BILL ANALYSIS AB 2012 Page 1 Date of Hearing: May 19, 2010 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Felipe Fuentes, Chair AB 2012 (Lieu) - As Amended: April 28, 2010 Policy Committee: Public SafetyVote: 7-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill increases the misdemeanor penalty from up to six months in the county jail to up to one year in county jail for specified animal cruelty or neglect. FISCAL EFFECT Unknown, likely minor, nonreimbursable local incarceration to the extent this bill results in longer county jail terms. COMMENTS Rationale . The author contends this bill addresses an anomaly in current law whereby cruelty is punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $20,000, whereas arguably equally egregious instances of animal neglect are limited to a penalty of up to six months in county jail, and/or a fine of up to $20,000. According to the author, "Cases of animal neglect are prevalent, and it occurs when one deprives an animal of basic needs, including shelter, nutrition, and medical care. In a study of 1,400 animal cruelty cases conducted by the Humane Society, 41 percent of the cases involved animal neglect. This overwhelming number reiterates the importance of protecting animals from neglect as well as cruelty." Analysis Prepared by : Geoff Long / APPR. / (916) 319-2081