It’s shocking how often bad ideas win favor in the Legislature and how long these failed policies can linger. The use of gas chambers to euthanize animals in Utah shelters is another example.
While people still fiercely debate when it is appropriate to euthanize animals, the debate over how animals should be euthanized has long been settled. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has stated in its official guidelines that “gas chambers are not recommended for routine euthanasia of cats and dogs in shelters and animal control operations.”
Every single national animal protection organization echoes this sentiment. Yet Utah is one of only 11 states where this cruel method persists. Even Alabama and Texas have now banned it. Senate Bill 197, sponsored by Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, is a common-sense measure that would modernize Utah’s animal shelters by ending the archaic use of gas chambers.
SB197 is a straightforward and obvious solution to an easily fixable problem, so I’m doubtful it will gain traction in the Utah Legislature. But here's hoping.
Jeremy Beckham
Salt Lake City