ENVIRONAMENTAL PROBLEMS: 

SODIUM PENTABARBITAL

Versus

CARBON MONOXIDE

 

 

            Sodium Pentobarbital, the most commonly used agent for lethal injection, is a deadly nerve toxin.  Accidental wildlife deaths have been reported when scavengers feed on carcasses injected with sodium pentobarbital.

            Also, many animals killed by lethal injection find their way to landfills.  Landfill liners can leak.  There is a real possibility of contamination, on-going, to our water tables with this toxin.

As concerned professionals, it is imperative that we use sodium pentobarbital wisely and limit its use when possible to the pet population.

 

Carbon monoxide comes from many sources: car engines, lawnmowers, water heaters, gas dryers and so on.  Venting CO to outside air protects your workers.  (Remember that while the AVMA requires a 6 percent concentration of CO, many heavy smokers have daily CO blood levels of 9 percent!)