Governor Bill Richardson Reaffirms Commitment to Ban Use of Gas Chambers for Animals
Press Release
Governor Bill Richardson Reaffirms Commitment to Ban Use of Gas Chambers for Animals
Governor Bill Richardson issued the following statement today reaffirming his
commitment to end the use of gas chambers for animals by June 19, 2009.
"I realize there has been some confusion about the effective date for the new law banning the use of gas chambers for euthanizing animals," Governor Bill Richardson said. "Let me be clear: that date is June 19, 2009.
That is the clear intent of the bills I signed into law, and it is the desire of
the people of New Mexico."
Governor Richardson said he is sensitive to the fact that the five communities that still use gas chambers need time to transition to the use of lethal injection of animals. However, the Governor included $100,000 in the state budget to help with that transition, which can be used to contract
for lethal injection services while employees are trained.
Recent media reports cite some ambiguity regarding the interaction of two bills that Governor Richardson signed into law, both of which relate to the use of lethal injection as the most humane method of animal euthanasia.
One bill, HB 265, bans the use of the gas chamber to euthanize animals effective June 19, 2009.
The other, HB 593, allows up to 180 days after the effective date of that law for veterinary technicians to become certified by the Federal Drug Administration to acquire and administer the drugs necessary to carry out lethal injection.
Governor Richardson emphasized that the gas chamber ban goes into effect on June 19.
Although veterinary technicians have until Dec. 31 to become FDA-certified to perform lethal injections, the ban will still be in effect. During that time period, communities can contract for lethal injection services.
"I want to thank Majority Leader Ken Martinez, the Animal Sheltering Services Board and animal protection groups who worked together on these bills and continue to advocate for the humane treatment of animals," Governor Richardson said.
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