Assemblymember Haney says AB 23‑44 will help shelters move seized animals into homes faster

Assemblymember Haney told the Public Safety Committee AB 23‑44 has bipartisan support and is intended to reduce the time animals spend in shelters following cruelty seizures. Haney said the bill broadens the payment requirement already tied to certain penal code seizures and would allow animals to be forfeited 14 days after an owner fails to pay fees, which he said would help animals "find safe permanent homes quicker, rather than remaining in shelters for unnecessarily long periods of time."

Haney cited shelter costs as part of the rationale: "In Los Angeles County alone, shelter holds cost approximately a $105 per animal per day," he said, noting that those costs strain shelter resources. Dan Felizato, testifying for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, said AB 23‑44 "closes a loophole" that currently excludes animals seized without a warrant from the 14‑day payment/forfeiture provision. Nick Sackett of Social Compassion in Legislation described the bill as another tool to address pet overpopulation and to move animals through shelters more quickly.

The motion to concur in Senate amendments and refer AB 23‑44 to the Appropriations Committee passed in committee. The clerk recorded votes during the roll call (as read in committee): Schultz — aye; Gonzales — aye; Haney — aye; Lackey — aye; Wen — aye; Ramos — aye. Chair announced the bill was out and would go to Appropriations.