Ohio studying Okla. use of new execution drug

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio is studying a court decision that backed Oklahoma’s use of an execution drug commonly used to euthanize animals.

Oklahoma apparently became the first state to use pentobarbital in an execution when it put a 58-year-old convicted killer to death Thursday.

JoEllen Smith, spokeswoman for Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, said today the state is examining the federal appeals court ruling this week that upheld Oklahoma’s use of pentobarbital.

Ohio and other states have struggled to find supplies of the drug currently used in executions, sodium thiopental, because of a nationwide shortage.

Smith wouldn’t comment on whether Ohio has enough for its next execution in February.

The drug’s U.S. manufacturer has said any remaining batches expire next year.