The Texas Humane Legislation Network is putting out a call to action for all pet-loving residents in the Lone Star State. House Bill 858 / Senate Bill 360 , the anti-gas chamber bills now filed in the Texas legislature are going before committees for consideration and support is needed from all concerned constituents.
Each bill will have a public hearing on Tuesday, March 19th. If you live in the following districts (see below), THLN asks you to contact your representative and tell them to vote in favor of the bill to end euthanasia of shelter animals (in 30 + shelters across Texas) by gas chamber; a cruel and slow death that allows animals to die in fear as they are packed tightly into small chambers on top of each other. The bills will make only euthanasia by injection the legal standard; one that is not only more humane, but less expensive, and safer for shelter workers.
Senate Health and Human Services Committee:
Senator Jane Nelson (Chair) - Senate District 12 (Tel: 512/463-0112)
Senator Bob Deuell (Vice-chair) - Senate District 2 (Tel: 512/463-0102)
Senator Joan Huffman - Senate District 17 (Tel: 512/463-0117)
Senator Robert Nichols - Senate District 3 (Tel: 512/463-0103)
Senator Charles Schwertner - Senate District 5 (Tel: 512/463-0105)
Senator Larry Taylor - Senate District 11 (Tel: 512/463-0111)
Senator Carlos Uresti - Senate District 19 (Tel: 512/463-0119)
Senator Royce West - Senate District 23 (Tel: 512/463-0123)
Senator Judith Zaffirini - Senate District 21 (Tel: 512/463-0121)
House Environmental Regulation Committee:
Rep. Patricia Harless (Chair) - House District 126 (Tel: 512/463-0496)
Rep. Marisa Marquez (Vice-chair) - House District 77 (Tel: 512/463-0638)
Rep. Kyle Kacal - House District 12 (Tel: 512/463-0412)
Rep. Tryon Lewis - House District 81 (Tel: 512/463-0546)
Rep. Ron Reynolds - House District 27 (Tel: 512/463-0494)
Rep. Ed Thompson - House District 29 (Tel: 512/463-0707)
Rep. Chris Turner - House District 101 (Tel: 512/463-0574)
Rep. Jason Villalba - House District 114 (Tel: 512/463-0576)
Look up your legislators to determine if you are in these legislative districts.
There are two ways to take action in support of this bill. The first is to call your representative and tell him/her that you are in favor of ending the use of carbon monoxide gas chambers as a means to euthanize shelter animals. The second is to be present March 19th. If you choose to show up in person, be sure to be "on the Senate Floor at 9 AM for the Senate hearing. Show up at the House Hearing Room E1.026 at 10:30 AM for the House hearing. You don't need to speak, just register in favor of the bill. THLN will have volunteers present to help you sign in and to answer any questions. Please view instructions for attending a public hearing so you understand the process."
Facts about carbon monoxide euthanasia:
- Over 100,000 homeless pets are euthanized each year in Texas.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning causes headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, confusion, lethargy, loss or impairment of bodily functions such as memory, muscle, balance, vision and bladder. This is how those animals die.
- It can take as long as 30 minutes for an animal to die, all the while they are screaming and howling in fear and pain and confusion. Euthanasia by Injection (EBI) is instantaneous.
- The Nazis used carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gas chambers to kill millions of Jewish people during WWII. It was cruel and inhumane for people then, and it is cruel and inhumane for animals now.
The word "euthanasia" literally translates to mean "good death". There is no good death when an animal is shoved into an overcrowded chamber and gassed with carbon monoxide. Texans are striving to legally move away from this barbaric practice. If you live in any of the above listed districts, please take a moment to call your representative or plan to show your support in person.
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M. Gwynn has authored two books, Harvest and The Cat Who Wanted to be a Reindeer on Amazon.com .
All articles by Michele Gwynn are under copyright and cannot be re-posted whole without written consent by the author. Partial re-posting with a link back to the original article is permitted. For consent, questions, or comments, email megwynn@msn.com.
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