September 12, 2025

AB 478 passes the full Senate and Assembly concurrence vote!

Watch a short video of Assemblymember Rick Zbur presenting AB 478 for the concurrence vote. We thank him for his kind words.

AB 478 is now on its way to the Governor's Desk!

Moments ago, AB 478, Friends of Oreo Uniting During Disasters (FOUND) Act, authored by Assemblymember Rick Zbur (D-Santa Monica) and sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation, passed the Assembly concurrence vote unanimously, and yesterday, passed the full Senate with a 40-0 special consent vote. We are ecstatic to have the full support of the legislature and thank everyone who voted for AB 478.

We also appreciate the policy committees' consultants, the Office of Emergency Management's staff, and the administration for their input and guidance in strengthening the bill throughout the legislative process. This truly is a landmark and first-of-its-kind bill for animals and their humans in times of disaster.

“Time and again, we have seen animals left behind in disasters, and families devastated because they couldn’t get help,” said Judie Mancuso, founder of Social Compassion in Legislation, who brought forth the bill in response to the lack of authority and planning during the devastating wildfires at the beginning of the year. “AB 478 gives local jurisdictions the authority and planning they need to be ready when disaster strikes, so that animals are treated with the urgency and care they deserve. We are grateful to Assemblymember Zbur for carrying the bill and all of his hard work, and his amazing staff for going above and beyond.”

"AB 478 is back on concurrence. This bill is rooted in compassion, common-sense, and real experience. The bill has enjoyed bipartisan support throughout its journey reflecting our shared belief that when disaster strikes, no one should have to choose between their own safety and their pet's survival. This bill will ensure that pets are accounted for during emergencies and that cities and counties develop clear procedures in advance to support pet owners during evacuations," said Assemblymember Rick Zbur in his Assembly floor presentation. "I want to thank our sponsors, Social Compassion in Legislation for their unwavering commitment and hard work on this bill."

AB 478 directs cities and counties to establish procedures and a designated hotline to help residents evacuated with pets or with rescuing their pets that were left in an evacuated area. Additionally, it ensures that animals rescued from evacuated areas are tracked and kept in the area for at least 30 days, giving their owners sufficient time to retrieve them.

AB 478 will be transmitted to the Governor within approximately the next 24 hours, and will appear on the same pulldown list of "Active Bills" as SB 221.

In the meantime, if you haven't already, please contact the Governor for SB 221 - instructions below!

Watch a short video of Senator Ochoa Bogh presenting SB 221 for a concurrence vote on the Senate floor yesterday.

REMINDER:

SB 221 is on the Governor's Desk!

SB 221, authored by Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) and cosponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation and the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, passed its final hurdle in the legislature with a Senate concurrence vote of 39-0.

A huge thank you to Senator Ochoa Bogh and her staff who were relentless advocates for the bill. The Senator reached across the aisle to garner support for the bill in both houses which is a rarity in this day and age. We also thank her for her confidence in SCIL to cosponsor the bill.

Last year, the Riverside County DA brought the idea for this legislation to the Senator after they had several cases which they could not prosecute for criminal stalking because the threats made by the perpetrator were focused on the pet of their victim, not directly at them or their human family members which is required under the current law. Sadly, in one of these instances the victim's pet was later found killed. The bill ultimately died in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

This year, we were honored when Senator Ochoa Bogh approached us to cosponsor the bill and lead the political lobbying efforts in Sacramento. Now we are so proud to have gotten SB 221 to the finish line.

We want to thank every member of the legislature who voted in support of the bill.

We also thank our cosponsors, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, who testified multiple times about the heartbreaking cases which could not be brought to court because of the loophole in the stalking statute. They were the experts on the ground who could tell the real-life stories which showed legislators how real the need for the law was.

Now the bill is on the Governor's desk where we hope to have his signature with your help!

CALL TO ACTION!

Now is the time to contact the Governor to sign SB 221 into law!

Please either call or use the Governor's contact page to send your support.

If you choose to call, the general switchboard number is: 916-445-2841

When you call, please say: Your name, city, and that you strongly urge the Governor to sign SB 221 into law.

OR

Better yet, go to the Governor's website, and follow the steps below.

https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/

Step 1:

In the first pulldown, click: "An Active Bill"

In the second pulldown, click: "SB 221 - Crimes: stalking."

Click "Leave a Comment" and the "Next" button

Step 2:

Next screen, click on:

"Pro"

Then, in the "Message subject," please type: "Request for Signature" 

In the message window, feel free to say something simple, like the message in the picture below, but you may elaborate if you would like to share your own reasons for urging SB 221 to become law.

Step 3:

In the next screen fill in your name and email and then submit. That's it! Simple!

The whole process will take less than 5 minutes and means so much!

REMINDER:

Homes for Two Doggies Needed!

Click on the short videos to watch the dogs playing together and Chani playing with one of her caretakers.

Earlier this year, our board members led a rescue of stray, starving dogs at a temporary work site at a solar farm in Rosamond, CA. Two dogs were trapped and brought to Dr. Annie Harvilicz. The dogs were pregnant and about to deliver. Thankfully, Dr. Annie and her team at Animal Wellness Center cared for and were kind enough to find all 11 puppies homes. But unfortunately, both of the mother dogs have not been as lucky.

Now named Atreides and Chani:

• Atreides is about 1 year old. She will need chronic medication for valley fever. She does not like to be touched and would benefit from life in a sanctuary or on a ranch.
• Chani is approximately 3-4 years of age and in good health. She does like to be petted and would be a good companion for someone with patience and kindness.

We are desperate to find a good home(s) for these two dogs, who are still at Dr. Annie’s clinic, now over 6 months! We need a foster or permanent home(s) and are reaching out to you for help. The moms are ready to go and need your tender, loving care. Transport can be provided if you are not in the southern California area.

We are grateful to a friend and supporter that is willing to give a donation to the new home(s). The amount will be discussed with serious fosters or adopters. Thank you to those who have already donated. However, we are still trying to raise $1,000 to cover a 1-year supply of medication for Atreides. If you are inclined to help, here is a link to give a tax-deductible donation.

We know that rescues are at full capacity and homes for dogs, including medium sized dogs, are in short to nil supply, but for anyone that has the time, space, and the heart, please let us know ASAP!

Lastly, thank you for your unwavering support—it is essential to getting these lifesaving bills signed into law. Your calls, letters, and donations truly make a difference, turning advocacy into real, measurable change.

As we mark our 18th year of running legislation for animals, we are profoundly grateful for your continued commitment. Together, we’re creating lasting, meaningful progress for the animals who need us most.

Thank you for being an indispensable part of our team.

Best, Judie

Judie Mancuso, founder/CEO/president

Social Compassion, 501(c)(3)

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

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