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Evanston declares animal‑shelter gas chamber excess and authorizes scrapping
Summary
Council adopted Resolution 25‑67 to declare a Cincinnati fan model euthanasia gas chamber at the Evanston Animal Shelter excess property and to authorize disassembly and scrapping, citing age, parts shortages and pressure to move away from the method.
The Evanston City Council adopted Resolution 25‑67 declaring the Cincinnati fan model LM4BXIX1 euthanasia gas chamber at the city animal shelter excess property and authorizing disassembly and scrapping.
Chief Ranish told the council the device is showing its age, the “gas gun door has gone out,” and replacement parts are no longer available. He said the machine has appeared in city records since at least 2012 and that only two states currently permit that kind of equipment. The chief described the device as involving “a large volume of… poisonous gas” that is also highly flammable in quantity and said replacing or maintaining the unit would be difficult and risky.
Ranish added the department euthanizes relatively few animals: in 2024 the city euthanized 36 dogs and 20 cats, he said, and that staff takes steps to place as many animals for adoption as possible. Council members expressed appreciation for the animal‑control staff and urged the city to provide training, equipment and external professional services as needed to make any transition humane for animals and safer for employees.
A councilor asked the chief to continue conversations with veterinary professionals and noted the city could engage external humane‑services providers as an option. After brief discussion the council passed Resolution 25‑67 by voice vote.
