Newsom signs animal shelter medical records bill into law  

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

Unlike hospitals for humans, no laws exist requiring the reporting on medical charts of animal injuries or treatment. 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. He 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 Governor Newsom for signing this bill.”

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

SB 1478 is coauthored by Senator Josh Newman and Assembly members Diane Dixon; Laurie Davies; Heath Flora); Kate Sanchez; and Sharon Quirk-Silva.

About Senator Janet Nguyen
Senator Janet Nguyen returns to the California State Senate, representing the 36th Senate District covering Orange County. More recently, Senator Nguyen served in the California State Assembly from 2020-2022 and in the California State Senate from 2014-2018.