{"code":"PEN","codeName":"Penal Code","section":"597u","citation":"Pen. Code, § 597u","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"PART 1. OF CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS [25. - 680.4.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1"},{"name":"TITLE 14. MALICIOUS MISCHIEF [594. - 625c.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1/title-14"}],"history":"Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 7, Sec. 23.   (AB 1553)   Effective January 1, 2020.","effective":"2020-01-01","html":"<p>(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:</p><p>(1) Carbon monoxide gas.</p><p>(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.</p><p>(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:</p><p>(1) High-altitude decompression chamber.</p><p>(2) Nitrogen gas.</p><p>(3) Carbon dioxide gas.</p>","text":"(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.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/malicious-mischief-597u","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}