Penal Code section 597u

(a)

A person, peace officer, officer of a humane society, or officer of an animal shelter or animal regulation department of a public agency shall not kill an animal by using either of the following methods:

(1)

Carbon monoxide gas.

(2)

Intracardiac injection of a euthanasia agent on a conscious animal, unless the animal is heavily sedated or anesthetized in a humane manner, or comatose, or unless, in light of all the relevant circumstances, the procedure is justifiable.

(b)

With respect to the killing of a dog or cat, a person, peace officer, officer of a humane society, or officer of an animal shelter or animal regulation department of a public agency shall not use any of the methods specified in subdivision (a) or any of the following methods:

(1)

High-altitude decompression chamber.

(2)

Nitrogen gas.

(3)

Carbon dioxide gas.

Source: Section 597u, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=597u.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2020; accessed Jun. 25, 2025).

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Verified:
Jun. 25, 2025

§ 597u's source at ca​.gov