DALLAS - The HSUS is calling on the City of Enoch, Utah to
immediately halt the use of truck exhaust to euthanize animals
at the city’s animal shelter.
The HSUS vehemently opposes this inhumane and unnecessary
method. Despite public outcry, including statements from the
Humane Society of Utah, Enoch officials refuse to discontinue
the use of this barbaric method of handling unwanted animals.
The city euthanizes hundreds of animals each year, and
according to news reports, claims that truck exhaust is the
most cost effective.
“There are humane methods for euthanizing dogs and cats, and
this is not one of them,” says Lou Guyton, director of the
HSUS’ Southwest Regional Office. “Using truck exhaust causes
pain and distress to the animals from inhaling heated exhaust
and all the unfiltered particles. It can also result in a
prolonged death. If the animal is very old, young, or ill their
bodies don’t metabolize the poisons quickly. The animals most
likely feel pain and fear prior to death.”
The HSUS, the American Humane Association, the American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the National
Animal Control Association, and the American Veterinary Medical
Association recommend the injection of sodium pentobarbital,
prepared specifically for use as a euthanasia product, as the
preferred agent for the euthanasia of companion animals. This
method, when properly performed, has been found to be the most
humane, safest, and least stressful.
The HSUS and the American Veterinary Medical Association
consider the use of carbon monoxide acceptable for euthanasia
only when delivered in a properly manufactured, equipped and
maintained chamber. Truck exhaust carbon monoxide in no way
meets these criteria. In addition, The HSUS states that the use
of carbon monoxide is absolutely unacceptable for dogs and cats
who are old, under four months of age, sick, or injured.
The risk to employees using carbon monoxide is also high. It
is a hazardous substance considered especially dangerous
because it is odorless, tasteless, colorless, and explosive.
Repeated exposure to carbon monoxide, even at low levels, can
result in serious, long-term health problems. “It is a binding
obligation of shelter administrators to evaluate current
euthanasia procedures frequently, ensure that animals are being
properly handled, and verify that employees are competent,
compassionate, and properly trained,” adds Guyton. “Euthanasia
should be entrusted to the most conscientious and qualified
personnel only--never to a person who is careless, indifferent
to animal suffering, or untrained in animal behavior and
euthanasia techniques.”
The HSUS is the largest animal protection organization in
the country. With the strength of over six million
constituents, the organization works through educational,
legislative, and investigative means to eliminate cruelty and
promote animal welfare in the United States. The HSUS is
headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has a network of ten
regional offices throughout the nation.
