Existing law prescribes requirements for the seizure, management, and care of estrays. Existing law, for purposes of those provisions, defines estray to mean any impounded or seized bovine animal, horse, mule, sheep, swine, or burro whose owner is unknown or cannot be located. Existing law requires that any animal that is seized by, or comes into the possession of, an inspector pursuant to those provisions be disposed of in accordance with specified requirements. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to violate specified provisions in the Food and Agricultural Code governing the care and treatment of animals, including estrays.

This bill would additionally include any alpaca, llama, or goat within that definition of estray, and would require that any animal that is seized by, or comes into the possession of, an inspector pursuant to those provisions be managed, rather than disposed of, in accordance with the specified requirements. The inclusion of alpacas, llamas, and goats within the definition of estray would expand the definition of a crime, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program.

Existing law requires the poundkeeper, other pound officer, or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify the Secretary of Food and Agriculture upon the impounding of any bovine animal, horse, mule, or burro.

This bill would also make that notification requirement applicable to the impounding of sheep, swine, alpacas, llamas, or goats.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Existing law prescribes requirements for the seizure, management, and care of estrays. Existing law, for purposes of those provisions, defines estray to mean any impounded or seized bovine animal, horse, mule, sheep, swine, or burro whose owner is unknown or cannot be located. Existing law requires that any animal that is seized by, or comes into the possession of, an inspector pursuant to those provisions be disposed of in accordance with specified requirements. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to violate specified provisions in the Food and Agricultural Code governing the care and treatment of animals, including estrays.

This bill would additionally include any alpaca, llama, or goat within that definition of estray, and would require that any animal that is seized by, or comes into the possession of, an inspector pursuant to those provisions be managed, rather than disposed of, in accordance with the specified requirements. The inclusion of alpacas, llamas, and goats within the definition of estray would expand the definition of a crime, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program.

Existing law requires the poundkeeper, other pound officer, or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify the Secretary of Food and Agriculture upon the impounding of any bovine animal, horse, mule, or burro.

This bill would also make that notification requirement applicable to the impounding of sheep, swine, alpacas, llamas, or goats.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Existing law prescribes requirements for the seizure, management, and care of estrays. Existing law, for purposes of those provisions, defines estray to mean any impounded or seized bovine animal, horse, mule, sheep, swine, or burro whose owner is unknown or cannot be located. Existing law requires that any animal that is seized by, or comes into the possession of, an inspector pursuant to those provisions, provisions be disposed of in accordance with specified requirements. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to violate specified provisions in the Food and Agricultural Code governing the care and treatment of animals, including estrays.

This bill would additionally include any alpaca alpaca, llama, or goat within that definition of estray, and would instead require that any animal that is seized by, or comes into the possession of, an inspector pursuant to those provisions be managed managed, rather than disposed of, in accordance with the specified requirements. The inclusion of alpacas alpacas, llamas, and goats within the definition of estray would expand the definition of a crime, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program.

Existing law requires the poundkeeper, other pound officer, or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify the Secretary of Food and Agriculture, Agriculture upon the impounding of any bovine animal, horse, mule, or burro.

This bill would also make that notification requirement applicable to the impounding of sheep, swine, alpacas, llamas, or goats.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Existing law prescribes requirements for the seizure, management, and care of estrays. Existing law, for purposes of those provisions, defines estray to mean any impounded or seized bovine animal, horse, mule, sheep, swine, or burro whose owner is unknown or cannot be located. Existing law requires that any animal that is seized by, or comes into the possession of, an inspector pursuant to those provisions, be disposed of in accordance with specified requirements. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to violate specified provisions in the Food and Agricultural Code governing the care and treatment of animals, including estrays.

This bill would additionally include any other livestock animal alpaca or goat within that definition of estray, and would instead require that any animal that is seized by, or comes into the possession of, an inspector pursuant to those provisions be managed in accordance with specified requirements. The inclusion of other livestock animals alpacas and goats within the definition of estray would expand the definition of a crime, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program.

Existing law requires the poundkeeper, other pound officer, or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify the Secretary of Food and Agriculture, upon the impounding of any bovine animal, horse, mule, or burro.

This bill would also make that notification requirement applicable to the impounding of sheep, swine, or other livestock animal. alpacas, or goats.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Existing law prescribes requirements for the seizure, management, and care of estrays. Existing law, for purposes of those provisions, defines estray to mean any impounded or seized bovine animal, horse, mule, sheep, swine, or burro whose owner is unknown or cannot be located. Existing law requires that any animal that is seized by, or comes into the possession of, an inspector pursuant to those provisions, be disposed of in accordance with specified requirements. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to violate specified provisions in the Food and Agricultural Code governing the care and treatment of animals, including estrays.

