Canyon’s Law
- Sponsor
- Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 26, 2025
Bottom line
Canyon's Law bans the use of M-44 cyanide devices on federal public lands, aiming to prevent accidental poisonings of humans, pets, and non-target wildlife by requiring their removal.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the use of M-44 devices, commonly known as "cyanide bombs," on all federal public lands. It further mandates that any federal, state, or county agency that has previously deployed such devices on public land must remove them within 30 days of the bill's enactment. The bill defines M-44 devices as those designed to propel sodium cyanide when triggered by an animal, and public land as any federal land under the administrative jurisdiction of specified public land management agencies.
Proponents argue
Supporters emphasize the critical need to protect public safety, pets, and non-target wildlife from the severe dangers posed by M-44 devices. They cite numerous documented incidents of accidental human exposure, pet deaths, and the killing of endangered species, arguing that the indiscriminate and highly toxic nature of these devices makes their continued use on public lands unacceptable and irresponsible.
Opponents contend
Opponents, primarily representing livestock producers and some wildlife management agencies, would argue that M-44 devices are a necessary and effective tool for predator control, essential for protecting livestock and poultry from depredation. They might contend that the economic impact of removing this tool, especially in remote areas where alternative methods are less feasible or more costly, would be significant for ranchers.
The bill is very short and clearly written, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions within minutes.
Section 3(a)
Prohibition of M-44 Devices on Public Land
This provision explicitly forbids any federal, state, or county agency from preparing, placing, installing, setting, deploying, or otherwise using M-44 devices on any land designated as "public land" under federal administrative jurisdiction. This includes lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this prohibition is essential to protect public safety, pets, and non-target wildlife from the indiscriminate and highly toxic nature of M-44 devices, citing numerous documented incidents of harm.
Critics contend
Opponents would contend that this prohibition removes a critical and cost-effective tool for managing predator populations, potentially leading to increased livestock losses for ranchers who graze animals on public lands.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the protection of public safety and non-target wildlife with the economic interests of livestock producers who rely on predator control measures.
Section 3(b)
Mandatory Removal of Existing M-44 Devices
This section mandates that any federal, state, or county agency that has previously deployed M-44 devices on public land must remove all such devices within 30 days of the bill's enactment. This ensures a swift cessation of their use and immediate reduction of associated risks.