AB 2344 would streamline the process for animals rescued from abuse cases to leave shelters and enter permanent homes.
LOS ANGELES — Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), animal welfare advocates and law enforcement officials gathered outside a Los Angeles animal shelter Monday to urge support for AB 2344, the Rehome Abused Animals Act, legislation designed to help abused animals move more quickly from overcrowded shelters into safe, permanent homes.
Under current California law, animals involved in cruelty cases often must remain in shelters while criminal cases make their way through the court system. In some cases, when a defendant charged with animal cruelty fails to appear in court, the animal can still be held in a shelter for months or even years while the case remains unresolved.
Animal welfare advocates say prolonged shelter stays can cause significant psychological harm. Animals may develop severe stress and behavioral issues known as going “kennel crazy” from extended confinement, making recovery and adoption more difficult.
AB 2344 would allow prosecutors to petition a court to forfeit ownership of an animal when a defendant has failed to appear in court for at least 30 days. The bill would allow animals to be transferred into appropriate care sooner while maintaining due process protections.
“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 Assemblymember Haney. “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.”
The legislation also aims to address growing overcrowding in California animal shelters. Experts recommend shelters operate at roughly 70% to 80% capacity to maintain healthy conditions and provide adequate care. In Los Angeles County, however, shelters are currently operating at more than 100% capacity, placing additional strain on staff, resources and taxpayer-funded services.
“Assembly Bill 2344 would help protect animals from continued abuse and neglect before more harm is done,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. “People accused of serious animal cruelty should not be allowed to keep control of abused animals while a case slowly moves through the court system. ... Animal cruelty is deliberate violence against living beings, and offenders who commit these acts must be held fully accountable.”
If passed, forfeiture hearings would be required to take place within 14 days in the same court handling the underlying animal cruelty case.
“Animals rescued from abuse should not be forced to spend months or even years languishing in shelters while criminal cases slowly move through the courts,” said Judie Mancuso, founder and president of Social Compassion in Legislation, a co-sponsor of the bill. “AB 2344 creates a clear pathway for prosecutors to seek forfeiture so these animals can finally leave behind the trauma they endured and begin healing in safe, loving homes. After everything they have suffered, they deserve stability, compassion, and a chance at a new life as quickly as possible.”
The bill is awaiting consideration in the Senate Public Safety Committee and is expected to be heard June 23.
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