|
could get uglier
without action
Emotions have reached such a fever pitch at the animal shelter that something’s got to give.
There is disagreement among several parties, including animal rights advocates, about the lengths the county should go to euthanize unwanted animals.
The Columbus County Humane Society seems to be taking a more reasonable approach by suggesting that the group is not opposed to the continued use of carbon monoxide for euthanization.
Though some advocates prefer lethal injection, it would take three people to hold the animal and give the injection. Even then, the risk of injury to workers is increased. We imagine such a job would take an emotional toll on workers, and, the expense would be much greater.
There are problems with the way the carbon monoxide process takes place now, mostly because it takes time to drag 20 or so animals from their cages, put them in the gas chamber en mass, and complete the process.
The Humane Society of Eastern North Carolina is suggesting that the county seek an independent assessment by an appropriate agency to advise the county on what they’re doing right and what they’re doing wrong, the equipment the county needs to make the process painless for the animals and safe for workers, and to make recommendations on how to comply with the spirit of the law.
The issue of putting down animals is an emotional one. With feelings run so high right now -- to the extent that there was a fistfight at the pound Friday -- some professional advice is needed to bring some closure to this highly charged matter before it gets even uglier.