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March 18, 2025
Breaking News!
AB 478, the Friends of Oreo Uniting During Disasters Act, Introduced!
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SCIL Announces the FOUND Act to Strengthen Animal Rescue Efforts in Disasters
SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) announced AB 478, the FOUND Act, Friends of Oreo Uniting During Disasters, a critical new bill to ensure that companion animals are protected during emergencies and that local governments implement clear procedures to support pet owners during evacuations. Sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation, the bill was inspired by the heartwarming story of Oreo, as seen here on the Today Show, a Pomeranian who went missing during the Palisades Fire and survived for five days in the debris before being reunited with his owner.
“Pets are more than just property—they are family. When disaster strikes, no one should have to choose between their safety and their pet’s survival,” said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. “The FOUND Act ensures that local governments have clear rescue plans in place, so pet owners don’t have to risk their lives to save their animals. While we've seen incredible examples of fire and safety officials working alongside the public to reunite pets with their families, as well as the extraordinary efforts of local animal shelters and rescuers, we owe it to pet owners across California to ensure that every city and county has a plan in place before disaster strikes.”
Key Provisions of the FOUND Act
- Pet Rescue Procedures – Requires cities and counties to update emergency plans to designate procedures for the rescue of pets that are still in the evacuation zone.
- Emergency Preparedness Resources – Directs local governments to provide clear online resources on pet evacuation and reunification assistance, as well as a list of pets that have been rescued.
- Extended Holding Period for Rescued Pets – Ensures that any pet rescued from an evacuated area is held for at least 90 days before being adopted out, euthanized, or transferred—a significant improvement from the current 72-hour minimum—giving pet owners more time to reclaim their animals.
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"Time and time again, we've seen animals abandoned or lost in the chaos of wildfires and other disasters," said Judie Mancuso, Founder and President of Social Compassion in Legislation. "This bill is about making sure animal family members are not left behind. Our beloved companion animals are not like a pair of prescription glasses, they are sentient beings that must be rescued. The bill provides the necessary tools to coordinate rescues, support evacuees, and reunite families with their beloved animals."
The inspiration for the FOUND Act comes in part from the harrowing experience of Casey Colvin, a Pacific Palisades resident, who was not home when the Palisades Fire erupted and an evacuation order was issued. Determined to save his two dogs, Colvin attempted to return home—even renting a bike—but was stopped at a roadblock. CalFire Battalion Chief Brent Pasquat offered to go in his place and managed to rescue one of the dogs, but Oreo remained missing. That night, Colvin lost his home to the fire, but he never gave up hope of finding Oreo. Five days later, Colvin received a call—Oreo had been spotted by Jane Garrison, one of the Social Compassion team members, on the remains of his property. Jane kept her eye on him while Casey rushed back begging to get through various check points to find his beloved Oreo waiting for him in the driveway.
"I was lucky to connect with Social Compassion and their rescue network. Without their help and the help of many others along the way, it's possible that I would've never seen Oreo alive again - I don't know how I would've survived that kind of heartbreak," said Oreo's dad, Casey Colvin. "There was no official procedure for me to rescue Oreo. I contacted the non-emergency police line and animal control, but neither was able to help me coordinate a rescue. I hope that with the passage of the FOUND Act, reunifications like mine and Oreo's will be the norm."
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Lisa Boyle, a former Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney, environmental and social justice advocate who lost her home to the Palisades Fire, echoed the need for change. As she told the Los Angeles Times: "The biggest obstacle to animal welfare after the fire itself, was the city's refusal to allow trained, experienced rescuers to enter evacuation zones." (LA Times Editorial). Boyle’s cats survived in the debris left by the fire for three weeks while she had very limited access to her property. Rescuers were finally permitted in, and she was reunited with her cats, but she hopes nobody else will ever have to go through the pain she and her cats suffered.
"Homeowners were out of town, at work, or simply running errands and unable to return home due to how fast the fire moved," said Aaron "AC" Christensen, founder of Animal Advocacy Network, and animal rescuer. "My credentials with the City of Santa Monica allowed my team to cross fire lines and assist with evacuations, sit in on every first responder briefing, and cut through the red tape that was preventing other rescue groups and individuals from helping residents in other jurisdictions. The FOUND Act will help ensure other cities have emergency plans that allow rescuers like me to assist residents save their pets."
"It was frustrating that qualified and certified animal disaster rescuers were willing to rescue animals following the fires in L.A., but were turned away due to a lack of coordinated plan," Jane Garrison, experienced disaster rescuer, long time animal advocate, and Founder/Executive Director of Oswit Land Trust. "The pain and suffering that animals experienced due to this unpreparedness was cruel and unnecessary. At the very least, much suffering and death could've been mitigated."
As California faces increasing wildfire threats, this legislation is a critical step toward ensuring that disaster response plans account for the safety and well-being of animals.
AB 478 will be published on the state's legislative website later this week.
| | Instructions on How to Send a Support Letter | | |
Now is the time for you to engage and have your voices heard! We must start gathering your support letters ASAP!
To send your support letter for all of our sponsored bills. It's easy - continue reading, and please send today!
If you represent an organization, such as an animal rescue, veterinary clinic, or an animal or student focused group, go to our 'Send Support for an Organization' page, then:
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Click on the bills you want to support, or click the box "Click here to support ALL bills" to support them all. Then click the "Next" button at the bottom of the page.
- Fill in your information, including uploading a logo and signature, which are required by the Committees.
- Click "Send Support"!
If you want to register your support as an individual, simply go to our 'Send a Support Letter' page, and repeat the process. Note that individuals are not required to upload any kind of logo or signature.
You don't have to do anything else! We then produce your letter(s) and ensure they are received by the correct legislators and committees at the critical time in the legislative process.
***Remember, if you are an organization, you must follow the instructions to register for an organization. The committees have requirements we must fulfill in order to get your support registered in the committee analysis, which is very important.
Alternatively, organizations can send their letter which must be on letterhead and signed as a pdf to info@socialcompassion.org
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