SB 56 to ban gas chambers killed twice in House committee
Animal Shelter Amendments bill fails despite free training and lower cost
For the third year in a row, a proposed bill to end the use of gas chambers for shelter animal euthanasia failed to pass the Utah Legislature. On March 3, 2017, the motion to recommend S.B. 56 - Animal Shelter Amendments sponsored by Sen. Peter Knudson and Rep. Lee B. Perry failed in the House Government Operations Committee with a vote of four yeas and four nays. The bill passed the Senate Floor with a 19-7 vote last month.
Failing to pass out of the committee Thursday, March 2, the bill was amended to preserve the option to euthanize by injection or other means by the director’s discretion. It was heard a second time Friday, March 3, before a full room of nearly 50 supportive constituents.
“We thought we put this bill down humanely yesterday, but it appears it’s still alive,” said House Government Operations Committee Chair, Rep. Jeremy A. Peterson. Ironically, there have been cases where animals have lived through the gas chamber process, which is why animals are placed into a freezer after euthanasia in a gas chamber to ensure death.
“We’re disappointed that this bill failed again,” said Gene Baierschmidt, executive director of the Humane Society of Utah. “We firmly believe that with proper training, every animal welfare worker can safely and humanely handle all types of animals. The idea that more cats and dogs will continue to needlessly suffer in gas chambers saddens us deeply.”
“To pass a state law that is against the American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines is wrong,” said David Moss of West Valley City Animal Shelter in opposition to the bill. “If the AVMA changes it [their guidelines], we will follow it.”
In 2016, Nicole Cottle with West Valley City spoke in support of passing a similar bill, HB 187 to end gas chamber euthanasia.
The AVMA lists specific guidelines to follow if a gas chamber is used. “In the 2013 Guidelines, euthanasia by intravenous injection of an approved euthanasia agent remains the preferred method for euthanasia of dogs, cats and other small companion animals. Gas chambers are not recommended for routine euthanasia of cats and dogs in shelters and animal control operations,” said Dr. Gail Golab, director of the American Veterinary Medical Association's Animal Welfare Division.
Sheriff James Tracy of Utah County spoke in opposition to the bill saying his staff already uses euthanasia by injection (EBI) on 30 percent of their animals and the gas chamber for the other 70 percent because they do not like to hold the animals when they pass. “It’s not the money… the biggest issue is the issue of emotional and mental stress on our staff,” said Tracy.
Supportive animal welfare worker, Spencer Conover told the committee that he has worked in multiple high-volume animal shelters for seven years and has euthanized over 5,000 animals during his career, all by injection only. “Opposition to this bill will tell you they need the gas chamber because of safety,” said Conover. “You can check with any of my HR departments; there is not a single bite on my records. Why? Because I have received the proper training and resources to euthanize these animals humanely by injection. Resources and training that is available to all of the shelters in Utah that are currently utilizing the gas chamber. So, why do they do it? Because it’s easier to put an animal in a box, flip a switch and walk away while that animal suffers.”
The final statement of support allowed by the committee came from Dr. John Zeigler. “I can tell you that the experience from a staff standpoint when euthanasia is administered if the staff is properly trained and properly equipped, the experience of the staff is greatly enhanced by a peaceful IV euthanasia experience rather than a gas chamber. Utah would be way behind the times from a veterinary medicine philosophy and practice standard to allow the use of gas chambers.”
Research comparing EBI to gas chambers has shown that EBI is less expensive, painless, faster and safer for personnel. Using a gas chamber is only less expensive if it is improperly used, i.e., more than one animal is placed into a chamber at one time.
The proposed amendment to SB 56 altered the bill’s original intent; however, supporters were eager to move it to the House Floor for further discussion.
The Utah Animal Control Officers Association offered EBI training at no cost to staff if they transitioned to EBI only and permanently destroyed their gas chamber.
Out of the 57 animal shelters that the Humane Society of Utah tracks, only eight have a gas chamber. Utah is one of four states in the U.S. that uses a gas chamber to euthanize shelter animals.
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About the Humane Society of Utah
The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the HSU has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals across the state of Utah. HSU is the largest open-admissions shelter in the state and welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. As a member of the No
-Kill Utah
(NKUT) Coalition, the HSU works hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that does not receive any state tax dollars or government funding. HSU is funded by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses and foundations. Read more about the HSU online at www.utahhumane.org.
