4. Branch compliance with euthanasia policy - Cape Breton gas chamber
Mary Hill opened the discussion by noting that the gas chamber has been an issue since she joined the Board in February 2008 and that following concern expressed by several Board members, it was felt this was a good time to open the lines of discussion with Cape Breton about facilitating the phase out of this euthanasia method, which is against provincial NS SPCA policy.
Mel Neville indicated that the lines of communication with provincial were always open and expressed frustration that the provincial Board has not sent members to Cape Breton for a site visit. He reported that the Cape Breton branch has never received any complaints about their use of the gas chamber, and he noted that they use carbon dioxide rather than carbon monoxide. He indicated that while the Cape Breton branch will fight provincial all the way on this issue, they will change if they have to. Mel noted that for this to happen, his staff would have to be trained on lethal injection and provincial would need to provide financial support.
Action: Mary to contact provincial Board members regarding interest in visiting the Cape Breton branch to discuss euthanasia methods and adoption strategies, and will then coordinate with Cape Breton on meeting dates and arrangements
There is no delicate way to put this ... I was f***ing amazed when I read this tonight. While it doesn't mean that the gas chamber is going to be shutting down overnight, this is such a huge first step that promises some real light at the end of the tunnel.
The nagging and complaining fell on deaf ears for so long about so many issues. The current bod has been chipping away at all the longstanding problems, finding solutions where their predecessors only offered excuses.
When I was much younger, one of my all time favourite bosses got promoted to chief and I remember someone teasing him that 'now you won't have to do anything' I'll never forget when he looked them straight in the eye and said that " actually, now I'll be able to get more done"
The possibilities of what this bod could accomplish with an elected three year mandate should be enough to inspire the animal loving community to get their memberships ... and before the 1st of April so they can throw some tangible support behind this type of energy.
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. Thomas Edison
5 comments:
What does that mean "gas chamber". is that a joke?
Sadly no ... no joking about it. Under the previous succession of boards, the cape breton branch of the spca has been allowed to go its merry way. Every year at the SPCANS AGM, it applied for, and received special permission to use the gas chamber to kill ( lets not wrap it up in pretty little euphemisims)
The only reason the CB Branch does not have its old 75% kill rate for everything that came in the door is because they have started subtracting thousands of animals from that equation by categorizing them as "unhealthy and untreatable". In the accounting world, this is known as cooking the books. I did a post on the old blog about this called "Cape Breton Fudge"
As long as the CB branch has the ease and convenience of the gas chamber they will continue to be the highest (by a country mile) kill shelter in NS. You will notice in Mr Neville's response that he isn't even thinking of alternatives to killing. So you can see where not only is the gas chamber an obscene thing in its own right, it prevents the branch from seeking any better solutions.
This bod is the first to acknowledge that until this issue is addressed that their will be no meaningful way for the society as a whole to move foward.
oh my god
Janet Thank YOU!!! for putting this on your blog and not mincing words!
To me it is unfathomable that CB continues to use gas and has been allowed to under the old bods of the SPCA.
It time they change or have their charter taken away IMO- why let them kill under the SPCA charter in such a numerous and unfathomable way.
I do believe though and I think the new guard understand this and are willing to work for change, that if we are to take gas away from CB, provincial has to go in there with support and a plan to help CB regroup and start on its way to be part of the solution and not part of the problem ...as I see it. Attitudes have to change.
I believe this new influx on the provincial board has the metal to do the tough work that needs doing. They are already proving themselves and they need our help and support.
I truly hope people get their memberships, come to the AGM and support the wonderful change that has happened in one incredible year!
I am filled with so much hope for the animals now!
HeatherM
Thanks for continuing to get the word out there, and demanding changes...
Netta
ARC
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