S.21.1-12: B.E.N.S.O.N. Act (Tabled)

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While I can understand the sentiments of this bill and can agree with it for larger animals, under this bill, if I am understanding it right, would outlaw the use of CO2 for the purpose of euthanizing animals. My concern if that is the case is that CO2 is actually the most commonly used and most humane method of euthanizing smaller animals, such as mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc. While pentobarbital is a safe and humane method that this bill would allow for in larger animals, there is no way to effectively administer it to smaller animals without injecting it directly into organs, which is a painful process for the animals, which I feel defeats the purpose of this bill. As someone who has been heavily involved in exotic animal rescue for many years, I've always personally opted for CO2 in small rodents/similar animals.

I'm also curious how this would apply to rural farms, where access to approved forms of euthanasia in this bill may not be accessible when it is needed for animals in their care.

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Also would like to point out I realize that there are other forms of euthanasia besides pentobarbital and CO2, those just happen to be the ones most commonly discussed and used IRL.

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This might be a handy resource in situations involving livestock animals on farms for those interested in learning more:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5946141/

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Sorry for not advocating, I felt like what I intended for the bill was already written on there.

While I can understand the sentiments of this bill and can agree with it for larger animals, under this bill, if I am understanding it right, would outlaw the use of CO2 for the purpose of euthanizing animals. My concern if that is the case is that CO2 is actually the most commonly used and most humane method of euthanizing smaller animals, such as mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc. While pentobarbital is a safe and humane method that this bill would allow for in larger animals, there is no way to effectively administer it to smaller animals without injecting it directly into organs, which is a painful process for the animals, which I feel defeats the purpose of this bill. As someone who has been heavily involved in exotic animal rescue for many years, I've always personally opted for CO2 in small rodents/similar animals.

A valid concern. Maybe an amendment that says that animals with a weight or mass below X ounces are exempt from this bill?

It might have to involve some further research to determine where the line is drawn. Additionally, I'd like to see exemptions regarding livestock animals to allow farmers and ranchers to use methods deemed acceptable by the AVMA, as some methods that are included would be outlawed under this bill, but in rural communities, would be the quickest, safest, and most compassionate methods if they cannot acquire a vet to administer the legally accepted method at the time it is needed.