Animal Advocates Rejoice At Death Of Shelter Gas Chamber
Alicyn Leigh 02/09/2006 12:01 am
There is great truth in the saying that there is strength in numbers,
especially when it comes to those who are passionate about animals.
Many animal lovers have spoken out regarding the Long Island Humane
& Dog Protective Association, Inc., a not-for-profit animal shelter
in Freeport. The primary complaint? The horror of a carbon monoxide gas
chamber being used to put down unwanted animals.
"We started calling it bloody Sunday because [it was usually done] on
Sundays," says an employee, who requested anonymity for fear of
retaliation. "Sometimes at night too."
They blame the shelter's board of directors, who remained rooted in the
antiquated method and procedures of the past. Although euthanasia of
animals by carbon monoxide is legal in New York State, if the chamber
is malfunctioning, it means a longer and more painful death than by
lethal injection.
"Sometimes sick ones or the kittens and puppies wouldn't go down, so
the pets would have to be put in the tank over and over," a previous
shelter employee tells the Press.
If the gas is not administered correctly, explains Sandra Monterose,
the ASPCA Northeast Region Shelter Outreach manager, "additional doses
must be given, prolonging the death."
Cost has been a factor in the use of the chambers. Monterose says that
carbon monoxide chambers are cheaper than "injection of sodium
pentobarbital with the use of pre-euthanasia anesthetics by a trained
professional," the method recommended by most animal-related
organizations, including the National Animal Control Association.
Founded in the 1970s to help homeless animals, the privately run
shelter has faced increasing financial difficulties. Critics say its
management is disorganized and its procedures outdated. Complaints
poured in to the ASPCA, Nassau County SPCA and The Humane Society of
the United States (HSUS), the main focus being on the carbon monoxide
chamber, according to Todd Cramer, ASPCA New York/New Jersey shelter
manager. Monterose was also receiving complaints, so Cramer decided to
investigate.
After confirming the existence of the gas chamber in a visit on Jan.
11, Cramer spoke with Rory McEvoy, attorney and board member of the
shelter. Cramer followed up with a letter urging the removal of the gas
chamber, and McEvoy agreed that it was time.
"On Tuesday, Jan. 31, the gas chamber was reported to be taken away on
a pickup truck," states Monterose. That's a great relief to all of the
volunteers and organizations who stepped forward to benefit animal
welfare.
Now that there's a spotlight on the Freeport shelter, the board is
taking up the reorganization that so many have urged. Other changes
Monterose recommends include changing the take-any-pet open-door policy
and bringing in more shelter-savvy volunteers. Commendations to the
shelter staff and board for willingness to change.
"The shelter board needs to take advantage of offers of guidance and
help from the HSUS and ASPCA," says Joan Phillips, director of the
Animal Lovers League. "I, as a local shelter director, would be more
than willing to offer my assistance with information and resources."
Phillips privatized and renovated the Glen Cove municipal shelter in
1994.
While the Freeport shelter has to deal with its administrative and
fiscal problems (at the same time continuing to care for its many
guests), all Long Islanders need to realize that owning a dog or cat is
a serious matter—a commitment of 15 years, maybe longer. Also,
behavioral training, from the moment one acquires a cat or dog, is
imperative. Behavioral problems are the number one reason for giving up
a pet. Spay or neuter at the earliest age recommended by your
veterinarian—usually 6 months—to curb overpopulation and certain types
of cancer.
"These animals in their shelter won't just go away, and it's due to
irresponsible pet owners relinquishing pets to them," adds Monterose.
"This is a huge community-wide issue."
If you cannot commit, do not get a pet, and we will have fewer pets and
feral animals turned in to our shelters. With diligence and luck, we
might not have to put down any animals at all.