The list of new and revised bills that will be effective beginning Jan. 1 is one of the less festive but essentially absorbing traditions of the new year’s observances. This year, quite a few of them relate to the animal population at large, and within that group, pet welfare is well represented.

(A full list of assembly bills is available here; great appreciation goes to Judie Mancuso, founder of Social Compassion in Legislation, for not only providing the list but also for being the force behind some of the bills becoming reality.)

The only crystal ball it takes to find out what’s in the future is the one pending in Times Square; when that baby drops, these bills become law:

AB 2445 (O’Donnell) Public health: retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits The animal community rejoiced when Gov. Brown signed this bill into law last year. Authored by Long Beach’s own Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell, the bill prevents any cat, dog or rabbit to be sold in commercial establishments unless the animal comes from a shelter or a rescue and has visible identification to prove it. A modicum of snarling and hissing from opponents, but its passage will take, if not a big bite, at least a healthy nip out of the number of baby animals born of overbred mothers in puppy mills and sold in quantity.

The animal community rejoiced when Gov. Brown signed this bill into law last year. Authored by Long Beach’s own Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell, the bill prevents any cat, dog or rabbit to be sold in commercial establishments unless the animal comes from a shelter or a rescue and has visible identification to prove it. A modicum of snarling and hissing from opponents, but its passage will take, if not a big bite, at least a healthy nip out of the number of baby animals born of overbred mothers in puppy mills and sold in quantity. AB 2774 (Limón D) Animal shelters: adoption application: crimes There’s already legislation preventing individuals convicted of animal cruelty from having anything at all to do with a pet for a limited amount of time—five years for misdemeanor (e.g., neglect) and 10 for felony (I’ll leave descriptors up to your imagination—they’re horrible). This law will give shelters and rescues permission to ask adopters whether they’re presently prevented from adopting a pet under these conditions. It’s hoped that the next step, that of checking each application against public information, is followed through.

There’s already legislation preventing individuals convicted of animal cruelty from having anything at all to do with a pet for a limited amount of time—five years for misdemeanor (e.g., neglect) and 10 for felony (I’ll leave descriptors up to your imagination—they’re horrible). This law will give shelters and rescues permission to ask adopters whether they’re presently prevented from adopting a pet under these conditions. It’s hoped that the next step, that of checking each application against public information, is followed through. AB 2300 (Maienschein R) Continuing education: veterinarians Here’s an opportunity for a lot of us who want to add to the effort of bringing spay/neuter procedures to people who can’t afford them. Every two years, vets who renew their license are required to complete 36 hours of continuing education. This bill now authorizes a renewal applicant to earn a total of six hours or less with either six hours of self-study courses or providing up to four hours of free spay/neuter services to a household with need for it. Hey, doc—a lot of us can line you up with grateful takers!

Here’s an opportunity for a lot of us who want to add to the effort of bringing spay/neuter procedures to people who can’t afford them. Every two years, vets who renew their license are required to complete 36 hours of continuing education. This bill now authorizes a renewal applicant to earn a total of six hours or less with either six hours of self-study courses or providing up to four hours of free spay/neuter services to a household with need for it. Hey, doc—a lot of us can line you up with grateful takers! AB 2274 (Quirk D) Division of community property: pet animals This is another step in the right direction for animal welfare. Pets are largely considered property where the law is concerned, but this new law puts them firmly in the category of family members, where they belong. Instead of being divvied up as community property with the Chinese rug and the vinyl collection, the court will assign either sole or joint custody for an animal and will consider the care it will receive. As per request of a party in the divorce, the bill will also authorize the court to order a party to care for the animal before the final determination.

This is another step in the right direction for animal welfare. Pets are largely considered property where the law is concerned, but this new law puts them firmly in the category of family members, where they belong. Instead of being divvied up as community property with the Chinese rug and the vinyl collection, the court will assign either sole or joint custody for an animal and will consider the care it will receive. As per request of a party in the divorce, the bill will also authorize the court to order a party to care for the animal before the final determination. AB 1776 (Steinorth R) Emergency medical transport of police dogs: pilot project K9 officers aren’t really pets, although they do go home with their human partners and often do retire as family members. These dogs unconditionally risk their own lives and are deeply mourned by fellow officers and the community at large when they lose them. Among other provisions, this bill authorizes the County of San Bernardino to work with the Inland Counties Medical Emergency Medical Agency to conduct a pilot program, beginning Jan. 1, that would train workers to speed the transport of a police dog injured in the line of duty to a trained veterinary medical facility. Data from the project and a report about how well it has met expectations is expected to be submitted by Jan. 1, 2022.

