End for dog gas chamber

Dogs will no longer die in the Wanganui gas chamber.

Wanganui District Council has removed the gas chamber used to euthanase animals at the city pound.

It has not been used since February 10 after members of the public raised concerns.

Animal Watch Whanganui member Charlotte Goldsworthy, who organised a petition opposing use of the gas chamber, was on hand this week with other members and animal support group HUHA members to see the chamber taken out. It will be destroyed.

The petition presented on March 10 prompted the council to recommend using lethal injection to euthanase dogs at $45,000 a year above current costs.

But HUHA has since rehomed nine out of 15 dogs from the pound and will continue to work with the council.

Jonathan Barrett, council's deputy strategy and development manager, said for those who signed the petition, removal of the chamber "will give closure and represents a significant step in animal welfare standards in our community".

The council had listened to the community, Mr Barrett said. "Out of this issue we have also developed a positive relationship with HUHA and we hope to continue this relationship."