IDA to St. Louis City: Two Paws Up
National Group Commends St. Louis’ Decision to End Gassing at Shelters

Mill Valley, Calif. - In the wake of news that St. Louis City is abolishing the gas chamber to kill animals in its shelter and that the city has passed an ordinance to recognize individuals as the “guardian” of their animal companions, rather than the “owner,” Elliot M. Katz, DVM, president of In Defense of Animals rushed a letter of gratitude to mayor Slay.

In Defense of Animals made a $5,000 contribution toward the campaign to retire the crude, old carbon monoxide gas chamber. Carbon monoxide gassing will be replaced with lethal injection, the method of euthanasia that veterinarians and humane workers recognize as the most humane and compassionate. As witnessed last year when Quentin “the Miracle Dog” survived the gas chamber at the St. Louis shelter, even the best carbon monoxide equipment can fail and thus cause fully conscious animals the horror of watching others slowly die. Animals subjected to poisonous gas can suffer and struggle before finally succumbing.

“We are glad to hear that carbon monoxide poisoning is to be a thing of the past in St. Louis,” said Elliot M. Katz, DVM, president of IDA. “This will give homeless and lost animals the peaceful and dignified release that they deserve.” IDA also extends its utmost gratitude to Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis and guardian of Quentin the Miracle Dog who worked tirelessly to implement both changes. “Randy’s tenacity and compassion will affect millions of animals in St. Louis,” said Katz.

Dr. Katz’s letter to Mayor Slay follows.

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August 16, 2004

Mayor Francis Slay
Mayor's Office
City Hall, Room 200
1200 Market Street
St. Louis, MO 63103

1 page via fax: 314-622-4061

Dear Mayor Slay:

On behalf of the 80,000 members of In Defense of Animals, I am writing to thank you for your decision to implement lethal injection instead of carbon monoxide gassing at St. Louis’ shelters. This is truly exciting news on the heels of the successful passage of an ordinance in St. Louis to recognize individuals as the “guardian” of their animal companions, rather than the “owner.” The work of animal control officials and the task of putting an innocent animal to sleep are incredibly heartbreaking and difficult. However, knowing that the animals will no longer be subject to watching each other die slow deaths, but will instead die quickly and painlessly in the arms of caring individuals is reassuring.

We are glad to hear that carbon monoxide poisoning is to be a thing of the past in St. Louis. This will give the homeless and lost animals the peaceful and dignified release that they deserve. We hope that St. Louis citizens will do their part by spaying and neutering animal companions to prevent unwanted animals. Thank you for this important decision that affects thousands of lives.

Sincerely,
Elliot M. Katz, DVM