May 29, 2026: CA Assembly Approves Animal Protection Bill Co-Sponsored by LA County District Attorney’s Office

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California State Assembly unanimously approved Assembly Bill 2344, known as the Justice for Seized Animals Act, in a 78-0 vote earlier this week, advancing legislation aimed at strengthening protections for animals rescued in cruelty and neglect cases. The bill is co-sponsored by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

"Animal abuse is cruelty in its purest form, and we are committed to using every tool available to stop it. The Assembly's unanimous passage of this bill underscores how seriously California is taking this issue," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. "Filing criminal charges is critical, but strong laws are equally important in preventing further suffering and ensuring abused and neglected animals are protected before more harm can occur. This legislation will close significant loopholes that too often leave vulnerable animals in continued danger while cases move through the courts."

AB 2344 was authored by state Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) and also co-sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation.

"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 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."

The bill would authorize an animal control agency in possession of an animal seized or impounded in animal cruelty or neglect cases to petition the Court for an order transferring custody of the animal to the city, county or seizing agency prior to resolution of the criminal case.

"The unanimous Assembly floor vote sends a powerful message that California will not tolerate prolonged suffering for animal victims of abuse," Founder and President Judie Mancuso of Social Compassion in Legislation said. "AB 2344 passed the full Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support because lawmakers understand that animals who have already endured horrific cruelty should not be forced to languish in shelters for months or even years while criminal cases slowly move through the courts.

"As co-sponsors of this legislation alongside the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, we are proud to help lead this effort to give animal victims the opportunity to begin healing in safe, loving homes as quickly as possible. We are deeply grateful to Assemblymember Matt Haney for authoring and championing this important bill and to the members of the Assembly for their unanimous support."

AB 2344 would also allow prosecutors, in cases where a defendant charged with certain animal cruelty offenses is granted diversion, to ask the Court to prohibit that individual from owning, possessing, caring for, or living with animals. The bill would further require defendants to surrender animals in their possession to a designated public entity or provide proof to the Court that they no longer have possession or control of any animals.

AB 2344 now moves to the California State Senate, where it will be assigned to a committee or committees for further consideration.

"Thank you to Assemblymember Matt Haney for authoring this important legislation and to Social Compassion in Legislation for co-sponsoring and helping move this effort forward," District Attorney Hochman added. "This bill reflects a shared commitment to protecting defenseless animals and ensuring that those who cause harm are held fully accountable under the law."