A group of nearly 15 residents met Wednesday evening to discuss concerns they have regarding the operation of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter (JCAS), specifically concerns regarding the use of a gas chamber for wildlife and feral cat euthanasia.
"I know we feel things need to be improved in many areas of operation (at JCAS)," said Ed Storey, one of the residents who has taken charge of the group. "Working as a group, hopefully we can make some changes for the better."
He said the main reason the group formed is to rid the shelter of the gas chamber, which has been used for wildlife and feral cat euthanasia at JCAS since 2008. JCAS's gas chamber is an old chest freezer that doesn't follow American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines.
"We're not going to quit until we get the job done," Storey said of ridding the shelter of the chamber.
The group outlined three goals they want to accomplish regarding euthanasia at the shelter. They want to get the gas chamber removed, identify acceptable means of euthanasia and meet with the City Council to discuss their concerns.
Bob Baker, executive director of the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, also attended Wednesday's meeting and suggested the group request to the City Council that someone with the Missouri Animal Control Association evaluate the shelter in order to analyze the gas chamber and other shelter policies.
The residents group did not decide a date for the next meeting, but if you would like more information about the group or if you'd like to join, submit your name, address and phone number to [email protected].