Update: This bill passed both the Assembly and Senate but, shockingly, the Governor vetoed it.
Bill Description: “Wildlife control operators” are individuals or businesses hired to deal with wildlife conflicts between humans and animals. In situations where the animals must be killed, the animals captured in traps by these individuals could be killed only by methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association panel on euthanasia. A 449 only affects those who are hired to trap furbearing and non-game mammals and who are already required to be licensed as trappers by the Department of Fish and Game.
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Under existing law, there are no requirements regarding how trapped animals are killed. Existing law stipulates that trapped animals must be released on the same property (which is usually not possible) or euthanized. However, there are no specific standards for euthanasia. Although some wildlife control operators employ lethal methods sanctioned by the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are reports of some operators who kill trapped animals with cruel and inhumane measures (e.g., drowning, injecting with acetone, and strangulation). This bill will help to ensure a more humane death for those animals who must be put to death.