This bill would additionally include any other livestock animal within that definition of estray, and would instead require that any animal that is seized by, or comes into the possession of, an inspector pursuant to those provisions be managed in accordance with specified requirements. The inclusion of other livestock animals within the definition of estray would expand the definition of a crime, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Existing law establishes the Department of Food and Agriculture and vests with the department various duties and obligations related to regulation of the agricultural industry of the state. Existing law requires the department to supply the Department of Water Resources with a specified forecast that estimates the amount of production of food, fiber, livestock, and other farm products, as specified.

This bill would make nonsubstantive changes in the provisions relating to that forecast.

CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

CSA1 Bill Id:AB 1363

Author:(Salas)

As Amended Ver:August 18, 2015

Majority vote

Original Committee Reference: AGRI.

SUMMARY: Would add "alpaca and goat" to the definition of "estray"; adds "sheep, swine, alpaca, llama or goat" to the list of animals that require a pound keeper or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) upon impoundment; requires CDFA to take possession of that animal and makes technical changes.

The Senate amendments narrow the language from "other livestock" to "alpaca, llama or goat" and does not significantly change the policy as heard in the Assembly.

EXISTING LAW: Defines "estray" to mean any impounded or seized bovine animal, horse, mule, sheep, swine, or burro whose owner is unknown or cannot be located; requires any person who seizes an estray animal to immediately notify CDFA with a description of the animal, any brands or markings, approximated animal value, and the date and location where the animal was found and the location where the animal is now confined; requires the pound keeper or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify CDFA of any impounded bovine animal, horse, mule or burro and, upon receipt of that notice, requires CDFA to take possession of that animal; requires CDFA to take specified measures to find and notify the owner of any impounded estray animal, including searching brand records and posting a description of the animal in the classified section of livestock industry publications; authorizes CDFA, after 14 days from the date of first notice, to sell any estray animal for which the owner cannot be located, ownership cannot be proven, or the owner fails to pay all incurred expenses; and, authorizes local governments to follow local laws, ordinances, and regulations instead of state law regarding the handling of estray animals that are not bovine animals.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Committee on Appropriations, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, this bill has negligible state costs.

COMMENTS: According to the author, "Assembly Bill 1363 expands the definition of “estray” to include all livestock, and would require that any animal that is seized by, or comes into the possession of, an inspector be managed in accordance with existing regulations. This bill better reflects additional livestock popular with California farmers, ranchers, and landowners. Although the variety of livestock has increased, regulations for the management and care of strayed farm animals have not been expanded to protect all livestock."

According to the 2012 United States Department of Agriculture Census, California had a total of 140,042 goats living on 4,470 individual farms; 7,229 alpacas on 468 farms; and 3,824 llamas on 763 farms. California is ranked second in the nation for the highest number of goats and fifth for both alpacas and llamas.

Analysis Prepared by: Jim Collin / AGRI. / (916) 319-2084 FN: 0001555

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 1363

Author: Salas (D)

Amended: 8/18/15 in Senate

Vote: 21

SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE: 5-0, 7/7/15

AYES: Galgiani, Cannella, Berryhill, Pan, Wolk

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 75-0, 5/22/15 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Animals: estrays: alpacas, llamas, and goats

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This bill adds alpacas, llamas and goats to the definition of “estray”; adds sheep, swine, alpacas, llamas, and goats to the list of animals that require a pound keeper or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify the secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) upon impoundment; and requires CDFA to take possession of that animal.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Defines “estray” to mean any impounded or seized bovine animal, horse, mule, sheep, swine, or burro whose owner is unknown or cannot be located.

2. Requires any person who seizes an estray animal to immediately notify CDFA with a description of the animal, any brands or markings, approximated animal value, and the date and location where the animal was found and the location where the animal is now confined.

3. Requires the pound keeper or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify CDFA of any impounded bovine animal, horse, mule or burro and, upon receipt of that notice, requires CDFA to take possession of that animal.

4. Requires CDFA to take specified measures to find and notify the owner of any impounded estray animal, including searching brand records and posting a description of the animal in the classified section of livestock industry publications.

5. Authorizes CDFA, after 14 days from the date of first notice, to sell any estray animal for which the owner cannot be located, ownership cannot be proven, or the owner fails to pay all incurred expenses.

6. Authorizes local governments to follow local laws, ordinances, and regulations instead of state law regarding the handling of estray animals that are not bovine animals.

