He says he does not like to do it, but says sometimes it simply must be done.
What Dog Catcher John Klassen is taking about is killing stray dogs that do not have a home to go to.
It is the method that has the City of Steinbach coming under fire.
Klassen at the bidding of the city is euthanizing dogs by shooting them.
He will often keep them for months, but if they are unclaimed or too vicious he puts them down with a bullet.
"I put it down with a rifle, which is more humane than a needle. It looks gross, but put it this way there is no nice way to die," Klassen said.
Klassen says it seldom happens, only about three times a year.
The City of Steinbach has given the green light to the method and officials say it is legal under the Canadian Council on Animal Care.
Legal or not, the form of euthanasia has sparked controversy.
"It's not humane, it may be legal, but it's not the humane thing to do," Bill McDonald of the Winnipeg Humane Society said.
The City of Steinbach is defending the pratice and City Manager Jack Kehler says he does not understand what all the controversy is about.
He also says the Winnipeg Humane Society should mind their own affairs.
In Steinbach reaction is mixed.
"If they were running around people would be complaining too. You're damned if you do, damned if you don't" Shirley Hildebrande said.
"If they had a bigger kennel there would be more placement for adoption that would be the better thing," Henry Kauenhofen said.
Steinbach officials say there will be some sort of process review, but until then Klassen will likely face backlash.
He says he is not the bad guy.
The problem is not him but negligent owners.
The Province's Chief Veterinary office is now investigating.
With a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley
