Nitrogen gas is banned in Louisiana to euthanize dogs. The state plans to use it to kill a death row inmate next month - ‘This is a state that hasn't executed anybody in 15 years, and suddenly there’s this rush to kill,

Attorneys argued that nitrogen gas executions are "cruel and unusual punishment," noting that veterinarians have banned them for euthanizing animals.

Jessie Hoffman, who is scheduled to be executed by nitrogen gas on March 18, has filed a new federal lawsuit challenging Louisiana's execution protocol, claiming it may violate the Eighth Amendment.