LANSING, MI (AP)-- The Michigan Senate has unanimously approved legislation to ban the use of poisonous gas to euthanize unwanted dogs and cats at animal shelters.
The plan requires the use of lethal injections at animal shelters when unwanted dogs and cats are killed.
Supporters say the injection method is more humane. Republican Sen. Rick Jones of Grand Ledge, who is sponsoring the bill, says four county shelters in southwestern Michigan still use a gas chamber. They are Branch, Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.
The legislation approved Thursday now heads to the House. The Senate passed it on a 37-0 vote.
Similar bills have stalled in the past, but Jones says he has addressed concerns from farmers and veterinarians who worried the legislation could set a slippery precedent.
