The Arizona Senate has rejected a bill that would make the use of something called “rat shot” legal in city limits. The bill would have allowed city residents to fire small-caliber guns loaded with tiny pellets normally used to shoot rats or snakes.

Two Republicans joined all 13 Democrats in rejecting the bill by Republican Representative Jay Lawrence. Senators Kate Brophy McGee and Bob Worsley were the Republicans who voted no.

The bill would have amended a landmark 2000 law aimed at celebratory gunfire enacted following the death of a Phoenix teen struck by a stray bullet. The rat shot bill was backed by a gun-rights group, and proponents said people need to be able to legally kill snakes and rats.

Opponents said they worried about unrestricted shooting and wildlife.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.