Chamber of Horrors
by Suzanne Luhr
I used to hold Green River in high esteem. It was the happy alternative to nearby, rowdier, roughneck Rock Springs. But I was horrified to recently discover that Green River along with two other cities in Wyoming still use a gas chamber to kill unwanted animals. My feelings for this town just changed. Death in a gas chamber is a horribly cruel way to die. It bypasses the sedation and subsequent swift death that humane euthanasia offers. Up to six terrified animals can be put into a small, dark, unfamiliar box with frightening sights, sounds, and smells to die a slow, painful death.
Rock Springs removed their gas chamber just last year, a move that was widely applauded. But Green River authorities and shelter management are simply not interested in evolving past this archaic method of killing. Attempts to end the practice through a city council presentation, pleas to council members, the mayor, and endless phone calls, have all failed. Animal advocate Madhu Anderson has expertly researched the data and presented her findings to the above parties, all to no avail. Next up, a peaceful protest at the first city council meeting of 2022, on January 4th.
Madhu reached out to WYCAP to help. Our members are becoming involved by writing letters to the Green River Star, council members, the mayor, anyone of influence to let them know that this is not acceptable in this day and age. Money is not the issue. Madhu has shown that it’s not a question of economics. Safety is not the issue. In fact, safety may BE the issue with an antiquated gas chamber that might be leaking carbon monoxide, putting employees at risk. If vicious dogs and killer kittens were the reason for keeping the gas chamber, the tens of thousands of shelters and rescues in the U.S. would still be using them.
This will be an ongoing effort. If you, Wyoming’s animal advocates, want to help end this revolting practice, write your own letter. Visit HSUS for information on the use of gas chambers: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/bringingend-inhumane-euthanasia.
