SB172 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tammy Irons
Democrat
Co-Sponsors: Greg J. Reed Shadrack McGill Dick Brewbaker Paul Bussman Bill Holtzclaw Phillip W. Williams Clay Scofield Gerald O. Dial Bryan Taylor Jerry L. Fielding Harri Anne Smith Scott Beason Bobby D. Singleton William “Bill” M. Beasley Cam Ward Gerald H. Allen J.T. Waggoner Del Marsh Ben H. Brooks Rodger Smitherman Paul Sanford Roger Bedford, Jr.Arthur Orr Mark Slade Blackwell
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Euthanasia of cats and dogs in animal shelters, gas chambers prohibited, delayed effective date, Beckham's Act, Sec. 34-29-131 am'd.
Summary: Beckham's Act bans gas chambers in Alabama animal shelters and requires euthanasia of dogs and cats to be done with injectable drugs, with staff training and a 2012 dismantling deadline for existing gas chambers.
What This Bill Does
The bill amends 34-29-131 to require injectable euthanasia (sodium pentobarbital or approved derivatives) for dogs and cats at shelters. It allows carbon monoxide and inhalant anesthetics as approved alternatives for certain small animals, under board rules. Euthanasia must be performed by a licensed veterinarian or a trained employee of an approved facility who has completed a board-approved euthanasia technician certification course (with an exception for licensed veterinary technicians under specified conditions). Shelters that operated gas chambers before 2012 must dismantle and remove them within 30 days after January 1, 2012 and document the removal.

Who It Affects
Animal shelters and humane societies in Alabama: must stop using gas chambers, switch to injectable euthanasia for dogs and cats, and follow new training and facility rules; must dismantle existing gas chambers by the stated deadline.
Shelter staff and veterinary professionals: must obtain certification to perform euthanasia (with an exception for licensed veterinary technicians under certain conditions) and operate under board-approved procedures and safety standards.

Key Provisions
Only injectable euthanasia agents (sodium pentobarbital or derivatives) shall be used for dogs and cats at approved shelters.
Carbon monoxide and inhalant anesthetics may be used as approved alternatives for certain small animals, with rules on chamber type, training, animal welfare, and staff safety.
Euthanasia must be performed by a licensed veterinarian or an employee/agent of an approved facility who has completed a board-approved euthanasia technician certification course; the course covers pharmacology, drug storage, laws on controlled substances, OSHA regulations, euthanasia stress management, and disposal of remains.
Licensed veterinary technicians may perform euthanasia without the certification course if they meet criteria in Section 34-29-94 and related regulations.
Shelters with prior gas chambers must dismantle and remove them within 30 days after January 1, 2012 and provide documentation to the board.
The act is titled 'Beckham's Act' and becomes effective December 31, 2011.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Animal Shelters