The League-supported bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development (BP&ED) Committee on Monday, May 14. City officials are encouraged to send support letters.

The bill’s current language was just introduced to ensure cities have the necessary resources when a wild or dangerous animal creates a public safety emergency. The issue of whether or not animal control officers may administer tranquilizers was reviewed in a Dec. 22, 2011 attorney general opinion in which  Attorney General Kamala Harris stated animal control officers are not authorized to administer a tranquillizer without contemporaneous consultation and direction from a licensed veterinarian. However, the opinion  noted that the Legislature may wish to address the problems experienced by local jurisdictions related to delayed response times and restricted access to tranquilizers. SB 1162 offers that needed solution.

A sample support letter is available on the League's website by typing “SB 1162” into the search box. Cities wishing to support SB 1162 should contact the BP&ED Committee immediately via fax at (916) 445-3105.