California Bill Aims to Help Abused Animals in Shelters

On Friday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law designed to aid abused and neglected animals housed in municipal shelters while their owners face criminal charges. This legislation is known as Assembly Bill 2344 and was introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney from San Francisco.

The bill reclassifies animals seized in cases of cruelty as “abandoned,” allowing them to be adopted or placed in foster care sooner, instead of being kept in kennels for extended periods. Current practices often require animals to remain in shelters as they are considered evidence in ongoing criminal cases.

According to Haney’s spokesperson, animals used as evidence can spend long periods in shelters. A 2022 investigation highlighted the plight of these “evidence animals” in Los Angeles, finding that many spent months confined to kennels without exercise due to legal uncertainties. One example is Bruce, a dog whose neck was slashed by his owner. He spent seven months in a shelter during ongoing investigations, unable to interact with volunteers or enjoy outside activities.

Evidence animals are not considered the property of shelters, limiting volunteer interactions, explained Los Angeles Animal Services staff.

Sponsored by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and the advocacy group Social Compassion in Legislation, the bill addresses a gap in the legal system. It allows animals seized without warrants to be declared abandoned after 14 days, facilitating their adoption. For example, an officer witnessing animal abuse could seize a dog without a warrant under these new provisions.

Statistics from the district attorney’s office indicate that evidence animals in Los Angeles County spend three months to nearly a year in shelters. Daniel Felizzatto, Special Assistant District Attorney, highlighted the high cost of prolonged sheltering, estimated at $35,550 annually per animal in Los Angeles County. Felizzatto termed the current practice both poor public and fiscal policy, with negative impacts such as overcrowding and behavioral issues in animals.

The prolonged confinement leads to animals exhibiting pacing, destructive behavior, and anxiety, Felizzatto wrote, noting that this complicates adoptions and risks increasing euthanasia rates.

A comment request sent to Newsom’s office received no response. Haney, in a statement from Social Compassion in Legislation, declared, Animal cruelty is unacceptable, and prolonged detention hampers their recovery. He emphasized that AB 2344 aims to expedite animal transfers to appropriate care, assisting courts and shelters in providing timely interventions.