Crimes: animal cruelty.

Existing law prohibits a person from owning, possessing, keeping, or training a bird or other animal with the intent that it be used or engaged by themself, their vendee, or by any other person in an exhibition of fighting. Existing law authorizes a court, after a violation of that crime, to order all birds owned, possessed, kept, or trained in violation of that crime by the defendant to be forfeited and humanely disposed of. This bill would make the possession of a specified number of roosters, as defined, prima facie evidence of a violation of that crime, subject to specified exceptions. By expanding the scope of 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.