Florida: Forecaster predicts 3 major hurricanes

A top hurricane forecaster Friday predicted a busier-than-average season this year, with 12 named storms, seven of which will develop into hurricanes, three of them major.

Typically during the June-through-October hurricane season, there are about 10 named storms, with six hurricanes, two major. A major hurricane has sustained winds of 111 mph or more.

William Gray, an atmospheric scientist at Colorado State University, also told the 2002 National Hurricane Conference that the season would be quieter than he first forecast because of a strengthening El Nino system in the eastern Pacific.

There is a 75 percent chance that a major hurricane will hit the U.S. coast, Gray said.

The period of 1995 through 2001 was the most active seven consecutive years on record, with the Atlantic witnessing 94 named storms, 58 hurricanes and 27 major hurricanes. But only three of the 27 major hurricanes crossed the U.S. coastline.

Utah: Humane Society against method of euthanasia

The Humane Society of Utah is complaining about Enoch’s use of exhaust fumes from a pickup truck to kill hundreds of stray dogs and cats every year.

John Paul Fox, the society’s chief investigator, said auto exhaust could burn the animals’ lungs, causing distress before death.

“Enoch has the only animal shelter in the state that I know of still using carbon monoxide coming direct from an automobile to euthanize animals,” Fox said.

City Manager Gaylen Matheson said Friday he planned to re-examine the method.

“The reason we’re doing it the way we are is, it’s practical, quick, and we’re on a shoestring budget,” Matheson said. “Plus, we think our way is a lot more humane to dogs. It’s a peaceful sleep. They just curl up and die.

“There are no signs the animal suffered. They don’t make any sounds. There’s no scratching on the door.”