Macon may get rid of gas chamber for animals

The City of Macon is one step closer to getting rid of the gas chamber it uses to euthanize stray dogs and cats.
Just under 4-thousand animals are put down each year in Macon. The city is one of the last in the state to still use carbon monoxide. In 1990 the state banned this method of euthanasia, but Macon's shelter was grandfathered in. Now public officials are introducing a resolution to convert to the lethal injection process.
Nancy White is on the Macon City Council. She visited the animal shelter and calls it under funded and archaic.

"There were 17 of all different sized dogs, and then they just get this crane and lift it up and lower it into the cinder block chamber and they seal it off, and they turn on the carbon monoxide."

Opponents of the resolution worry about funding. Animal control will have to hire two new employees and spend 50-thousand additional dollars each year for the chemicals. However, the measure is expected to pass.

"Biohazard" home in Henry County

Authorities have called a Henry County home a biohazard scene following the discovery of more than a dozen cats and three dogs living in the same space as five dead cats and trash. Complaints from neighbors about an odor from the home prompted animal control officers to investigate the single story residence-—one officer was overcome by the smell and had to be hospitalized. No charges have been filed against a couple in their 30’s who live at the home.

Animal control call turns violent

An Animal Control call in Macon has led to an officer shooting a charging pitbull and a teenager under arrest. Macon Police say officers were serving a warrant at a home, when they say they discovered two pitbulls chained in back, one of them malnourished. When animal control officers arrived, they say a 16-year-old unchained one of the dogs – against the officers’ warnings. Police say the dog charged one officer, who shot it dead. Macon Police charged the teen with aggravated assault.