Reform South Carolina Animal Euthanasia Laws

South Carolina Law Reads: Allowable methods of euthanasia.

(A) Only the following methods of euthanasia may be used to kill animals impounded or quarantined in animal shelters, and the procedure applicable to the method selected must be strictly followed:

(1) Barbituric acid derivatives:

(2) Carbon monoxide gas:

(a) dogs and cats, except animals under sixteen weeks of age, may be killed by bottled carbon monoxide gas administered in a tightly enclosed chamber. The chamber must be equipped with: (i) internal lighting and a window providing direct visual surveillance of the collapse and death of any animal within the chamber; (ii) the gas concentration process must be adequate to achieve a carbon monoxide gas concentration throughout the chamber of at least six percent within five minutes after any animal is placed in the chamber. The chamber must have a functioning gas concentration gauge attached to the chamber and a strong airtight seal must be maintained around the door; (iii) the unit shall include an exhaust fan connected by a gas-tight duct to the outdoors capable of completely evacuating the gas from the chamber before it is opened after each use, except that this provision does not apply to chambers located out-of-doors; (iv) animals must be left in the chamber for a period of no less than fifteen minutes from the time the gas concentration throughout the chamber reaches six percent.

(b) no person may euthanize an animal by gas emitted from any engine exhaust system.

(c) in all instances where a carbon monoxide chamber is used: (i) no incompatible or hostile animals, or animals of different species, may be placed in any chamber simultaneously; (ii) every chamber must be thoroughly cleaned after the completion of each full cycle. No live animals may be placed in the chamber with dead animals; (iii) all animals must be examined by a veterinarian or certified euthanasia technician to ensure they are dead upon removal from the chamber; (iv) all chambers must be inspected quarterly by an independent, qualified technician who is thoroughly knowledgeable with the operation and maintenance of the particular euthanasia chamber being used; (v) an operational guide and maintenance instructions must be displayed in the room with the euthanasia chamber.

(3) Shooting: Shooting may be used as a means of euthanasia only in an emergency situation to prevent extreme suffering or in which the safety of people or other animal life is threatened or where it is considered necessary by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to eliminate or control the population of feral animals.

Meaning Gassing is still legal in SC.
This is a very inhumane way of euthanizing an animal. This form needs to be eliminated completely. Euthanizing should only be an option when determined as the best solution for the animal by a licensed Veterinarian.