-----Original Message-----

From: Christine Chene [mailto:christinec@cfhs.ca]
Sent: May-05-09 9:48 AM
To: catson14th@shaw.ca
Subject: Thank you for contacting the CFHS

Dear Ms. Boutilier,

Thank you for your message to the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) regarding the laws overseeing humane euthanasia of shelter animals in British Columbia.

To our knowledge, there are no laws in Canada or in any of the provinces or territories that pertain to euthanasia. There is no reference to the use of C02 for animals in the Criminal Code. If unnecessary pain and suffering is caused to the animals, then the law would apply.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has a Guidelines on Euthanasia and in this document, they document the proper use of C02 and how it should be handled with different animals. This would be a good document to reference if you're able to obtain it from the AVMA.

I hope you find this information helpful and thank you for your interest in improving animal welfare in Canada.

Sincerely,

Christine Chéné
Communications Coordinator/
Coordinatrice des communications
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies/ Fédération des sociétés canadiennes d'assistance aux animaux
102-30 Concourse Gate
Ottawa, ON K2E 7V7
Tel/tél.: 613-224-8072
Fax/téléc.: 613-723-0252
www.cfhs.ca