AUGUST 29, 2025

Update on Suspense File Bills,

Latest OC Register Article on the State of Dog Rescues,

&

Still Need Help for Two Dogs

SUSPENSE FILE UPDATE

We thank you for the calls you made in support of our sponsored bills that were on the suspense files in both the Assembly and Senate Appropriations Committees.

The good news is that AB 478 (Zbur), the Friends of Oreo Uniting During Disasters Act, and SB 221 (Ochoa Bogh), the bill that expands the stalking crime to include threats to pets, both made it out of suspense and are headed to the full Senate and Assembly for a vote, and then to the Governor’s desk!

The bad news is that AB 347 (Kalra), the bill regarding animal dissection, and AB 631 (Lee), the shelter data reporting bill, were held in Committee (dead) by Chair Caballero.

In the AB 347 fiscal analysis, the California Department of Education (CDE) an estimated initial statewide cost of $209,613 and a prospective cost of $34,751 each year. We met with the Committee consultant to discuss our disagreement with these estimates and laid out how the bill could be implemented at a much lower cost, and would actually save the state money over the long-run because animal dissection alternatives are cheaper than paying for dead animals year after year.

AB 631, from the fiscal analysis, stated there was "unknown potentially reimbursable mandate costs for public animal shelters to collect and post data on animals taken in, and update this data on a quarterly basis." In actuality, shelters are already required by current law to gather this data. We again made the case with the Committee consultant that the cost to shelters posting this data on their website would be negligible.

As you have heard from us before, the "suspense" file is where bills go to die. Unfortunately, these two bills fell to that fate. We are terribly disappointed, you know how hard we all work to move these bills forward to help save animals.

The two successfully remaining bills, AB 478 and SB 221, are SO close to the finish line. Once they have their floor votes, and go back to their originating house for a procedural concurrence vote, they will be off to the Governor's desk! The Governor has until October 12th to sign/veto all bills.

Please stay engaged - we are almost to the finish line! We will send out a call to action after Labor Day.

Below is a video of the AB 478 portion of the Senate suspense hearing.

OC Register Article on the State of Dog Rescues and Pet Overpopulation!

Click on the picture below to read the article.

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 5 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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