AB 2344, authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney, would create a public animal abuse registry to help shelters, rescues, law enforcement, and the public identify convicted felony animal abusers and better protect animals from repeat cruelty.
March 25, 2026 - SACRAMENTO, CA — On Tuesday, Assemblymember Matt Haney (D–San Francisco) introduced AB 2344, a bill to create a California Animal Abuse Registry for adults convicted of felony animal abuse. The bill would require those offenders to register for 10 years and would direct the California Department of Justice to create a public website by Jan. 1, 2028, so shelters, rescues and the public can better protect animals from repeat abuse.
AB 2344 would require people convicted of felony animal abuse in California to register with local law enforcement for 10 years. The registry would collect identifying information including the offender’s name, photograph, and conviction details. The California Department of Justice would then make certain information publicly available through an online website intended to help protect animals and improve community safety.
“Animals are completely dependent on us for care and protection, and when that trust is shattered through abuse, we have a moral obligation to act,” said Assemblymember Haney. “Animal cruelty is unacceptable. By giving shelters, rescues, and the public a tool to prevent repeat cruelty, the registry will help protect vulnerable animals and ensure California leads with both compassion and common sense.”
AB 2344 builds on earlier efforts to establish an animal abuse registry in California and reflects growing recognition that severe cruelty should carry lasting consequences. A registry would help better identify people with a history of serious abuse and make it harder for repeat offenders to slip through the cracks.
“More than a decade ago, Social Compassion in Legislation sponsored legislation to create a statewide animal abuse registry because we knew transparency and accountability are essential tools in preventing cruelty. While that effort fell short at the time, we are proud to try again. California should be a leader in protecting animals and communities by joining Tennessee and Florida which have already implemented their registries," said Judie Mancuso, Founder and President, Social Compassion in Legislation. "Together we can help ensure that those convicted of felony animal abuse are properly tracked and that animals are better protected from repeat offenders."
AB 2344 also creates an Animal Protection Fund to help support the registry and local spay-and-neuter programs.
“Too often, animals are treated like property after they’ve been tortured, neglected, or killed,” Haney said. “AB 2344 says clearly that if you commit felony animal abuse, there will be lasting consequences. We have a responsibility to protect vulnerable animals and help prevent repeat cruelty before more harm is done.”
AB 2344 will be heard in the Assembly Public Safety Committee in the coming weeks.
Animal Abuse in Mariposa Counnty credit: Mariposa County Sheriff's Office
Source: Assemblymember Matt Haney