This bill:

1. Adds alpacas, llamas, and goats to the definition of “estray.”

2. Adds sheep, swine, alpacas, llamas, and goats to the list of animals that require a pound keeper or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify CDFA upon impoundment, and requires CDFA to take possession of that animal.

Comments

Alpacas, goats, and llamas. According to the 2012 U.S. Department of Agriculture Census, California had a total of 140,042 goats living on 4,470 individual farms; 7,229 alpacas on 468 farms; and 3,824 llamas on 763 farms. California is ranked second in the nation for the highest number of goats and fifth for both alpacas and llamas.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: Yes

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/19/15)

Association of California Egg Farmers

California Grain and Feed Association

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/19/15)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author, this bill expands the definition of “estray” and requires that any animal that is seized by, or comes into the possession of, an inspector be managed in accordance with existing regulations. This bill better reflects additional livestock species popular with California farmers, ranchers, and landowners. Although the variety of livestock has increased, regulations for the management and care of strayed farm animals have not been expanded to protect these livestock.

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 75-0, 5/22/15

AYES: Achadjian, Travis Allen, Baker, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonilla, Bonta, Brough, Brown, Burke, Calderon, Campos, Chang, Chau, Chávez, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Dodd, Eggman, Frazier, Beth Gaines, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gatto, Gipson, Gomez, Gonzalez, Gordon, Gray, Grove, Hadley, Harper, Roger Hernández, Holden, Irwin, Jones, Jones-Sawyer, Kim, Lackey, Levine, Linder, Lopez, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Nazarian, Obernolte, Patterson, Perea, Quirk, Rendon, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Wagner, Wilk, Williams, Wood, Atkins

NO VOTE RECORDED: Alejo, O'Donnell, Olsen, Waldron, Weber

Prepared by: Anne Megaro / AGRI. / (916) 651-1508

8/19/15 20:34:40

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Senator Cathleen Galgiani, Chair

2015 - 2016 Regular

Bill No: AB 1363 Hearing Date: 7/7/15

Subject: Animals: estrays: livestock animals.

SUMMARY

:

This bill would add “all livestock animals” to the definition of “estray”; adds “sheep, swine, or other livestock animal” to the list of animals that require a pound keeper or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify the secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) upon impoundment; and requires CDFA to take possession of that animal.

BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW

:

Existing law:

1. Defines “estray” to mean any impounded or seized bovine animal, horse, mule, sheep, swine, or burro whose owner is unknown or cannot be located.

2. Requires any person who seizes an estray animal to immediately notify CDFA with a description of the animal, any brands or markings, approximated animal value, and the date and location where the animal was found and the location where the animal is now confined.

3. Requires the pound keeper or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify CDFA of any impounded bovine animal, horse, mule or burro and, upon receipt of that notice, requires CDFA to take possession of that animal.

4. Requires CDFA to take specified measures to find and notify the owner of any impounded estray animal, including searching brand records and posting a description of the animal in the classified section of livestock industry publications.

5. Authorizes CDFA, after 14 days from the date of first notice, to sell any estray animal for which the owner cannot be located, ownership cannot be proven, or the owner fails to pay all incurred expenses.

6. Authorizes local governments to follow local laws, ordinances, and regulations instead of state law regarding the handling of estray animals that are not bovine animals.

PROPOSED LAW

:

This bill:

1. Adds “all livestock animals” to the definition of “estray.”

2. Adds “sheep, swine, or other livestock animal” to the list of animals that require a pound keeper or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify CDFA upon impoundment, and requires CDFA to take possession of that animal.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT:

According to the author, “Assembly Bill 1363 expands the definition of “estray” to include all livestock, and would require that any animal that is seized by, or comes into the possession of, an inspector be managed in accordance with existing regulations. This bill better reflects additional livestock popular with California farmers, ranchers, and landowners. Although the variety of livestock has increased, regulations for the management and care of strayed farm animals have not been expanded to protect all livestock.”

COMMENTS

:

Alpacas, goats, and llamas. According to the 2012 U.S. Department of Agriculture Census, California had a total of 140,042 goats living on 4,470 individual farms; 7,229 alpacas on 468 farms; and 3,824 llamas on 763 farms. California is ranked second in the nation for the highest number of goats and fifth for both alpacas and llamas.

All livestock animals. It is unclear what additional animals would be included in the term “all livestock animals.” Within other chapters of this division, “livestock” is defined to include “any cattle, sheep, swine, goat, or any horse, mule or other equine.” The author has provided the committee with information on the growing number of goats and alpacas; however, “livestock” could potentially be construed to also include poultry, llamas, pet farm animals, and other specialty animals.

