Bill would ban gas chamber euthanasia at dog pounds

The Ohio House approved a bill that would ban dog wardens from using gas chambers for euthanasia and allow the use of a tranquilizer gun to capture animals without a veterinarian present. If the Senate also approves the bill, it would affect Erie County, which is one of the few remaining county dog warden offices that uses a gas chamber for euthanasia. Erie County’s dog warden, Barb Knapp, said she would be willing to adjust the euthanasia procedure if the provision allowing the use of tranquilizers passes. That would allow her employees to safely euthanize animals with an injection without having to worry about being bitten, Knapp said. Knapp said being able to use a tranquilizer gun when capturing animals also would make work conditions safer for employees who have to go out to get a dog.