September 3, 2025

SB 221 Passes Full Assembly Floor


Call to Action for AB 478

&

Still Need Help for Two Dogs

We thank Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank) for presenting SB 221 on the Assembly floor. Watch his presentation below.

SB 221 PASSES THE

FULL ASSEMBLY FLOOR!


Today, SB 221, authored by Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) and cosponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation and the Riverside District Attorney's Office, passed the full Assembly floor with a preliminary vote of 55-0. The bill will add threats to pets, including service and emotional support animals, and horses, to be included in the crime of stalking. As Californians deeply value their pets as family members, this bill addresses the vulnerability stalking victims feel when perpetrators threaten their companion animal.


Thank you to all the Assemblymembers who voted unanimously for the bill today and to all of you for your support letters and calls - they helped pave the way for the bill's success.


The bill must now go back to the Senate for a concurrence vote, and then will go to the Governor for his signature.


Stay tuned for a future call to action on how to contact the Governor to voice your support for SB 221!

CALL TO ACTION!


Now is the time to call YOUR State Senator to support AB 478!


CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR SENATOR


Click on your Senator's name to be taken to their homepage where you will find their Capitol office number.


When you call your Senator, please say: Your name, city, and that you strongly support AB 478.


If you’d like to share why AB 478 is especially meaningful to you, feel free—but a simple show of support is powerful.


AB 478, the FOUND Act, authored by Assemblymember Rick Zbur (D-Santa Monica) and sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislationdirects 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.

REMINDER:

Homes for Two Doggies Needed!

Click on the photo to watch a short video of the dogs playing together.

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.

Of course, we will ensure they are going to a good home that is appropriate for them and that the new guardians can give them the attention they need, so we will go through a vetting process with those interested.

 

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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