Sacramento, CA…Assembly Member Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) introduced AB 1881, the “Dog and Cat Bill of Rights.” The bill, sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation, promotes the health and wellbeing of and fights against cruelty toward dogs and cats. The bill does so by having seven broad clauses with the rights of dogs and cats. The clauses range from the right to be free from cruelty, the right to daily mental stimulation to the right to appropriate exercise.

“As an owner of two dogs myself, I am proud to author the Dog and Cat Bill of Rights to help our furry friends live happier, healthier lives,” said Assembly Member Santiago. “Our dogs and cats deserve to be loved, and cared for, and the Dog and Cat Bill of Rights will help inform potential adopters of the care needed to create a healthy environment for their adopted pets.”

“We are so appreciative of Assembly Member Santiago for recognizing the need to uplift the conversation around the rights our dogs and cats deserve,” said Judie Mancuso, founder and president of Social Compassion in Legislation. “Those rights go beyond just food, water, and shelter. As stated in the bill, dogs and cats have the right to be respected as sentient beings that experience complex feelings that are common among living animals while being unique to each individual. We’re thrilled to be codifying this into law.”

The bill also states dogs and cats have a right to health care, identification with microchips or other humane means, and to be spayed and neutered to prevent unwanted litters.

Assembly Member Miguel Santiago is the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization and the Assembly Select Committee on Los Angeles County Homelessness. He represents the 53rd District composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Huntington Park, and Vernon.