To: The Michigan State Senate and Governor Gretchen Whitmer
End the Use of Cruel Gas Chambers to Kill Pets in Michigan
We need to quickly pass SB 423 and SB 424 to support humane euthanasia of animals in shelters and ban cruel gas chambers. Gas chambers are ineffective and inefficient. The gas chamber cannot be humanely used for the majority of animals that require euthanasia, including the old, very young, sick, pregnant, or injured. Even under the best of circumstances, animals can only be gassed one at a time, and the 25 or more minutes it can take to end that animal’s life can be agonizing. At least one Michigan shelter has indicated that sometimes more than one animal is put into the chamber.
Gas chambers are more expensive. Recent studies have proven that EBI, including the costs of permitting and acquiring euthanasia drugs, actually costs less than using a gas chamber.
Training and funding for EBI is readily available. Of the five Michigan shelters still using gas chambers, all five already have an EBI back-up system and/or are trained in EBI procedures. Michigan law permits trained shelter technicians to directly administer euthanasia drugs without supervision by a veterinarian, and a majority of shelters are licensed to receive EBI drugs directly. Grants are available to help Michigan shelters with initial EBI set-up and training, and with gas chamber buyback and disposal. Statewide regulation is needed to ensure that all Michigan pets receive the same humane treatment if euthanasia is necessary.
Gas chambers are more expensive. Recent studies have proven that EBI, including the costs of permitting and acquiring euthanasia drugs, actually costs less than using a gas chamber.
Training and funding for EBI is readily available. Of the five Michigan shelters still using gas chambers, all five already have an EBI back-up system and/or are trained in EBI procedures. Michigan law permits trained shelter technicians to directly administer euthanasia drugs without supervision by a veterinarian, and a majority of shelters are licensed to receive EBI drugs directly. Grants are available to help Michigan shelters with initial EBI set-up and training, and with gas chamber buyback and disposal. Statewide regulation is needed to ensure that all Michigan pets receive the same humane treatment if euthanasia is necessary.
Why is this important?
"Grant’s Bills,” SB 423 and SB 424, would end the use of gas chamber euthanasia by shelters and Class B dealers in Michigan. Animals take a long time to die in gas chambers and suffer greatly.