Stray animals: ownership.

Existing law provides that an involuntary deposit is made by the delivery to, picking up by, or holding of, a stray live animal by any person or entity. Under existing law, any person or private entity with whom a live animal is involuntarily deposited must immediately notify animal control officials for the purpose of retrieving the animal, as specified. This bill would instead provide that when a person or private entity finds a stray live animal, the finder must immediately notify the owner if the owner's identity is reasonably ascertainable. The bill would require the finder to promptly bring the animal to an animal control agency or humane society for inspection if the finder cannot notify the owner. If the agency cannot identify the animal's owner and the finder wishes to become the animal's owner, the bill would permit the finder to retain possession of the animal for 14 days, after which legal title would vest in the finder unless the animal's owner has notified the agency or finder of his or her intent to reclaim the animal. The bill would require a finder to microchip, vaccinate, and spay or neuter the animal within 14 days of receiving legal title, with certain exceptions, and would make a finder's failure to comply with this provision an infraction punishable by a fine of $250. The bill also would permit the prior owner to file a petition to regain ownership of the animal within 6 months of legal title having vested in the finder, and would require the superior court to hold a hearing at which the prior owner could regain ownership if he or she demonstrates good cause, as defined, for failing to claim ownership during the initial 14-day holding period. By increasing the duties of local animal control agencies and humane societies and by creating a new infraction, this bill would impose 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 specified reasons.