of Virginia and phase out use of carbon monoxide for good. Euthanasia of any form is a tragedy; however, it is an unfortunate reality in the animal control field. As long as the public continues to generate more pets than they provide homes for, it will be the painful responsibility of public animal shelters to provide the most humane death possible for animals who cannot be adopted."
