Ill. may ban animal gas chambers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., May 9 (UPI) -- A bill before the Illinois legislature would ban the use of gas to kill unwanted dogs and cats.

The measure passed the state House of Representatives Wednesday by a unanimous vote and awaits action in the state Senate, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

Critics say gas chambers are unreliable and cause needless suffering. Some animals have reportedly survived with damaged brains.

In 2003, a dog put into a gas chamber with seven others survived half an hour. When the chamber was open, the dog was sitting on top of the carcasses, his tail wagging.

"What's been happening with the animals is really a disgusting practice," said state Rep. Lou Lang, a Democrat from Skokie.