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May 26, 2026

AB 2344 Passes Full Assembly!

Miranda's Rescue Shot Dogs It "Rescued"!

Compassion PAC Endorses Janelle Kellman for Lieutenant Governor!

Latest Because They Need Us Podcast with Australian Member of Parliament,

Emma Hurst, Part 2!

AB 2344 Passes the Full Assembly!

Click on the video above to watch the Assembly floor presentation and vote on AB 2344.

May 26th, 2026, Sacramento, CA - Today, our cosponsored bill with the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office, AB 2344, the Justice for Seized Animals Act, authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) was passed unanimously by the full Assembly with an initial vote of 62 - 0.

The bill will allow prosecutors to petition a court to require the forfeiture of animals seized in abuse cases so they can be adopted into loving homes sooner, instead of being forced to remain in shelters for months or even years as evidence while criminal cases move through the court system.

“Today’s unanimous Assembly floor vote sends a powerful message that California will not tolerate prolonged suffering for animal victims of abuse,” said Judie Mancuso, Founder and President of Social Compassion in Legislation. “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 has also been receiving media attention. You can read the SF Gate article about the bill here.

The bill now moves to the Senate where it will be heard in the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee in June. As always, stay tuned for updates!

Disturbing News Out of Humboldt County: Evidence that Miranda's Rescue Killed Dogs that It Adopted from Animal Shelters.

A horrific and still developing story out of Fortuna, California, where Miranda's Rescue is accused of shooting dogs in the head in order to continue accepting shelter dogs for payment.

Thanks to the Lost Coast Outpost for it's detailed reporting on the story. Click on the photo above or HERE to read the entire story.

In summary, the Sheriff's investigation shows evidence that Shannon Miranda has been "rescuing" dogs from various animal shelters around the state, including Oakland, Berkeley, Palm Springs, Solano County and others in order to collect the fees that either the shelter or an affiliated nonprofit would pay Miranda to take the animal. The investigation states that Miranda would've taken in at least $178,000 over 3 years from Oakland Animal Shelter alone.

Detective Aguilera believes that Miranda killed dogs to make space for new dogs and to therefore receive more payments. 

One of the discovered dogs was identified by a microchip as Zora, a black female dog in good health and of good temperament, who had been transferred from Oakland Animal Services a few weeks before her death. Miranda had sent a photo to a shelter employee in April stating that Zora had been adopted; similar lies have been told of other dogs.

The story states that the Sheriff's Major Crimes Division is now investigating Miranda over “credible” allegations of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy. We hope that this investigation leads to Shannon Miranda being brought to justice.

Lastly, the story highlights the role of Jennifer Raymond, founder of the Humboldt Spay/Neuter Network, who bought a parcel of land next to Miranda in order to see with her own eyes what she suspected was happening on the property and report to the authorities. A true hero!

We encourage any nonprofits which have transferred dogs to Miranda or any of the animal shelters which Miranda pulled animals from to immediately stop all transfers and all payments to ensure their nonprofit dollars are not supporting this criminal activity.

The Sheriff’s Office is requesting any tips or information relevant to this investigation be called in to their tip line at 707-268-2539.

Social Compassion in Legislation's sponsored political action committee, Compassion PAC, is endorsing Janelle Kellman for Lieutenant Governor!

Help us elect compassionate and qualified candidates for the state of California.

Please consider donating to Compassion PAC so that we can support as many candidates as possible who share our values.

Inside the Kangaroo Industry featuring Emma Hurst | Because They Need Us | Episode 8 | Part 2

In Part 2 of Episode 8 of the Because They Need Us Podcast, continues an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with the Honorable Emma Hurst, Australian Member of Legislative Counsel of New South Wales, diving into groundbreaking animal protection legislation, political strategy, and the growing global movement for animal rights.

Emma shares her experience as an elected official in Australia and discusses landmark animal protection laws she has helped pass, including bans on glue traps, fur sales, and forced swim and smoking experiments on animals. She also highlights efforts to release and rehabilitate animals used in medical research and legislation that helped end dolphinariums in New South Wales.

The conversation also explores how state-level legislation can inspire international change, including California’s leadership on banning wild animals in circuses, puppy mill sales in pet stores, orca breeding, and octopus farming. The group also discusses emerging ethical concerns surrounding genetically modified animals, including glow-in-the-dark rabbits, and the political challenges of advancing stronger protections in Australia.

The episode also examines efforts to reform the greyhound racing industry in New South Wales, including allegations involving live baiting, misconduct, and controversial licensing practices, as well as advocacy exposing a secret baboon breeding facility tied to medical experimentation.

The conversation concludes with a discussion about international pressure campaigns targeting Australia’s kangaroo and koala killing industries, with Emma emphasizing how global collaboration and support from advocates and lawmakers in the United States can help drive meaningful policy change for animals worldwide.

Click below to access all of the

BECAUSE THEY NEED US episodes!

Lastly, 2026 has been a terrible year for fundraising. We need your donations to exist! If you appreciate our work, please donate, our work cannot continue without your financial support.

With tons of gratitude, Judie

Judie Mancuso, founder/CEO/president

Social Compassion, 501(c)(3)

Social Compassion in Legislation, 501(c)(4)

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