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We are thrilled to share great news with you! Just moments ago, AB 478, Friends of Oreo Uniting During Disasters (FOUND) Act, was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom! We thank him for understanding the deep significance of this bill and stepping up to be a pioneer once again for animal welfare and Californians. The bill was authored by Assemblymember Rick Zbur (D-Santa Monica) and sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation.
“Time and again, we have seen animals left behind in disasters, and families devastated because they couldn’t get help,” said Judie Mancuso, Founder and President 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 and the Office of Emergency Services a mandate to be ready when disaster strikes, so that animals are treated with the urgency and care they deserve."
"I was on the front lines of animal rescue in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. I couldn't imagine back then that we would be in the same place 20 years later. We are grateful to Governor Newsom for understanding the importance of this landmark bill by signing it into law, and to Assemblymember Zbur for carrying the bill, his staff for all their hard work, and to the entire legislature which voted for it unanimously!”
“I’m grateful to Governor Newsom for signing the FOUND Act into law," said Assemblymember Rick Zbur (D-Santa Monica). "In addition to protecting pets, this bill is about protecting people. By ensuring that rescued animals can be reunited with their families during disasters, we’re safeguarding public safety and helping communities recover with compassion and resilience. With this law, California is taking a meaningful step forward to protect families when they need it most.”
"When the evacuation orders came down in the Palisades, I was away while my two beloved dogs were trapped at home. I was lucky enough to get the heroic assistance of Chief Brent Pascua, and Jane Garrison along with the Social Compassion rescue team to help me save my dogs, but so many were not as lucky as me," said Casey Colvin, dog father of Oreo and Teeka Teeka, and whose story went viral in the aftermath of the Pacific Palisades fires. "I hope that nobody ever has to go through a disaster like we did, but unfortunately we know some will. With the passage of AB 478, cities and counties will be prepared to help those residents who need to rescue their furry family members.”
AB 478 requires cities and counties to establish a dedicated hotline and clear, approved rescue procedures that allow residents, their designated representatives, or qualified rescue groups to safely retrieve animals under the supervision of emergency authorities.
Additionally, to protect families, rescued pets must be tracked and safeguarded for at least 30 days, shielded from adoption, transfer, or euthanasia, except in cases of irremediable suffering or owner surrender. During this period, local agencies may place animals with in-state shelters or fosters, but records must be kept to reunite them with their families.
AB 478 guarantees transparency, accountability, and peace of mind, while recognizing pets as true family members in times of crisis.
The bill goes into effect January 1, 2026.
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