West OC Times

A bill urging shelter veterinarians to make notations on medical charts for injured and diseased animals, along with euthanasia criteria, was signed into law today by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The legislation was introduced by Senator Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach).

Unlike hospitals for humans, no laws exist requiring the reporting of animal injuries or treatment on medical charts. Senator Janet Nguyen introduced the bill after learning about a husky that was hit by a car and bled to death with massive injuries over a three-day period in a shelter. The dog had no pain medication or veterinarian intervention. A subsequent lawsuit revealed that the dog's medical chart was blank.

“The story of that husky is horrifying. How many other pets endure this fate in our taxpayer-funded animal shelters?” Senator Janet Nguyen said. “I had to do something about this and worked with the California Veterinarian Medical Association to ensure we got it right. Animals have no voice, so I will be their voice. Thank you to Gov. Newsom for signing this bill.”

The bill also authorizes veterinary technicians to perform various health care services and suggests that shelters create a standardized time period for assessing impounded animals.

SB 1478 is coauthored by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), and Assembly members Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach); Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel); Heath Flora (R-Ripon); Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita); and Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton).