Abused animals: advocates.

Existing law proscribes various forms of animal abuse and neglect and imposes criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for a violation of those laws. Existing law defines an animal for purposes of those laws. This bill would authorize a court, upon its own motion or upon request of a party or counsel for a party, to appoint an advocate to represent the interests of an animal that is the subject of criminal proceedings relating to animal abuse or neglect, as specified. The bill would delineate the duties and authority of the advocate and prescribe the procedures for appointing an advocate. The bill would require the court clerk to maintain a list of attorneys and certified law students who have indicated a willingness to serve as advocates and specify the eligibility criteria. These provisions would apply to cases arising from arrests made on or after January 1, 2021.