Legislation to protect wild animals passes state Assembly

Assembly Bill 820, introduced by Assemblywoman Audra Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks), unanimously passed the state Assembly recently. Strickland’s legislation will implement strict reporting requirements for exotic animal owners and require the Department of Fish and Game to establish guidelines for the safe recapture of wild animals—outlining when lethal force can be used.

“I am pleased that Assembly Bill 820 passed the state Assembly without any opposition,” said Strickland. “This legislation will help protect our community and California’s wildlife.” The Animal Protection Institute, a national animal advocacy organization, worked with Strickland to sponsor this legislation.

The bill will now be considered by the state Senate. The Moorpark tiger incident highlighted the problems with current exotic animal regulations. Before introducing the bill, Strickland gathered the Department of Fish and Game, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, and local city officials to address the inadequacies in state law.