Veterinarians and animal welfare professionals oppose nitrogen hypoxia, or gas suffocation, as a method of execution of humans. They are urging Governor Landry to reconsider its use as the state plans to use this method in its first execution in 15 years. Veterinarian Dr. Mike Greenberg says only two states are still using nitrogen gas.
“The reason we don’t use it, is, because it’s inhumane. It causes an undue amount of fear, distress and anxiety in those animals,” Greenberg said.
Greenberg says when using nitrogen gas, it induces hypoxia, which means a lack of oxygen is being delivered to the brain, heart, and lungs, leading to death.
“The reason this is inhumane is because the animals are still conscious while this is happening. Since they’re conscious, they can experience that fear, anxiety, distress and a prolonged death,” Greenberg explained.
The veterinary and animal welfare industries have long opposed gassing for animal euthanasia. Greenberg says when it was used, animals would experience seizures, as well as bleeding from the mouth and eyes.
“And so, we’ve made a decision as a profession, that this is too inhumane for our companion animals, and I think that’s worth noting in light of the recent decision by the State,” Greenberg said.
The first execution using nitrogen gas is set for March 18th.
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