BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 2431 Page 1 Date of Hearing: May 7, 2014 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Mike Gatto, Chair AB 2431 (Dababneh) - As Introduced: February 21, 2014 Policy Committee: Higher EducationVote:12-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: SUMMARY This bill: 1)Requires any public or nonpublic independent postsecondary educational institution that confines dogs or cats for research purposes and intends to destroy the dog or cat to first offer the dog or cat to an animal adoption or animal rescue organization. 2)States that (1) does not apply to animals that are irremediably suffering from a serious illness or severe injury and newborn animals needing maternal care without having access to their mothers. FISCAL EFFECT Costs of compliance would appear to be minor and absorbable, as the University of California (UC) indicates that, "All UC campuses that perform teaching, testing or research on dogs and cats follow internally-developed policies, guidance, or practices that permit adoption whenever possible." UC is concerned, however, that increased litigation may result to the extent animal rights groups may challenge the university with respect to determinations regarding the potential adoptability of specific animals. COMMENTS 1)Background . The federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is intended to ensure the humane treatment of animals intended for research, bred for commercial sale, exhibited to the public, AB 2431 Page 2 or commercially transported. Under the AWA, businesses and others with animals covered by the law must be licensed or registered, and they must adhere to minimum standards of care. In addition, all research universities in the state, (public and private), are accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC) and are subject to additional standards. 2)Purpose . According to the author, this bill is intended to provide for an opportunity for Californians to adopt dogs and cats from research, teaching, and veterinary laboratories in California's postsecondary institutions. The bill would facilitate a relationship between these universities and non-profit animal rescue organizations so that when a dog or cat is no longer needed by the laboratory and need not be euthanized to fulfill the objects of the research, that animal be given a chance at adoption instead of being summarily euthanized. 3)Opposition . According to the UC, "The University supports the adoption of dogs and cats used in research when those animals have been deemed suitable for adoption by the expert evaluation of our campus researchers and veterinarians." The UC argues that this measure fails to address the complex human health and safety considerations and related costs that must be contemplated before adoption of research dogs and cats. Analysis Prepared by : Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916) 319-2081