Union Co. Animal Control stops use of gas chamber

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Union County Animal Control has stopped its controversial practice of killing animals in a gas chamber.
 
Union County was one of the few in the state that still used carbon monoxide chambers to euthanize stray animals.
                              
Last week, the state Department of Agriculture announced that practice would be banned starting in February.
                              
Animal control uses euthanasia by injection only.
                              
Local animal advocates want county officials to close the chamber permanently.
 
"It's sort of a celebratory thing if that would happen, then we could just celebrate the fact that it's gone," said animal advocate Daryl Wagner.              
 
The sheriff said they have not yet discussed what they will do with the empty gas chamber.

WSOC