K9 officers aren’t really pets, although they do go home with their human partners and often do retire as family members. These dogs unconditionally risk their own lives and are deeply mourned by fellow officers and the community at large when they lose them. Among other provisions, this bill authorizes the County of San Bernardino to work with the Inland Counties Medical Emergency Medical Agency to conduct a pilot program, beginning Jan. 1, that would train workers to speed the transport of a police dog injured in the line of duty to a trained veterinary medical facility. Data from the project and a report about how well it has met expectations is expected to be submitted by Jan. 1, 2022. AB 2215 (Kalra D) Veterinarians: cannabis: animals Nothing prevents people old enough to go buy weed or cannabis products for themselves, so the lawmakers had to inhale deeply and then rush to bhang out some legislation that would protect both pet and vet, and develop some guidelines for a possible future of legal prescription of them. This law prohibits the loss of license or any other disciplinary action to a veterinarian who simply discusses cannabis-related treatment for their pets. However, prescribing cannabis or its derivatives for the animals is strictly verboten, and may Bast help any vet who pays or receives money from a Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act licensee. They are working on guidelines, though. Did I just write that?

Nothing prevents people old enough to go buy weed or cannabis products for themselves, so the lawmakers had to inhale deeply and then rush to bhang out some legislation that would protect both pet and vet, and develop some guidelines for a possible future of legal prescription of them. This law prohibits the loss of license or any other disciplinary action to a veterinarian who simply discusses cannabis-related treatment for their pets. However, prescribing cannabis or its derivatives for the animals is strictly verboten, and may Bast help any vet who pays or receives money from a Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act licensee. They are working on guidelines, though. Did I just write that? AB 1762 (SteinorthR) State parks: visitors: animals: dogs Visitors to state parks may bring their pets into certain areas determined by the director of Parks and Recreation, under certain condition. This bill requires the department to continually update on its website a comprehensive list of each area where pets are permitted as well as the conditions and other information.

What we can do as a community of pet lovers is spay and neuter, be sure that we can care for the animals we have, and, of course, adopt as many as our situations will support. Our hearts, of course, can hold every one. Here are a few of them ready to go home from our shelter at Long Beach Animal Care Services, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach, at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter guests):

Little Kris Kringle (ID#A614731) is but 4 months old and so wanted a home for Christmas. But his namesake, aka Mr. Claus (that’s his white glove holding the little guy), said, “Little fellow, two things: First, pets aren’t gifts like video games and sweaters, so I’m not leaving you under someone’s tree. Second, the home that will take you—or any needy pet—would be so grandly wonderful that even I can’t deliver it. That’s up to a special human.”

Happy Holidays from Mistletoe #A617932. This mellow and easygoing cuddlebug loves nothing more than to be held. She's ready to find her forever home and is adoptable from our shelter. 🐾🐱😍#LBadoptapetMistletoe's info: https://bit.ly/2QXdxfc Posted by City of Long Beach Animal Care Services on Friday, December 28, 2018

Kisses with Mistletoe (ID #A617932)? We’d say so! This pretty brindle-and-white girl was brought in as a TNR (trap/neuter/return) rescue, as you can see by her tipped ear. But it was soon discovered that she’s a cuddlebug and craves human attention. She’s 2 years old and has lots of years left!

Happy Holidays from Lola #A617526. She's been a very good girl this year and happily, is on Santa's nice list. She needs a home and is adoptable from our shelter. 🐾😃#LBadoptapetLola's Info: https://bit.ly/2rSsLmw Posted by City of Long Beach Animal Care Services on Monday, December 24, 2018

Christmas may be over, but Lola (ID #A617526) is still wearing that sweater she had on at Santa Paws’ event last week! The hefty rottie mix has been a good girl and plans to continue to be one. Can you give a good girl a good future?

Santa's little helper, Zeus #A554598, wishes everyone a very happy holiday season. This handsome pup is all about love and his Christmas wish is to find his forever home. He's adoptable from our shelter. 🐾😊#LBadoptapetZeus's info: https://bit.ly/2Crtxxc Posted by City of Long Beach Animal Care Services on Thursday, December 20, 2018

And Zeus (ID##A554598) doesn’t feel like getting out of his Christmas togs, either. Look how prettily he plays and shakes hands. Zeus is a 4-year-old male pit bull terrier, and he wants to just go home to a family as loving as he is!

Things to do, pets to support

Voucher, flea meds, and nail-trim event, sponsored by Fix Long Beach: Saturday, Jan. 12, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Ramona Park.

Low-cost flea meds and nail trims as well as vouchers for free or low-cost spay/neuter procedures will be available at this event. The spay/neuter mobile van WILL NOT be there, but Fix volunteers will scheduling for the Cat Clinic at Cherry Avenue Park on Feb. 23 and the Dog Clinic at Bixby Park on March 9. You can also PM Fix Long Beach on their Facebook page to make an appointment.

CAAAAT CLINIC! Fix Long Beach Free Spay/Neuter Clinic, sponsored by Friends of Long Beach Animals (FOLBA): Saturday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Cherry Park, 1901 E. 45th St., Long Beach, free spay/neuter for qualifying Long Beach residents; free microchips; shots, flea-med doses, dewormers and nail trimmings $10 each.