If there is concern as to estray alpacas and goats specifically, the committee may wish to consider whether this bill should be more narrowly tailored to add only goats and alpacas rather than all livestock animals.

RELATED LEGISLATION

:

SB 1176 (Aanestad), Chapter 325, Statutes of 2010. Clarifies that local governments may follow local laws, ordinances, and regulations instead of state law regarding the handling of estray animals that are not bovine animals.

PRIOR ACTIONS

:

SUPPORT

:

Association of California Egg Farmers

California Grain and Feed Association

OPPOSITION

:

None received

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Senator Cathleen Galgiani, Chair

2015 - 2016 Regular

Bill No: AB 1363 Hearing Date: 6/30/15

Subject: Animals: estrays: livestock animals.

SUMMARY

:

This bill would add “all livestock animals” to the definition of “estray”; adds “sheep, swine, or other livestock animal” to the list of animals that require a pound keeper or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify the secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) upon impoundment; and requires CDFA to take possession of that animal.

BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW

:

Existing law:

1. Defines “estray” to mean any impounded or seized bovine animal, horse, mule, sheep, swine, or burro whose owner is unknown or cannot be located.

2. Requires any person who seizes an estray animal to immediately notify CDFA with a description of the animal, any brands or markings, approximated animal value, and the date and location where the animal was found and the location where the animal is now confined.

3. Requires the pound keeper or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify CDFA of any impounded bovine animal, horse, mule or burro and, upon receipt of that notice, requires CDFA to take possession of that animal.

4. Requires CDFA to take specified measures to find and notify the owner of any impounded estray animal, including searching brand records and posting a description of the animal in the classified section of livestock industry publications.

5. Authorizes CDFA, after 14 days from the date of first notice, to sell any estray animal for which the owner cannot be located, ownership cannot be proven, or the owner fails to pay all incurred expenses.

6. Authorizes local governments to follow local laws, ordinances, and regulations instead of state law regarding the handling of estray animals that are not bovine animals.

PROPOSED LAW

:

This bill:

1. Adds “all livestock animals” to the definition of “estray.”

2. Adds “sheep, swine, or other livestock animal” to the list of animals that require a pound keeper or public animal control agency or shelter to immediately notify CDFA upon impoundment, and requires CDFA to take possession of that animal.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT:

According to the author, “Assembly Bill 1363 expands the definition of “estray” to include all livestock, and would require that any animal that is seized by, or comes into the possession of, an inspector be managed in accordance with existing regulations. This bill better reflects additional livestock popular with California farmers, ranchers, and landowners. Although the variety of livestock has increased, regulations for the management and care of strayed farm animals have not been expanded to protect all livestock.”

COMMENTS

:

Alpacas, goats, and llamas. According to the 2012 U.S. Department of Agriculture Census, California had a total of 140,042 goats living on 4,470 individual farms; 7,229 alpacas on 468 farms; and 3,824 llamas on 763 farms. California is ranked second in the nation for the highest number of goats and fifth for both alpacas and llamas.

All livestock animals. It is unclear what additional animals would be included in the term “all livestock animals.” Within other chapters of this division, “livestock” is defined to include “any cattle, sheep, swine, goat, or any horse, mule or other equine.” The author has provided the committee with information on the growing number of goats and alpacas; however, “livestock” could potentially be construed to also include poultry, llamas, pet farm animals, and other specialty animals.

If there is concern as to estray alpacas and goats specifically, the committee may wish to consider whether this bill should be more narrowly tailored to add only goats and alpacas rather than all livestock animals.

RELATED LEGISLATION

:

SB 1176 (Aanestad), Chapter 325, Statutes of 2010. Clarifies that local governments may follow local laws, ordinances, and regulations instead of state law regarding the handling of estray animals that are not bovine animals.

PRIOR ACTIONS

:

SUPPORT

:

None received

OPPOSITION

:

None received

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 1363

Author:(Salas)

As Amended Ver:May 19, 2015

Majority vote

SUMMARY: Adds "other livestock animals" to the list of animals defined as estray when impounded or seized and the owner is unknown, and makes technical, conforming changes.

