Seizure of Animals (H 5433, S 465)

The ACLU expressed concerns about the breadth of this legislation, which allows representatives of the RISPCA, a private organization, to seize animals if they appeared to be “aged,” “disabled,” or “sick,” without any requirement of exigent circumstances. This provision is a significant violation of the Fourth Amendment’s guarantee against unreasonable searches and seizures, and we urged the committee reject the legislation. Despite ACLU objections, the bill passed both the House and the Senate. The ACLU, along with a number of other groups, submitted a veto letter to the Governor, but the bill was unfortunately signed.