California bill would speed safe adoption for abused animals

A new California bill has been introduced to help abused animals get adopted into safe environments faster.Animals involved in cruelty cases are currently required to stay in shelters for prolonged periods of time while evidence is being collected.The new bill (AB 2344) will allow the animals affected to be transferred to care facilities, foster homes, or be available for adoption 30 days after the defendant fails to appear in court.”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,” Assemblymember Matt Haney said. “Animal cruelty is unacceptable, and when animals are held for unnecessary periods, this puts a roadblock to their recovery. AB 2344 will streamline that transfer process, providing a tool for courts and shelters to help animals receive earlier transfers into appropriate care.”Prolonged shelter stays increase the risk for animals to develop long-term behavioral and physical consequences. Studies found that confining dogs to small spaces for long periods can lead to aggressive, anxious, and self-destructive behavior, making it more difficult for them to get adopted.The bill will be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday.

SALINAS, Calif. —

A new California bill has been introduced to help abused animals get adopted into safe environments faster.

Animals involved in cruelty cases are currently required to stay in shelters for prolonged periods of time while evidence is being collected.

The new bill (AB 2344) will allow the animals affected to be transferred to care facilities, foster homes, or be available for adoption 30 days after the defendant fails to appear in court.

“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,” Assemblymember Matt Haney said. “Animal cruelty is unacceptable, and when animals are held for unnecessary periods, this puts a roadblock to their recovery. AB 2344 will streamline that transfer process, providing a tool for courts and shelters to help animals receive earlier transfers into appropriate care.”

Prolonged shelter stays increase the risk for animals to develop long-term behavioral and physical consequences.

Studies found that confining dogs to small spaces for long periods can lead to aggressive, anxious, and self-destructive behavior, making it more difficult for them to get adopted.

The bill will be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday.