Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands laws related to animal cruelty, including the seizure, care, and protection of animals, and updates related penalties and civil liability protections.

Highlights:

• Expands laws related to animal cruelty, including the seizure, care, and protection of animals, and updates related penalties and civil liability protections (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the abandonment of an animal in all circumstances, with certain exceptions for feral cats (Sec. 4).

• Repeals the existing law relating to the abandonment of a maimed, diseased, disabled, or infirm animal and specifies that, as a result of this change, the abandonment of an animal, regardless of the health of the animal, is subject to the same penalties and penalty enhancements (Sec. 15.5).

• Requires the owner to be notified of his or her right to request a hearing within 7 calendar days after receiving the notice (Sec. 3 & 7).

• Specifies that if the arrested and detained person does not request a hearing, or the owner of the animal has not been identified within 7 calendar days after the arrest, the animal is forfeited to the county, city or other local government which took possession of the animal, who must then dispose of the animal as the county, city or other local government sees fit (Sec. 3 & 7).

• Authorizes the court, by temporary order, to enjoin the adverse party from taking possession of an animal that is owned or kept by the adverse party (Sec. 8).

• Authorizes any other person to whom existing law does not grant immunity from civil liability to use any reasonable means necessary to protect a pet left unattended and to remove the pet from the motor vehicle without incurring civil or criminal liability if the person (Sec. 14):

• Determines that the motor vehicle is locked or there is no other reasonable way to protect the pet or remove the pet from the vehicle;

• Reports the violation to a law enforcement agency or certain other governmental entities;

• Remains with the pet until informed that his or her presence is no longer needed by such law enforcement agency or other governmental entity; and

• Cooperates with certain persons who respond to a request for assistance.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 16).

Full Bill Text