HB 46 - Existing law allows an authorized public health official or law enforcement officer to seek a warrant to enter private property to inspect, care for, or impound neglected or abused animals. This act also allows such official or officer to enter private property for the purpose of quarantining a neglected or abused animal. The act prohibits the impounding of any farm animal that weighs more than 50 pounds unless such animal is determined to be in imminent danger of dying or if the animal’s condition cannot be reasonably improved before a disposition hearing can take place.
The State Veterinarian, or his or her designee, shall accompany any official or officer onto private property for purposes of examining any farm animal believed to be neglected or abused. If the veterinarian believes further action is needed to protect the animal, the veterinarian shall advise the court on appropriate actions which shall include quarantine, impoundment, placement, medical treatment, or euthanasia. Farm animals not impounded shall be quarantined by the veterinarian. Owners of such farm animals shall be given written instructions regarding how to correct the animal's condition, and the veterinarian shall make follow-up visits to verify the improvement of the quarantined animal's condition. Animals whose conditions have not improved during the quarantine are subject to impoundment.
The act adds a provision requiring the notice given to any owner of an animal taken into custody under this act to be in writing and requires diligent effort to notify the owner of any farm animals when they are believed to have been under the care of someone other than the owner.
ERIKA JAQUES