Assembly Bill 820, introduced by state Assemblywoman Audra Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks), has unanimously passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee, overcoming the first major obstacle to becoming law. Strickland’s legislation will implement strict reporting requirements for exotic animal owners and require the Department of Fish and Game to have a written policy for capturing loose animals. 

"The current reporting requirements for exotic animals are grossly inadequate," said Strickland. "Assembly Bill 820 forces exotic animal owners to immediately report when these large predatory animals are missing."

In addition to immediate reporting requirements for missing animals, Strickland’s legislation would require the Department of Fish and Game to establish guidelines for the safe recapture of wild animals. Working with Strickland as a sponsor of this legislation is the Animal Protection Institute, a national animal advocacy organization.

"Assemblywoman Strickland’s legislation is absolutely necessary to ensure the proper treatment of these exotic animals," said Nicole Paquette, director of governmental affairs for the Animal Protection Institute. "Strickland’s legislation will hold irresponsible owners accountable for the inhumane treatment of exotic animals."

The Moorpark tiger incident highlighted the problems with current exotic animal regulations. Before introducing Assembly Bill 820, Strickland gathered the Department of Fish and Game, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, and local city officials to address the inadequacies in state law.