Dog licensing: microchip implants.

Existing law requires that dogs that attain the age of 4 months be licensed and wear a collar to which an identification or license tag is attached. A dog that is found running at large without the identification tag or dog license tag may be seized and impounded by any peace officer. Existing law requires the owner of the dog that has been impounded to pay a fee to reclaim the dog. Existing law also prohibits any public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group from selling or giving away to a new owner any dog or cat that has not been spayed or neutered. A violation of these provisions is either an infraction or a misdemeanor, as specified. This bill would prohibit any public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group from releasing to an owner seeking to reclaim his or her dog or cat, or selling or giving away to a new owner, a dog or cat that has not been microchipped, except under a specified circumstance. Because a violation of these provisions would be a crime, the 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 a specified reason.