California legal term
humanely euthanize in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “humanely euthanize” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “humanely euthanize” mean in California criminal law?
“humanely euthanize” means to kill by a mechanical, chemical, or electrical method that rapidly and effectively renders the animal insensitive to pain. (Cal. Penal Code § 599f)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.