California Law Allows Faster Adoption for Abused Animals

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill to address the overcrowded conditions faced by abused and neglected animals in municipal shelters during ongoing criminal cases. The newly signed Assembly Bill 2344, introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney, allows these animals to be adopted or fostered rather than waiting in kennels for lengthy periods.

The bill redefines animals seized in cruelty cases as “abandoned,” a move intended to benefit animals often considered as “evidence” while their owners face legal proceedings. A spokesperson for Haney highlighted how these animals frequently endure months in shelters until the cases conclude.

An investigation revealed instances where dogs, seized in abuse cases, were left confined for extended periods. Examples include a dog named Bruce, who endured seven months in a kennel following an abuse incident involving his owner. Bruce’s prolonged stay was largely due to restrictions on volunteer interaction imposed by ongoing investigations. Los Angeles Animal Services stated that such dogs were not city property, explaining the limited volunteer involvement.

Haney’s bill, supported by Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman and the advocacy group Social Compassion in Legislation, aims to close a legal loophole. It specifies that animals seized without a warrant can be declared abandoned after 14 days, allowing shelters to proceed with adoption or fostering efforts.

Statistics from the district attorney’s office suggest that evidence animals can remain in L.A. County shelters from three months to nearly a year. Special Assistant Dist. Atty. Daniel Felizzatto noted that prolonging animals’ time in shelters is not only poor policy but also costly, with an annual expense of around $35,550 per animal in Los Angeles County.

Felizzatto emphasized how unnecessary sheltering contributes to overcrowding, leading to adverse effects on animals’ behavior, such as pacing and destructive actions. These behaviors complicate adoption efforts, increasing the risk of euthanasia.

In a provided statement, Haney expressed that animal cruelty is intolerable, and the bill aims to remove barriers to recovery by expediting transfers to more appropriate care.