Catawba County’s Animal Care and Control Division has completed a transition to the use of lethal injections for the majority of cases when the Animal Shelter must euthanize an animal. The County made this transition as of February 4, 2008, prior to a decision by the North Carolina Board of Agriculture on February 13 that will set standards for the use of carbon monoxide gas chambers, but did not call for the discontinuation of the use of gas chambers by 2012 as had been anticipated.
County officials have been planning for several months for the transition from the use of a gas chamber to lethal injection, which has been recognized as a more humane method for euthanizing animals. Staff in the County’s Animal Care and Control Division will use carbon monoxide gas only in cases where the health and safety of staff would be threatened by direct contact with an animal.
Animals brought to or being housed in the County’s Animal Shelter are euthanized under very specific circumstances, as required by State law and set forth in the County’s Animal Control Ordinance. By State law, any animal that has contact with another animal that has tested positive for rabies, and does not have a current rabies vaccination, must be quarantined for six months or euthanized.
The County’s Animal Control Ordinance states that any animal impounded which is badly wounded or diseased and has no identification shall be euthanized immediately in a humane manner. If the animal has identification, an animal control officer shall attempt to notify the owner before euthanizing of such animal; but if the owner cannot be reached readily, and the animal is suffering, the animal control officer may euthanize the animal at his discretion in a humane manner.
Animals that have been declared as vicious under North Carolina law may also be euthanized in a humane manner. Animals that remain in the Animal Shelter for an extended period of time may be euthanized after extensive efforts to find the animal a new home or move the animal to another shelter in the county have been made.
“Catawba County recognizes that the use of lethal injection is preferable, from the standpoint of being a more humane method of euthanasia,” said Jay Blatche, Catawba County’s Animal Services Manager. “This entire issue is one of the most difficult and tragic parts of our work. Animal shelters would have to euthanize far fewer animals if all citizens were responsible pet owners. So, as Catawba County makes the transition to the use of lethal injection in almost all cases, we also want to remind everyone of the ways we can all be responsible pet owners.”
These basic concepts are generally recognized as essential for responsible pet ownership:
• Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment. If you can't make the commitment, don't get the pet.
• Spay or neuter your pets. There are too many homeless animals without adding to the problem.
• Don't let your pets run loose. Dogs should be walked on leashes. Dogs that remain outside, and off leash, should be secured in a fenced area. An outdoor cat’s average lifespan is 3 years, an indoor cat's average lifespan is 14 years.
• Keep identification tags on your pet...it is your pet’s ticket back home. Both dogs and cats need ID tags! An external tag could mean the difference between your neighbor returning your pet to you or taking it to the animal shelter.
• It is essential that your pet’s rabies tag be displayed, because it could literally be the difference between life and death.
• Provide veterinary care for your pet. Keep their vaccinations up to date and make sure they have annual checkups.
• Obedience train and socialize your animal.
• Don't make your dog a "backyard dog" that never has any contact with its human family. Dogs thrive on companionship and need to be with their human pack.
• Be aware of weather conditions. Leaving your dog in the car on a hot day, or in a yard without shade or water is risking your dog's life.
• Provide your pet with the proper diet. Obesity can be as deadly as malnutrition. Be aware that some foods, such as chocolate, can be deadly and that fatty foods can cause pancreatitis.
• Make sure your pet gets the proper amount of exercise.
• Take special care of your pet during their senior years.
• Be kind to your pets. Remember you are their world.
For more information on responsible pet ownership, you may call Catawba County Animal Care and Control at 828-464-7686.
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