The North Carolina Board of Agriculture voted for the continued use of the gas chamber, along with lethal injection, as a means of euthanasia in animal shelters.

The 'continue use' conclusion came after a two-year study of practices in animal shelters. This finding will go to the rules committee for the drafting of standards that will be followed in all shelters. The decision effectively killed a proposal that would do away with gas chambers by the year 2012. In the document, it was specified that the carbon monoxide to be used are the commercial compressed bottled gas and not the antiquated method of running a hose to the tailpipe of a running automobile. It also required shelter personnel to train for certification or recertification on a state-approved euthanasia course. North Carolina has 100 accredited animal shelters, 40% of which utilizes gas chambers for euthanasia.

<em>Reference:  http://www.fayobserver.com