Canyon’s Law
- Sponsor
- Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
- Committees
- Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 26, 2025
Bottom line
This bill bans the use of M-44 cyanide devices on federal public lands, citing risks to humans, pets, and non-target wildlife, and requires their swift removal.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the preparation, placement, installation, setting, deployment, or any other use of M-44 devices, commonly known as "cyanide bombs," on all federal public lands. It also mandates that any existing M-44 devices on public land must be removed by federal, state, or county agencies within 30 days of the bill's enactment.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that M-44 devices are highly toxic, indiscriminate, and pose significant, documented risks to people, pets, and non-target endangered wildlife. They highlight numerous incidents of accidental exposure and deaths, asserting that the devices are an unacceptable hazard on public lands.
Opponents contend
Opponents of such prohibitions generally argue that M-44 devices are a necessary and effective tool for livestock and poultry protection from predators, particularly in remote areas. They contend that alternative methods may be less effective or more costly for ranchers operating on public lands, potentially leading to increased livestock losses.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing for a quick understanding of its core provisions.
Section 3(a)
Prohibition of M-44 Devices on Public Land
This section explicitly forbids any federal, state, or county agency from preparing, placing, installing, setting, deploying, or otherwise using M-44 devices, also known as cyanide bombs, on any land managed by federal agencies such as the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service. This creates a blanket ban on the use of these devices across all designated public lands.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this prohibition is essential to protect public safety, pets, and non-target wildlife, including endangered species, from the documented indiscriminate harm caused by M-44 devices. They point to the high toxicity of sodium cyanide and the numerous incidents of accidental exposure and deaths.
Critics contend
Opponents of such bans typically contend that M-44 devices are a cost-effective and necessary tool for managing predator populations that threaten livestock and poultry, especially in remote areas where other methods may be impractical or too expensive for ranchers.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the protection of public safety, pets, and non-target wildlife against the perceived need for a specific predator control method by livestock producers on public lands. It creates a tension between environmental and safety concerns and agricultural interests.
Section 3(b)
Mandatory Removal of Existing M-44 Devices
This section mandates that any federal, state, or county agency that has already deployed M-44 devices on public land must remove all such devices from public land within 30 days of the bill's enactment. This ensures a rapid cessation of risk from devices already in the field.