August 4, 2026

SCIL SPONSORED AB 2344 PUT ON SUSPENSE FILE

A THANK YOU & UPDATE ON DUCK RESCUE

LATEST BECAUSE THEY NEED US PODCAST

SCIL cosponsored bill: AB 2344 (Haney), the Justice for Seized Animals Act, put on the Senate Suspense File

Watch the video below to hear the very brief remarks by our Director of Legislative Affairs at the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the costs of AB 2344.

Yesterday, AB 2344 authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) and co-sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, was placed on the Senate Appropriations Committee's suspense file.

AB 2344 would allow prosecutors to petition the court for the forfeiture of animals seized in abuse cases when the accused owner fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing.

This important legislation would help prevent animal victims from being confined in shelters for months—or even years—as evidence while criminal cases move through the court system. Instead, eligible animals could be released for foster or adoption and given the opportunity to heal in safe, loving homes.

Find the fact sheet HERE.

We have submitted all of your support letters to the Committee. Now, we are asking you to make your voice heard once again.

Please email Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Senator Sabrina Cervantes and urge her to support AB 2344.

Email: sabrina.cervantes@sen.ca.gov

Subject line: Please Support AB 2344

Your message can be brief. Simply ask Senator Cervantes to support AB 2344. You may also explain why protecting animal victims and reducing lengthy shelter stays matters to you.

A simple message of support can make a meaningful difference.

Update on Bird Rescue &

a Huge Thank You!

A huge thank-you to everyone who donated to the Howard Berkowitz (hoarding) bird rescue effort. Together, we raised $2,780 to help support these vulnerable birds and give them the care they desperately need.

We are also deeply grateful to Funky Chicken Rescue and the dedicated advocates who refused to stay silent and continued raising awareness about the conditions at Berkowitz’s so-called “sanctuary.”

Thank you all for speaking up, taking action, and helping the over 800 animals in need.

SAVE THE DATE or RSVP NOW!

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Celebrating 19 Years of Saving Animals Through

Groundbreaking Legislation • Rescue • Spay & Neuter • Anti-Cruelty Programs • Emergency Preparedness • Animal Shelter Data Research • Plant-based Initiatives

And Honoring the Extraordinary Leaders and Advocates

Whose Support Has Helped Make These Victories Possible

Donate to our 501(c)(3): Support our animal protection efforts: tax deductible

Donate to our 501(c)(4): Support our legislative efforts: non-tax deductible

New Podcast on Rabbit Overpopulation & Stopping Genetically Modified Pets, with Guest, San Diego House Rabbit Society’s Jennifer Lee

Click below to access all of the

BECAUSE THEY NEED US episodes!

Thank you to everyone who has donated this year, 2026 has been very challenging for nonprofit organizations. We need your donations to exist! If you appreciate our work, please donate, we 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)