On 2 March 2010, AB-793 (Revisions to Chapter 173, Animal Seizure Law), was introduced by Representatives Pocan, Berceau, Black, Brooks, Hebl, Pasch and Pope-Roberts. The bill was cosponsored by Senators Risser, Carpenter, Erpenbach and Miller. AB-793 was read and referred to the Assembly committee on Corrections and the Courts.

     On the same day, a "twin bill," SB-580, was introduced into the state Senate by Senators Risser, Carpenter, Miller and Erpenbach. SB-580 was read and referred to the State Senate committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations.

     There are many provisions in the proposed changes to Chapter 173. However, in a nutshell, AB-793/SB-580 would shorten the length of time a shelter would have to hold animals from a Chapter 173 seizure or a Chapter 951 criminal case, and would make provisions for an owner to pay for the reasonable costs of custody and care for those animals.

     These changes would help shelters, animal control facilities, and local governments cope with the thousands upon thousands of dollars incurred in a large seizure or cruelty case. They would also help lessen stress on the animals by reducing the time they must spend in shelter cages.

     Please see our AB-793/SB-580, Revisions to Chapter 173 Overview, Bill Summary, and FAQ pages, and read the background and full revisions proposed in this bill.