"All cats are gassed." according to the man I spoke with on the phone at the Nanaimo Animal Shelter this morning. He said "they" felt it was less stressful for the cats because at the vets "they could blow a vein."

Well yes, blown veins do happen... it means that the needle has slipped slightly outside the vein, and the drug was injected under the skin. This can also happen during any routine procedure in a vet clinic.

If the cat to be destroyed is sedated before hand.. blown veins will seldom be a problem.

When I asked how long it was since they took cats to the vets for euthanasia? He replied "many years ago."

Vet clinics euthanize owned animals, daily, in the vet clinic, with the owners present. Vets do housecalls to euthanize pets, again with the owners present.

I have assisted many vets with numerous cat and dog euthanasias. And under far more difficult circumstances than what the pound would have to do... bring cat to clinic, sign form. Leave cat. Pick up cage next trip in. It doesn't get any easier than that.

So, what's the real problem? Cost.

I suggest that both of the pounds learn how to humanely euthanize cats on the premises by injection. Have a vet come show them or, perhaps the BCSPCA could send someone over to teach them.

The pounds need to be able to have access to syringes, needles, injectable sedatives and Euthanol. These are narcotics. They'll need to install a lock on a drawer or cupboard, and keep a drug log. To do that, they'll need to open up an account with a veterinary drug supplier.. like Associated Veterinary Purchasing. They must already have the catch poles and leather gloves.

People can be taught how to do this safely and for the animals safety. Other pounds have done it and they can as well.

If they can't be bothered to do this on the premises, then take the cats to the vet. Yes, they'll spend more. They shouldn't need to pay 'client' rates though.

How do the people of Nanaimo and North Cowichan want.. their unwanted cats to be killed?

I hope the answer is lethal injection and the pressure is on these two pounds to make this happen.