Kansas bill would ban use of gas chambers to euthanize animals

TOPEKA – A Kansas House committee is considering a bill that would ban the use of gas chambers to euthanize animals.

The proposal would amend the Kansas Pet Animal Act to prohibit animal control officers and shelters from using carbon monoxide to euthanize animals. The alternative would be a lethal injection, which is considered less painful.

William Brown, animal health commissioner for the state Agriculture Department, says most gas chambers for animals in Kansas have already been shut down. He says his department is aware of only four in the state and none is being used.

The Wichita Eagle reports supporters of the bill want to ensure that no one ever uses the gas chambers again.

This story was originally published January 27, 2015 at 10:41 AM with the headline "Kansas bill would ban use of gas chambers to euthanize animals."