This week, California Governor Newsom signed additional bills relating to animal welfare into law, including the following:
Assembly Bill 1648 – Emergency Preparedness for Kennels
Current California code allows for cities and counties to require a kennel license. As stated in a previous alert, AB 1648 requires anyone registered as a kennel in their local community to include an emergency preparedness plan with their registration.
It simply requires that a “kennel owner create and submit to the city or county an animal natural disaster evacuation plan for any kennel covered by the license or permit.” There are no specific requirements regarding what a kennel owner should include in their disaster preparedness plan.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) understands that the purpose of this bill and amendments is to allow local officials to act quickly to help animals in case of a disaster situation. Kennel registrants are encouraged to reach out to their local government to learn how they may wish you to submit your emergency plan.
The new law goes into effect on January 1, 2023.
Assembly Bill 2723 – Microchipping Regulations for Dogs Claimed from Shelters or Rescues
AB 2723 requires a shelter or rescue transferring ownership of a dog to provide certain information to the new owner, including microchip company information, if the dog has a current microchip number, and any other information needed so the new owner can register themselves as the primary contact on the microchip. In addition, if a shelter or rescue is transferring a dog that was already microchipped, they must document and keep records of all efforts made to contact the microchip’s primary contact.
AB 2723 was amended on the Senate floor to clarify these requirements do not apply to animals temporarily housed as a result of an emergency evacuation order.
The new law goes into effect on January 1, 2023.
AKC Government Relations (GR) continues to closely monitor all issues impacting dog owners in California. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.