Gas Chambers Overview

CO gas is an “acceptable” form of euthanasia in Virginia under certain, carefully proscribed circumstances of administration and use which are rarely followed, even more rarely inspected for by the State Vet, and have never resulted in fines or penalties.

CO gas is hazardous to humans, explosive and inefficient.

I/V euthanasia is the “preferred” method in Virginia, uses a Schedule II drug available upon application by humane societies, and can be successfully and humanely performed by a single person (State Vet Euthanasia Regs, 10/04)

Economics

Gas chambers require compressed gas cylinders and plumbing, must be specially built, have individual compartments to keep animals separate, meet leak-integrity tests, require monitoring apparatus and require special (explosive proof) electrical fixtures. I/V euthanasia costs consist of labor costs, syringes, and drug costs.

CO leaks are insidious, and CO is extremely toxic in low concentrations. Syringe sticks during I/V euthanasia of sedated animals is virtually unknown.

Job-related stress/anxiety from performing euthanasia significant contributor to turnover; vocalizations of non-sedated animals receiving CO gas described as haunting, de-humanizing.

Sedating animals prior to CO euthanasia adds up to sedated animal that could easily be administered I/V euthanasia.

Sodium pentobarbital w/ or w/o lidocaine is preferred I/V injectable; sodium entobarbital doses infinitesimally small, are decomposed by bacteria, leached out and deposited in soils by percolating groundwater. Proper and safe disposition of corpses not difficult.

Public Health Benefit

Reduce risk of CO poisoning, reduced job-related stress from hearing animal vocalizations during lengthy time to unconsciousness with CO.

Teaches compassion, humanity through relief of and avoidance of unnecessary distress.

Public Safety Benefit

same

Updated: December 5, 2005