Compiled by American Humane’s Office of Public Policy
Last Updated August 2008
State Euthanasia Laws
Alabama
Code of Ala. 34-29-131: Permitted methods of euthanization.
http://alisdb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/CodeOfAlabama/1975/coatoc.htm
The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners may provide by rule that sodium pentobarbital
is the only method allowed for dogs and cats.
They must create rules for the use of Carbon Monoxide, CO2, and inhalant anesthetics.
In emergency situations where an animal is clearly dying and suffering, a law enforcement
officer, a veterinarian, or an agent or designee of a local animal control unit may either shoot the
animal or use a barbiturate drug.
Penalties:
Class B misdemeanor (Imprisonment not more than 6 months, a fine not more
than $3,000, or both)
Alaska
12 Alaska Administrative Code 02.215: Euthanasia of domestic animals.
Injections of sodium pentobarbital, sodium pentobarbital with lidocaine, and other drugs
authorized in regulations are allowed.
Arizona
A.R.S. Section 11-1021: Proper care, maintenance and destruction of impounded animals.
http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/11/01021.htm&Title=11&DocTy
pe=ARS
Arizona allows 3 methods:
1. Sodium pentobarbital or a derivative of sodium pentobarbital.
2. Nitrogen gas.
3. T-61 euthanasia solution or its generic equivalent.
Arkansas
Arkansas Code Anointed Section 5-62-117: Decompression chambers.
http://170.94.58.9/NXT/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=blr:code (not real site)
Animals cannot be destroyed in decompression chambers.
Penalties:
Class C misdemeanor (30 days maximum)
$100 maximum fine
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Compiled by American Humane’s Office of Public Policy
Last Updated August 2008
They define euthanasia as: the humane killing of an animal accomplished by a method that
utilizes anesthesia produced by an agent that causes painless loss of consciousness and
subsequent death, and administered by a licensed vete