As you know, I was rescued in the Southern United States, before being brought up north by the rescue group Lukes' Place for adoption. I had some health issues when I was found, including a bad case of heartworm, hookworm, and whipworm. I was lucky enough to be taken in by a no-kill rescue group, who made sure that I got the medication I needed. I was fostered for two months, nursed back to full health, and then brought up to New Jersey to my forever family.
Not all strays are as fortunate as I was. Those who end up at shelters that advocate euthanasia have just a few days before they are put down.
Tomorrow, my Mom is going to help out at Luke's Place again. They have another transport of puppies coming in from a kill shelter in North Carolina--more than a half a dozen sweet little puppies who would have been killed had Luke's Place not taken action.
I understand that there are so many strays out there, and that it's difficult to feed and care for all of them. Some arrive at shelters too sick or abused to be adopted, and these are the unfortunate souls who end up euthanized. Of course, I would prefer that NO dog or cat ever have to face that, but for those who do, the least that our human friends can do is ensure that their final moments are peaceful.
Unfortunately, for many dogs and cats, particularly in North Carolina, the end is terrifying and barbaric.
While many shelters in North Carolina use lethal injection to euthanize strays, some still use the gas chamber method, which can cause dogs to convulse, scratch, claw, and cry out in terror before they die. This method is cruel, and must be stopped.
Recently, a bill named Davie's Law was put to the North Carolina legislature. It would force those shelters who use gas chambers to use more humane methods instead. The law is named for a puppy who managed to survive the gas chamber, only to be discarded in a plastic bag and found in the trash later, clinging to life.
To learn more, visit the North Carolina Coalition for Humane Euthanasia at their website:
www.ncche.com You can also read this
news article on Davie's Law for more information. If you live in North Carolina, contact your local legislators and urge them to support this bill.
For those who live elsewhere, take a moment to investigate the laws in your area, and find out if inhumane methods are in place. If so, contact your local humane society and ask that they push for a similar bill in your state.
And, please consider opening your home to foster or adopt a stray in need. Visit
www.petfinder.com to find a rescue group near you.
On behalf of my furry brethren, I thank you.
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