End in site for Calcasieu Parish gas chamber

Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Adoption Center proposes to transition to all lethal injection as a method of humane euthanasia with its 2007 budget submittal to the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. The National Animal Control Association, as well as the American Veterinary Medical Association, agree that a properly delivered lethal injection is the most humane method available for unwanted shelter animals.

Due to the tragedy of pet over population, millions of animals are euthanazied each year in this country, over 8,000 in Calcasieu Parish alone. The Animal Shelter has the responsibility to employ humane euthanasia techniques exclusively, ensuring a painless and rapid death for every unwanted animal. While always trying to follow the guidelines of the AVMA, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury has to take into consideration the effect this change would have on the staff. A three-month pilot program has proven successful and acceptable. Louisiana State Law requires employees using Sodium Pentobarbital to be certified by the Board of Veterinary Medicine at the LSU Veterinarian School. The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Animal Services and Adoption Center has 65 percent of its current staff certified as Animal Euthanasia Technicians. The Police Jury offers compassion fatigue training for all staff members and recognizes the difficult task each employee performs when euthanizing.

In support of the Animal Shelter, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is providing a grant to help pay for renovations to the shelter and purchase necessary equipment to complete the transition. The new work area will provide a quiet and peaceful area for the staff and the animals.

The Police Jury and the staff at the Animal Shelter recognize the growing problem of unwanted animals and believe that through continued public education on responsible pet ownership, increased adoptions, and low-cost spay/neuter programs, all required euthanasia can be reduced. Please help support your agency by considering adopting an animal.

Thank You!!