California Assembly Bill AB1988

California 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/12/24
• Report Pass: 4/9/24
• Refer: 4/9/24
• Report Pass: 4/24/24
• Engrossed: 5/2/24
• Refer: 5/2/24
• Refer: 5/15/24
• Report Pass: 6/3/24
• Refer: 6/3/24
• Enrolled: 6/20/24
• Chaptered: 7/15/24
• Passed: 7/15/24

Caption

Stray animals: availability for adoption or release.

Impact

If enacted, AB 1988 will modify the Food and Agricultural Code to broaden the scope for the types of organizations eligible to receive animals before euthanasia. Specifically, it will allow for immediate release of puppies and kittens under eight weeks old to any nonprofit organization, not just those specifically identified as rescue or adoption organizations. This change could lead to a significant increase in the number of unowned and abandoned animals being adopted instead of euthanized, particularly in overcrowded shelters.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1988, introduced by Assemblymember Muratsuchi, aims to amend existing laws regarding the adoption and release of stray animals, particularly dogs and cats, from public and private shelters in California. Currently, shelters are required to hold stray dogs for a specific period before euthanasia and to release them to nonprofit animal rescue organizations upon request. The bill proposes to expand the definition of eligible organizations for these releases and adoption processes. It seeks to improve the timeframe in which impounded stray animals can be released to these organizations, allowing nonprofit groups to adopt out very young animals more swiftly, thereby reducing the number of euthanasias.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding AB 1988 is positive among animal welfare advocates and rescue organizations. Supporters argue that the bill allows for a more humane treatment of stray animals, emphasizing the need to save as many lives as possible through increased adoption opportunities. However, there may be some concerns from shelter operators regarding the operational impact and potential financial implications of implementing these changes. Nonetheless, the overarching theme is one aimed at improving animal welfare and enhancing adoption rates.

Contention

One notable point of contention raised during discussions about AB 1988 is the balance between the new adoption policies and the operational burdens on shelters. Critics may voice concerns about the potential for increased strain on shelter resources, including the ability to manage the increased number of animals entering the adoption system. Furthermore, there is a discussion regarding whether local shelters could face financial implications resulting from the state mandate introduced by this bill, particularly since it specifies that no reimbursements will be required for the additional actions mandated by the bill.