Kentucky rules against gunshot euthanasia

Frankfort, Ky.-It took 10 years, but the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA) and other groups have convinced the state Legislature to outlaw gunshot euthanasia in animal shelters.

The new law is backed by KVMA, Kentucky Animal Control, Houndsmen Club and other animal organizations.

Severe under funding for shelters played a large role in euthanasia by gunshot, says Jim Weber, DVM, MBA and immediate past president of KVMA.

"We have tried many approaches to stopping this, including proposing a tax on pet food to donate to shelters, but it was never successful," he says.

A volunteer committee was formed to advise the governor, Weber says, in an effort to remedy the immediate need for a better standard of animal care in shelters. "After the governor made animal abuse a federal offense for repeat offenders in 2003, good things started happening for animals in the state."

Kentucky received national media attention when a television conglomerate aired a program featuring local shelters shooting the unwanted pets, Weber adds.

"As a vet, I know there is no way dogs and cats can be euthanized by shotgun on a regular basis without pain," Weber says. "That by definition is not euthanasia - a painless, merciful death."

The law will not need to be rewritten as time progresses, Weber says, adding that whatever regulations the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) follows, the law will enforce.