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Resettlement Suspension and Reduction of Numbers Admitted Harms Refugees and Helps Extremists
New York, NY, March 6, 2017 — The International Rescue Committee, which provides humanitarian aid in 40 countries and resettles security-vetted refugees to 28 U.S. cities, said the “Protecting The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry To The United States” Executive Order signed today will further harm refugees—including 60,000 already vetted for resettlement to the United States.
These refugees are now stranded in crisis zones, in many cases separated from their families in the United States. Far from making us safer, by excluding this most vetted and most vulnerable population, the executive order helps terror groups by providing yet another platform for anti-American propaganda.
IRC President and CEO David Miliband called the order “a ban that heartlessly targets the most vetted and most vulnerable population to enter the United States. This ban doesn’t target those who are the greatest security risk, but those least able to advocate for themselves. Instead of making us safer, it serves as a gift for extremists who seek to undermine America.”
The IRC supports continuous reviews of and updates to security-vetting protocols – work that can be done while the successful refugee resettlement program remains operational. Miliband again today urged the Administration to “move swiftly to review the already-strong vetting process and reinstate the United States’ life-saving resettlement program.”
The U.S. resettlement program is regarded as the world’s most successful and secure. Every refugee selected for resettlement in the United States is screened by U.S. intelligence and security agencies, and there has not been a deadly terrorist attack by a refugee since the U.S. resettlement program was launched in 1980. Additional important facts regarding the program can be found here.
IRC spokespeople are available for interviews. Please contact communications@rescue.org for more information and to schedule an interview.
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ABOUT THE IRC
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. Learn more at www.rescue.org and follow the IRC on Twitter & Facebook.
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GLSEN Statement on SCOTUS’ Decision to Decline to Hear Case of Trans Student Gavin Grimm
NEW YORK (March 6, 2017) – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case of transgender student Gavin Grimm, sending the case back to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. GLSEN Executive Director, Dr. Eliza Byard, issued the following statement in response.
“The Supreme Court has missed an opportunity to end the painful discrimination currently faced by tens of thousands of transgender students nationwide. The position previously taken by the Departments of Education and Justice lifted up best practices for K-12 schools to improve the lives of students and provide a clear path to opportunity.
“We remain confident the courts will ultimately stand with Gavin and other transgender students in seeking access to school facilities that correspond with their gender identity and determining their gender-affirming name and pronouns, but in the meantime, trans students are left in limbo about their protections while the case is reheard.
“Additionally, the federal government continues to backtrack on its commitment to supporting transgender students, making it more important than ever that educators, schools, school districts, and state governments make explicitly clear their support through inclusive school values statements and comprehensive policies.”
About GLSEN
GLSEN champions safe and affirming schools for all students. We envision a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach tens of thousands of K-12 schools across the United States, largely through our network of chapters working in their local communities. GLSEN's progress and impact has won support for our work at all levels of education in the United States and sparked an international movement to ensure equality for LGBTQ students and respect for all in schools. For more information on GLSEN’s policy advocacy, student leadership initiatives, public education, research and educator training programs, please visit glsen.org.
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DENVER—In response to Friday afternoon’s budget request from House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop that includes $50 million to immediately begin disposing of national public lands, the Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Executive Director Jennifer Rokala:
“It seems that Chairman Bishop just can't take a hint. Despite overwhelming evidence that disposing of public lands is both financially irresponsible and politically toxic, Rob Bishop is once again trying to take American lands away from the American people. This time he's asking taxpayers to foot a $50 million bill to ‘immediately’ start giving away America’s natural resources.
“By burying his budget request in a late Friday document dump, Chairman Bishop is admitting he knows his scheme is wildly unpopular, even within his own party. Both President Trump and Interior Secretary Zinke have spoken out clearly against Bishop’s land disposal agenda. This latest attempt to grease the skids for a land giveaway will be similarly dangerous for any Western member of Congress to embrace.”
President Trump, new Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke at odds over budget
Utah legislature tries to funnel money to nonprofits for public lands lawsuits
As Outdoor Retailer leaves Salt Lake City, Utah politicians learn that choices have consequences
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