GASTON COUNTY -- A group of concerned citizens spent Monday morning protesting at the Gaston County Animal Shelter, where a three-day seminar on euthanasia is being conducted.

The protestors say they are against the use of the gas chamber to put animals down and they want to be heard.

"We are concerned about this facility is a high kill shelter,” said protestor Carol Gilbert.

So far this year, the shelter has taken in approximately 4,400 animals. Of that, 217 have been adopted, 700 rescued from outside groups and nearly 3,000 put down.

"It's an unfortunate reality and unfortunate necessity that we have too many animals and not enough homes to place them,” said Reggie Horton, animal control administrator.

The protestors say they are especially concerned with the gas chamber. They say the carbon monoxide used is inhumane and dangerous. According to Gilbert, three employees have died because of the gas.

"I don't think this is a one size fits all type thing,” argued Horton. “Everything has to be done with consideration of humaneness for the animal as well as the person administering it."

Horton says proper training is key to euthanizing animals humanely. The goal of the seminar is to educate other agencies on the matter.

As for Monday, animal rescue groups waited outside the shelter to rescue as many animals as possible.