Mich. shelter attempting to reignite support for bill banning gas chamber euthanasia

An animal shelter in Michigan is asking for help to restore momentum for a stalled bill that would ban the use of gas chambers to euthanize dogs and cats in the state.

According to Sandy Boulton, spokesperson for Friends of the Dearborn Animal Shelter, Senate Bill 354 already passed through the Senate Agricultural Committee as well as gained unanimous approval on the Senate floor in 2013. The proposed legislation – otherwise known as the Grant Bill – has garnered support from the AVMA and many shelters and animal welfare groups, Boulton told CBS Detroit

But somewhere along the way the bill's progress stalled, which Boulton said threatens the push to save animals from the euthanasia practice she labeled "antiquated."

"It's kind of a mystery why it has stalled, but it has," Boulton said. "It is sitting, awaiting a hearing in the House Committee on Local Government. And that committee chair, Rep. Amanda Price, is really the person that we would like to ask for help."

To get the legislation back on the right track, Boulton told the news she is urging all animal lovers in the area to contact Rep. Price by phone at 517-373-0838 or by email at [email protected]

"Really, if the public wants to help move it forward and feels a sense of desire to be involved, contact Amanda Price," Boulton said. "That's the key, she needs to hear from the people. As citizens who care about animals and how we treat them in our state, please support it and help us."

NEWStat Legislation & regulation