BILL ANALYSIS
AB 1956
Page 1
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB 1956 (Monning)
As Amended August 20, 2010
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: |72-0 |(April 22, |SENATE: |22-9 |(August 24, |
| | |2010) | | |2010) |
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Original Committee Reference: W., P. & W.
SUMMARY : Allows a non-profit organization promoting recovery of
California condors by providing food for free-ranging condors to
be exempted from prohibitions against the transport of dead
animals if the organization is participating in a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) with the Department of Fish and Game (DFG)
and the organization is operating under a special permit
authorized by the State Veterinarian to haul dead animals.
The Senate amendments :
1)Delete a provision in the Assembly-approved version requiring
that MOUs entered into by DFG with partners in a California
condor preservation program to allow for feeding of free
ranging condors be consistent with prescribed guidelines, and
requiring DFG to revise the terms of any MOU in effect on
January 1, 2011 that is inconsistent with the guidelines to
conform with the guidelines.
2)Delete a provision in the Assembly-approved version exempting
DFG from an existing prohibition on the transport of dead
animals, and instead provide that a non-profit organization
promoting recovery of California condors by providing food for
free-ranging condors shall be exempt from the prohibition if
the organization is participating in an MOU with DFG to
provide food for condors and possesses a special permit issued
by the Secretary of the California Department Food and
Agriculture (CDFA).
3)Authorize CDFA to issue a special permit to a nonprofit
organization promoting recovery of California condors for the
purpose of authorizing transport of dead animals to provide
food for condors if specified information is provided on the
AB 1956
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transport permit regarding the number and type of animals, the
probable cause of death as determined by a state licensed
veterinarian, all possible pickup and drop off locations, and
the licensed dead animal hauler providing the transportation.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Prohibits the transport of a dead animal to any place, other
than to a licensed rendering plant, licensed collection
center, animal disease diagnostic laboratory, crematory, or
approved destination in another state, unless a waiver is
granted by the State Veterinarian for certain specified
purposes such as an emergency.
2)Authorizes DFG to provide for the feeding of game birds,
mammals or fish when natural foods are not available and to
provide suitable areas for such feeding.
AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY , this bill required MOUs entered into
by DFG with participants in a condor preservation program to
allow for feeding of free-ranging condors to be consistent with
prescribed guidelines. The guidelines specified the types of
animals that could be used to feed California condors and
criteria for feeding sites. DFG would also be required to
revise any MOUs in effect on January 1, 2011 to be consistent
with the guidelines. DFG would be exempted from prohibitions on
transport of dead animals for these purposes.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Senate Appropriations
Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.
COMMENTS : This bill addresses the need for California condor
recovery programs that involve supplemental feeding of
free-ranging condors to receive exemption from prohibitions on
the transport of dead animals that would otherwise apply to
these activities. Under current law, the transport of dead
animals is prohibited except under narrow circumstances, unless
a waiver is granted by the State Veterinarian. Waivers are only
authorized for certain purposes, and the current law does not
specifically address the particular needs of California condor
recovery feeding programs. AB 1956 provides an alternative
option for narrow and identified persons to move dead animals in
order to provide feed for the California condor.
AB 1956
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The Ventana Wildlife Society, one of the principal managers of
the California condor recovery program, notes that feeding of
free-flying condors is essential at this time as part of the
reintroduction effort because young birds are often na?ve and do
not know where to find food on their own. On-going feeding for
all wild condors also remains critically important to reduce the
threat of lead poisoning from spent ammunition.
Dead animals are potential vectors of disease that can pose
severe public and animal health impacts, if not properly handled
and disposed. Oversight by and reporting to CDFA, as required
by AB 1956, should provide that protection for public and animal
health while assisting in this unique recovery program for the
California condor. While the condor's captive breeding program
has met with tenuous success, the condor's recovery still hangs
in the balance. AB 1956 seeks to aid in that recovery while
protecting public and animal health in California.
Analysis Prepared by : Jim Collin / AGRI. / (916) 319-2084
FN:
0006562