ST. PAUL, Minn. – Rep. Jon Applebaum (DFL – Minnetonka) introduced a bill to prohibit the use of gas chambers as a method of euthanizing pets at animal shelters in Minnesota. If passed, Minnesota would join 27 other states that either fully or partially ban the practice.
“As a dog owner and animal lover, it’s repulsive to me that state laws still permit pets to be put down via gas chambers,” said Rep. Applebaum, Deputy House Minority Leader. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with the Humane Society of the United States, and other animal welfare organizations, to bring an end to this inhumane practice.”
According to the Humane Society of the United States, in order to qualify as euthanasia, an animal’s death must be free of pain, stress and fear. The use of gas chambers does not meet that standard; pain, stress and fear are experienced when animals are placed in unfamiliar, confined gas chamber spaces. In addition, many gas chambers are old and may not be well-calibrated, leading to situations where an animal’s vital organs begin to shut down while still conscious.
The American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines state that euthanasia by intravenous injection remains the preferred method for euthanasia of dogs, cats, and other small companion animals, and that gas chambers are not recommended for routine euthanasia of dogs and cats in shelters and animal control operations.
“Here in Minnesota, we must ensure that our pets are treated humanely and with dignity, even in their final moments," Rep. Applebaum said. “I hope that we can come together and recognize that using gas chambers on pets is unacceptable, and that we can end this practice immediately.
The bill, HF 2054, already has bipartisan support and awaits action by the House Agriculture Policy Committee.