House Bill 147 and Senate Bill 172 – whether you are a Democrat, Republican or an independent – is legislation we can all agree on. And I am begging everyone to make phone calls, write letters and send emails to your representatives telling them to vote “Yes” for this bill.

It’s Beckham’s bill, and it would prohibit the use of gas chambers in euthanizing shelter animals. Shocked that this method is still utilized in our state? So was I.

You probably thought, as I, that shelter animals were humanely injected. In four Alabama counties, up to 16 gas chambers are still used. This is a cruel and barbaric practice. Animals are placed inside the metal chamber. After the gas is turned on, the cats and dogs convulse, vomit, choke and panic. They fight with each other attempting to get out. They are scared and do not understand.

Some bang their heads against the chamber walls. This continues for 30 to 40 minutes depending on the size of the pet. Is this any way for a companion animal – or any animal – to spend its last minutes on earth?  No. Injection is not only more humane, it actually costs about $2 less per animal to administer.

You can learn more about Beckham’s bill, other companion animal issues, and the non-partisan PAC Alabama Votes for Responsible Animal Legislation at alabamavotesforanimals.org or by visiting the AVRAL Facebook page. Join us! Help get House Bill 147 and Senate Bill 172 passed. As Gandhi said – “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

Lu Mosley is a member of Alabama Votes for Responsible Animal Legislation.