It’s the law to fix your pets in Long Beach and many Southern California cities. To add to this, cats can go into heat at 6 months old and have three litters a year, with an average of four kittens per litter. And those kittens have kittens. Who wants to do the math? Fix your cat instead! To provide this costly service to our Long Beach residents who otherwise couldn’t afford it, Fix Long Beach offers this service free of charge. Make an appointment through IM or email at [email protected];include (1) your name, (2) address, (3) phone number, (4) pet’s name, (5) age, (6) sex, (7) breed, and (8) weight. Standby available at 8:30 a.m. Vouchers are provided through Long Beach Animal Care Services (ACS) Spay/Neuter Assistance Voucher Program for pets without appointments or dogs too large to fit on the vehicle—they may be used at specified veterinary clinics. For both spay/neuter and vaccinations,all dogs must be on sturdy leashes and all cats must be in dedicated carriers

Ongoing

Adopt, adopt, adopt

The following pet-related businesses regularly feature cat, dog and rabbit adoptions. If you’re a Long Beach-area rescue and don’t see your adoption event listed here, please email [email protected].

Petco Animal Supplies, Marina Shores, 6500 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach

Unleashed by Petco, 600 Redondo Ave.

Kahoots Pet Store, 18681 Main St. #102, Huntington Beach

Zoey’s Place Rescue, fourth Saturday of each month, noon–4 p.m.

PetSmart, Long Beach Exchange, 3871 N Lakewood Blvd., Long Beach

PetSmart Signal Hill, 2550 Cherry Ave., Signal Hill

Kitty Katchers, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Stray Cat Alliance, permanent adoption center, store hours

PetSmart Cerritos, 12741 Towne Center Dr, Cerritos

The Little Lion Foundation, permanent adoption center, store hours

PetSmart Compton, 1775 South Alameda St., Compton

Zazzy Cats Kitty Rescue,permanent adoption center, store hours

Rabbit Rescue Inc., one adoptable rabbit daily, store hours

PetSmart Garden Grove, 9835 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove

The Little Lion Foundation, permanent adoption center, store hours

PetSmart Seal Beach, 12341 Seal Beach Blvd., Seal Beach.

Pet Food Express, 4220 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach:

Gelson’s Market, 6255 E. 2nd St.

Chase Bank, 5200 East Second St., Long Beach

Long Beach Shelter forgives license penalties: through Dec. 31

Merry Christmas! Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) is forgiving all past license penalties and fines for Long Beach residents. If your pet’s license has lapsed, bring it , visit: 7700 E. Spring St. Long Beach, CA 90815, call: 562-570-PETS or online at: www.longbeach.gov/acs.

Long Beach Little Paws Project needs donations

The most vulnerable animals in the public shelter system are kittens under two pounds. These fragile babies, especially those not yet eating on their own, are typically euthanized on intake at most public shelters. In an effort to change the fate of far too many kittens, two non-profit rescue organizations, The Little Lion Foundation and Helen Sanders CatPAWS, have launched a joint effort to create and operate a kitten nursery. This nursery will give kittens too young to be adopted or those who need medical care a safe place to heal and grow. Newborn kittens are fragile and vulnerable. You can tell by those photos—if you look closely, you’ll see the beautiful cat that each of them will grow to be. Please read all about them here, and please, please donate.

2019 Pet Calendars!

Deck your walls with vows to rescue! We have a growing list of calendars that feature rescued pets who’ve found great homes! Your purchase of a calendar will help each rescue continue its quest to provide the best possible world for animals! All proceeds go to the rescue, not to mention paying for the printing. These are nice calendars!

Ordering information is on the links.

Helen Sanders CatPAWS “Show Us Your Kitties” calendar

Jellicle Cats Rescue Foundation

Low-Cost Pet-Vaccination Clinics: For schedule, visit this link.

Pet owners must be 18 years or older, all pets must be on leashes or in carriers, and only healthy and non-pregnant animals will be vaccinated. Please bring prior vaccination information with you to the clinic.

Free Pet Food Distributions

Pet food is available at Beacon for Him Ministries, 439 W. Anaheim St., Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon and Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. A dog-washing station with a stainless-steel tub is also available onsite at these hours. Donations and supplies such as shampoo, flea control meds and pet food are always gratefully accepted.

The Pet Food Bank is sponsored by Christian Outreach in Action, located at 515 E. 3rd St., Long Beach. Hours are Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Pets of the Homeless provides many collection places across the country to help homeless people to feed and care for their animals. Please support them through a cash donation, or bring pet food to the Long Beach-area drop-off center, Trendi Pawz Grooming, 3726 E. 7th St., Long Beach. Access this link for resources and donation areas in SoCal and across the country.

Shelter-enrichment supplies requested for ACS’s cats, dogs and rabbits: drop-off Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., shelter side of P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach

Creamy peanut butter, yogurt, beef and chicken broth, pipe cleaners, toilet-paper and paper-towel rolls, catnip, canned pet food, wine-bottle corks (for cat toys) and ice cube trays all are needed. Donations are tax deductible.