State Assemblywoman Audra Strickland’s (R-Thousand Oaks) “tiger” legislation has unanimously passed the state Assembly and will now go before Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for his signature. Assembly Bill 820 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, specifically outlining when lethal force can be used.

“I urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to improve public safety and protect California’s exotic animals by signing Assembly Bill 820,” said Strickland. “This legislation is needed to address gross inadequacies in current law.” Working with Assemblywoman Strickland as a sponsor of this legislation is the Animal Protection Institute, a national animal advocacy organization.

Coauthored by Assemblyman Ed Chavez (D-Industry) and Assemblyman Lloyd Levine (D-Van Nuys), Assembly Bill 820 was introduced following the Moorpark tiger incident in February of this year, when that a 350-pound tiger roamed the hills and back country of Ventura County before being shot by wildlife officials.

“The Moorpark tiger incident highlighted the problems with current exotic animal regulations,” said Strickland. “Assembly Bill 820 will give law enforcement and wildlife officials the re

sources to protect both the public and wild animals.” Matisse