| SACRAMENTO, CA, September 25, 2026 – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2344, the Justice for Seized Animals Act, authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney and cosponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, a bill that will ensure all animals seized in animal abuse cases are eligible for adoption in as little as 14 days after seizure.
“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.”
“This is a truly bittersweet moment for us. We are absolutely thrilled that Governor Newsom has signed AB 2344, our second bill signed into law this year, but it is also emotional knowing that this is the final year we will have the privilege of seeing his signature on our legislation as Governor.
“For eight years, Governor Newsom has been an extraordinary partner to California’s animal protection community, signing landmark bills that have protected animals, prevented suffering, and saved countless lives. Time and again, when important animal protection measures reached his desk, he listened, understood what was at stake, and acted with compassion. We are profoundly grateful for his support and for the lasting legacy he leaves for animals in California. We can only hope that our next governor will continue that legacy and demonstrate the same compassion and commitment to protecting those who cannot protect themselves.
“We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our author, Assemblymember Matt Haney, for championing AB 2344 and seeing it through to the finish line, and to our cosponsor, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and his amazing staff, for partnering with us to protect animal victims of cruelty and help give them the second chance they deserve,” said Judie Mancuso, Founder and President of Social Compassion in Legislation.
Current law only provides forfeiture procedures for seizures pursuant to 597.1 or a search warrant, leaving a major gap in code which costs animal shelters thousands of dollars per year and makes animals suffer with shelter stays that can last many months or even years, this after already suffering at the hands of their accused abuser.
The bill accomplishes changes this by expanding the current pre-conviction forfeiture process under Penal Code 597.1(h) to animal seizures under the authority of all California laws. The process of forfeiture is triggered when the accused owner refuses to pay the animal shelter for the care of the animal within 14 days of the seizure. If payment is not received, the animal is considered abandoned and thus allowed to be adopted.
Long shelter stays also harm the animals themselves. Research has found that animals kept in shelters for long periods are much more likely to develop severe stress and behavior problems, making them harder to adopt. The new law helps animals to avoid these long torturous shelter stays.
“We are incredibly thankful to our coalition of over 40 organizations and 1800 individuals who stepped up to support this important legislation with their letters, emails, and calls,” said Social Compassion in Legislation’s Director of Legislative Affairs, Nickolaus Sackett. “The legislature and Governor heard their voices and acted, and as a result these ‘case’ animals will not have to suffer any longer than they already did at the hands of their abusers.” |