EXISTING LAW establishes requirements for the seizure, management, and care of estrays; defines "estray" to mean any impounded or seized bovine animal, horse, mule, sheep, swine, or burro whose owner is unknown or cannot be located; requires that any animal seized by, or that comes into the possession of, an inspector pursuant to those provisions, be disposed of in accordance with specified requirements; and, makes it a misdemeanor to violate specified provisions governing the care and treatment of animals, including estrays.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, this bill has negligible costs to local law enforcement; likely minor and absorbable enforcement costs, if any, to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

COMMENTS: According to the author, this bill seeks to expand the definition of what the state defines as an "estray" to better reflect additional types of domestic animals popular with California farmers, ranchers, and landowners, including but not limited to, goats and alpacas.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Census on Agriculture in 2012, California had a total of 43,252 dairy goats living on 1,416 individual farms, more than any other state with the exception of Wisconsin. A similar trend exists for alpacas. Since their introduction to California, in 1983, alpaca ownership now extends to nearly 200 farms in California and the state boasts 67 individual alpaca breeders (several with herd sizes in excess of 100) serving the growing industry.

By expanding the definition of "estray" livestock owners can be assured that their farm animals will be granted the protection of the existing regulations and that the law will be followed when dealing with all types of livestock animals.

Analysis Prepared by: Jim Collin / AGRI. / (916) 319-2084 FN: 0000380

Date of Hearing: May 13, 2015

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Jimmy Gomez, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1363

Author:(Salas) – As Amended Ver:March 26, 2015

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill adds "other livestock animals" to the list of animals defined as estray (which includes bovines, horses, mules, sheep, swine, and burros) when impounded or seized and the owner is unknown, and makes other technical changes to the Food and Agriculture Code.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Negligible costs to local law enforcement; likely minor and absorbable enforcement costs, if any, to the Department of Food and Agriculture.

COMMENTS:

1) Purpose. According to the author, this bill expands the definition of estray to better reflect additional domestic animals popular with California farmers and ranchers, including goats and alpacas. According to US Department of Agriculture Census on Agriculture data from 2012, California had more dairy goats than any state except Wisconsin, and California's alpaca herds have grown substantially in the past 30 years.

2) Lord Blackstone's Lost Sheep. Under English common law, an estray is any domestic animal found wandering or lost, particularly if the owner is unknown. It usually refers to domesticated animals and not pets. Under early common law, estrays were forfeited to the king or lord of the manor, and that lord or any other person taking up an estray was granted a qualified property interest in the animal. Such property interest became absolute if the owner failed to claim the animal within a time limit. If the original owner did claim the animal, he could still be liable to the finder for the reasonable costs of maintaining the animal.

Analysis Prepared by: Joel Tashjian / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 29, 2015

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Henry T. Perea, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1363

Author:(Salas) – As Amended Ver:March 26, 2015

SUBJECT: Animals: estrays: livestock animals.

SUMMARY: Adds "other livestock animals" to the list of animals defined as estray when impounded or seized and the owner is unknown, and makes technical changes.

EXISTING LAW establishes requirements for the seizure, management, and care of estrays; defines “estray” to mean any impounded or seized bovine animal, horse, mule, sheep, swine, or burro whose owner is unknown or cannot be located; requires that any animal seized by, or that comes into the possession of, an inspector pursuant to those provisions, be disposed of in accordance with specified requirements; and, makes it a misdemeanor to violate specified provisions governing the care and treatment of animals, including estrays.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown. Legislative Counsel has keyed this bill fiscal.

COMMENTS: According to the author, this bill seeks to expand the definition of what the state defines as an “estray” to better reflect additional types of domestic animals popular with California farmers, ranchers, and landowners, including but not limited to, goats and alpacas.

According to the USDA Census on Agriculture in 2012, California had a total of 43,252 dairy goats living on 1,416 individual farms, more than any other state with the exception of Wisconsin. A similar trend exists for alpacas. Since their introduction to California in 1983, alpaca ownership now extends to nearly 200 farms in California and the state boasts sixty-seven individual alpaca breeders (several with herd sizes in excess of 100) serving the growing industry.

By expanding the definition of “estray” livestock owners can be assured that their farm animals will be granted the protection of the existing regulations and that the law will be followed when dealing with all types of livestock animals.

The estray law was originally directed toward commercial livestock and animals. The committee may wish to consider if this proposed definition expansion of "estray" is too broad and should be narrowed. Limiting the definition to goats and alpacas may be sufficient to protect the commercial operations of these animals while not including domesticated animals used as pets or for non-commercial purposes. The cost of recapture and caring for these animals has been increasing, and while many non-profit shelters offer their services, there remains a cost to the state, counties and cities in the handling of such estrays. Many of these animals may not have a commercial purpose but be housed as pets or be rescued animals due to mistreatment.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

None on file

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Jim Collin / AGRI. / (916) 319-2084