Animals: microchips.

Existing law prohibits a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group from releasing a dog or cat to an owner seeking to reclaim it, or adopting out, selling, or giving away a dog or cat to a new owner, unless the dog or cat is or will be microchipped, as specified. Existing law subjects an agency, shelter, or group that violates these provisions on or after January 1, 2022, to a civil penalty of $100, except as specified. This bill would additionally require the owner or new owner of the dog or cat to be registered with the microchip registry company as the primary owner of the dog or cat. The bill would prohibit the agency, shelter, or group from being listed as the primary owner of the dog or cat. If a dog or cat has a preexisting microchip or if there is reasonable proof of ownership, the bill would also require an agency, shelter, or group to document and retain a record of all efforts made to contact a microchip's primary registrant or other demonstrated owner. The bill would expressly provide that a dog or cat that is temporarily housed under an emergency evacuation order is not subject to these provisions. The bill would also make a conforming change.