Ohio Senate Bill 164 would prohibit animal shelters from “recklessly” euthanizing a companion animal “by the use of carbon monoxide gas chamber, carbon dioxide gas chamber, or any other nonanesthetic inhalant.” The bill does authorize use of such methods of euthanasia “if the state veterinary medical licensing board, in consultation with the state board of pharmacy, declares that there is a shortage of approved lethal injection substances.” The bill’s prohibition would not apply to private veterinarians or animals used in scientific research. The bill additionally revises the definitions and penalties associated with companion animal cruelty, including requiring the provision of wholesome food and water.
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