Euthanasia of dogs major topic in area city

MALDEN, Mo. -- Some people in this Southeast Missouri town are pushing the city government to stop using a gas chamber to euthanize animals at the pound.

Dogs and the means of euthanizing them were a major focus at a recent city council meeting.

Many in Malden and surrounding areas feel that a gas chamber, the method used at the Malden City Pound to dispose of stray animals, is an inhumane process and should be stopped. Others believe the city is breaking no laws and that the gas chamber is acceptable.

Several people showed up at the meeting to give support for alternate methods of disposing of animals.

Sue Bostic, Salina Henson and Mindi Rice all addressed the council requesting changes be made to the pound and specifically the chamber used for the lethal gassing of animals.

Bostic said the disposal of animals was done as a method of population control and that that in itself "raises a host of ethical questions and dilemmas."

"Gasses take time to kill," she said. Bostic said animals can struggle to survive and that it may take longer to kill if they are older, younger or suffer from respiratory issues.

Bostic also said that gas chambers have been outlawed in more than 19 states and she hopes they will eventually be banned in all 50 states.

"If a gas chamber is so legal and humane, then why do vets use lethal injections?" Bostic asked.

Henson said on the "outskirts of town, we have a dirty little secret."

Henson said that when she visited the pound there were two dogs, and because of spreading the word and using social media, adoptive homes have been found for them. She also said she and others in attendance would like to form a committee to oversee conditions in the pound.

At times, the meeting became heated. Santie stopped the meeting several times to address the heated exchanges in the gallery.

"I don't think anyone up here wants to see animals suffer ... . We spend a lot of money in this town on animal control. If you want to improve the pound, we need a concrete, written proposal that we can vote on," Santie said.

Henson agreed to submitting a proposal and in a closing statement said, "These are living, breathing creatures. They are God's creatures. They deserve a fighting chance."

"The city of Malden has not violated any state statutes," police chief Jarrett Bullock said. "We have passed every state inspection. My job is to enforce the law. I don't interpret the law."

Bullock did express frustration with the manner the issue has been handled. According to Bullock and other sources, references to Hitler and comparisons to the Nazi brutality toward the Jews have been used by some when referring to the gas chambers.

A list of questions and concerns, along with a copy of a petition addressed to Gov. Jay Nixon and Rep. Jo Ann Emerson condemning gas chambers, was given to members of the city council and members of the audience.

Bostic has founded an organization called Dunklin County Against Gas Chamber.

Pertinent address:

Malden, MO