LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, Assemblymember Matt Haney and animal welfare advocates will promote legislation Monday that would streamline the adoption process for animals rescued from abuse and neglect cases.
Assembly Bill 2344, known as the Justice for Seized Animals Act, would allow animals seized in cruelty and neglect investigations to be transferred from shelters to foster homes, rescue organizations or other appropriate placements before related criminal cases are resolved.
The measure passed the state Assembly on a 78-0 vote last month and will go to the state Senate.
The bill is co-sponsored by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and Social Compassion in Legislation.
“Animal abuse is cruelty in its purest form, and we are committed to using every tool available to stop it,” Hochman said in a statement last month. “The Assembly’s unanimous passage of this bill underscores how seriously California is taking this issue.”
According to supporters, animals seized in cruelty cases can remain in shelters for months or years while criminal proceedings move through the courts. The bill would authorize agencies that seize or impound animals to petition a court for authority to transfer custody before a criminal case concludes.
“Animals are completely dependent on us for care and protection, and when that trust is shattered through abuse, we have a moral obligation to act,” said Haney, D-San Francisco. “Animal cruelty is unacceptable and when animals are held for unnecessary periods, this puts a roadblock to their recovery.”
Supporters say the measure would also allow prosecutors to seek court orders prohibiting defendants granted diversion in certain animal cruelty cases from owning, possessing or caring for animals.
Judie Mancuso, founder and president of Social Compassion in Legislation, said the bill would help prevent abused animals from remaining in shelters for extended periods while cases proceed through the legal system.
“The unanimous Assembly floor vote sends a powerful message that California will not tolerate prolonged suffering for animal victims of abuse,” Mancuso said.
Also scheduled to participate in Monday’s event are Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, D-Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Animal Services General Manager Gabrielle Amster.
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