In a perfect world, euthanization of domesticated animals would never be an issue. But the reality is that in many shelters, animals that aren’t adopted may face the end of their lives in inhumane ways that can be easily remedied.
No one wants to euthanize animals, but when it happens their transitions should be as peaceful as possible. Lethal injection can help create that calm.
After Rowan County ended its use of gas chambers this month, only 11 counties in North Carolina still use the outdated form of euthanization. Either the remaining counties should voluntarily follow suit, or it should be officially banned statewide.
According to the American Humane Association, gas chambers are also inhumane on a personal and psychological level because they deny both the worker and the animal the chance to give and receive kindness and comfort. It is demeaning to prevent a worker the dignity of being kind to another living soul in its final hours.
There is also the fact that gas chambers are more costly than lethal injections. For animal shelters, which are often strapped for space and resources to take care of the animals, switching to a cheaper alternative for a necessary evil is a good decision for business.
Workers who have to administer the gas chambers are also at risk for contamination. The chambers use dangerous chemicals, including carbon monoxide, which can seep out and put the workers at risk for exposure.
At the end of the day, using lethal injections is the path North Carolina must go down for the sake of the animals and the workers who care for them.
