June 20, 2022
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Legislative Policy Committee (April 26, 2022)
FROM: Department of Public Health
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN SUPPORT LETTER FOR CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY BILL 2723 (HOLDEN) - ANIMALS:
MICROCHIPS
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Find that the proposed action is categorically not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 21065 of CEQA and Sections 15060 (c)(2), 15060 (c)(3), and 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines and, as such, no environmental document pursuant to CEQA is required;
2. Take a position of support of California Assembly Bill 2723 to provide greater consumer protections to assist in the reclamation of lost pet dogs and cats that are microchipped and creates improved standards for the microchipping of animals adopted out by public animal control agencies/shelters and rescue groups; and
3. Authorize the Mayor to send letters to the appropriate authorities stating the City's position.
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
At its April 26, 2022 meeting, the Legislative Policy Committee recommended the City Council approve a support position for California Assembly Bill 2723 - Animals:
Microchips.
BACKGROUND:
California Assembly Bill 2723 intends to increase the likelihood of lost animals being returned to their owners. The legislation builds upon and updates current microchipping MEETING OF 06/201.1.L. AGENDA ITEM NO. __ 1_7 __ _
Authorize Mayor to Sign Support Letter for Assembly Bill 2723 June 20, 2022
protocols generally used by animal shelters, rescue groups, and nonprofits to ensure pet ownership information is updated with microchipping companies upon the adoption, sale, giving away, or other transfer of ownership.
The bill includes language that:
• Requires a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group, to provide information on the transference of ownership, including microchip company information, the microchip number and any other relevant identifiers, and any other information needed for an owner or new owner to register themselves as the microchip's primary contact, as applicable.
• Specifies that when a pet has a preexisting microchip or there is reasonable proof of ownership, the agency, shelter or group shall document and retain a record of all efforts made to contact the microchip's primary registrant or other demonstrated owner for at least two years.
• Clarifies that an agency, shelter or group that does not have microchipping capability on location must make a good faith effort to maintain a list of local and regional free or discounted services rather than locate available services.
The Pasadena Public Health Department manages the City's contract with the Pasadena Humane Society (PHS) and consulted with PHS on any impacts to both the shelter's operation and the broader community should the bill be enacted. PHS supports the bill in its current form as amended on April 20, 2022.
COUNCIL POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Support of a legislative bill supporting animal welfare guides advocacy strategies for legislative priorities supported by the City of Pasadena and supports the City Council goals of promoting public safety and quality of life.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
The action proposed herein is not a project subject to CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Section 21065 and State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060 (c)(2), 15060 (c)(3), and 15378. The approval of a legislative platform to support a focused advocacy strategy does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. Therefore, the proposed action is not a "project" subject to CEQA, as defined in Section 21065 of CEQA and Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines. Since the action is not a project subject to CEQA, no environmental document is required.
Authorize Mayor to Sign Support Letter for Assembly Bill 2723 June 20, 2022
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no financial impacts for the proposed actions.
Approved by:
Interim City Manager
Respectfully submitted,
YING-YING GOH, MD, MSHS
Director of Public Health & Health Officer
Department of Public Health