stopgassingtexaspets

2011 legislative session afforded Alabamians a chance to improve the way shelter animals are treated.

A bill to ban gas chambers, Beckham’s Bill, named for a pup rescued from an Alabama gas chamber moments before he was to be destroyed, was introduced by Sen. Del Marsh and Rep. Steve McMillan. 49 other legislators co-sponsored the bill (see our “Report Cards” page).

Animals put to death by gassing suffocate slowly and fight each other as they begin to panic. They lose bodily functions and have convulsions during the 30 to 40 minutes it takes to kill them. Virtually every animal welfare organization, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, states that intravenous injection is the most humane way to kill animals.

AVRAL believed the cruel and inhumane gas chamber must be banned and joined forces with the Alabama Humane Federation and the Alabama Animal Control Association to create legislation to ban gas chambers. AVRAL members emailed, called, and wrote letters to their representatives; they pressed hard for the ban. The Alabama State Senate voted 27-0 to ban the chamber, and the Alabama House of Representatives voted 99-0 for the ban. Not one legislator cast a “no” vote. On June 14, 2011, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley signed Beckham’s Bill into law. The last day shelters may gas animals to death is 12/31/11. By January 31, 2012, gassing shelters must have dismantled their chambers and show documented proof they have done so.

http://www.alabamavotesforanimals.org/key-issues-2/beckhams-law/  

Video of Allison speaking with the AL media. http://www.cbs42.com/content/localnews/story/Animal-rights-groups-fight-gas-chambers-in/L6uLaoJcjkGRjiIr2zdIkA.cspx