Dear Neighbor,

No animal that has survived abuse should have to spend months or even years waiting in a shelter while a court case drags on. That's why I'm proud to share that my bill, AB 2344, the Rehome Abused Animals Act, has advanced to the Senate Appropriations Committee. This legislation would help abused animals move more quickly into safe, permanent homes while protecting due process throughout the legal process.

Right now, animals involved in cruelty cases can remain confined in overcrowded shelters for months or years, even when the person accused of abusing them has failed to appear in court. Long shelter stays can cause lasting physical and emotional harm and make it harder for these animals to recover and be adopted. AB 2344 would allow shelters to adopt animals out to safe homes after a defendant has been absent for at least 30 days, helping animals begin healing sooner while also easing overcrowding in our shelters.

Animals depend on us to protect them, especially after they've experienced abuse. I'm grateful to the animal welfare advocates, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials standing behind this effort, and I'll continue working to move AB 2344 through the Legislature so more animals can get the second chance they deserve.

Sincerely,

Matt Haney
Assemblymember, 17th District