California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to address the issue of animals trapped in municipal shelters during criminal cases. Assembly Bill 2344, introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney, targets animals seized in cruelty cases.
The bill reclassifies animals in these cases as “abandoned,” allowing them to be adopted or placed in foster homes. This change helps animals previously considered “evidence,” which could lead to extended stays in shelters while legal proceedings unfold.
A 2022 investigation revealed that animals restricted for months in city shelters missed out on outdoor activities. For instance, Bruce, a dog with a severe neck injury, spent seven months confined, unable to interact with volunteers due to ongoing legal investigations.
Los Angeles Animal Services staff explained that “evidence dogs” were largely off-limits to volunteers because these animals weren’t city property. Haney’s bill seeks to rectify this by permitting the adoption or fostering of animals deemed abandoned after 14 days if seized without a warrant.
The bill has backing from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office and advocacy group Social Compassion in Legislation. It closes a loophole by enabling the shelter to move forward with adoption steps after warrantless seizures.
Statistics show that animals in L.A. County shelters might remain from three months to almost a year. Special Assistant District Attorney Daniel Felizzatto noted it costs approximately $35,550 annually to keep a dog or cat in a shelter in Los Angeles County.
Felizzatto also raised concerns over prolonged shelter stays, stating it worsens overcrowding. Animals may develop destructive behaviors and anxiety, complicating adoption prospects, and sometimes leads to euthanasia.
Animal cruelty is unacceptable, and when animals are held for unnecessary periods, this puts a roadblock to their recovery.— Matt Haney
With AB 2344, Haney aims to expedite the transfer of animals to proper care facilities, streamlining the overall process.
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