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Bill

A 2555

Establishes a civil remedy for the protection of animals denied proper care

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino and 25 co-sponsors

A2555 creates a private civil remedy to stop animal neglect, letting individuals sue for relief when animals are not provided proper care.

REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
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Bill Summary · A 2555

Summary of Assembly Bill A2555 (2025)

Overview

  • Bill Number: A 2555
  • Title: Establishes a civil remedy for the protection of animals denied proper care
  • Status: Print Number 2555A (amended version)
  • Introduced: January 17, 2025
  • Primary Committee: Agriculture
  • Related companion bills: S 3073 (Senate), A 9215 (prior-session), S 8543 (prior-session)

What the bill would do

  • The bill proposes to establish a civil remedy to protect animals from being denied proper care. In practical terms, it would authorize a private civil action related to animal welfare violations, creating a legal pathway for individuals or entities to seek relief when an animal is not receiving proper care.
  • The exact definitions (e.g., what constitutes “proper care,” who may bring suit, and what remedies are available) are not provided in the accessible summary content. The full text would specify standards, enforceable duties, and the scope of liability.

Key provisions (subject to text in the bill)

  • Creation of a civil cause of action or comparable remedy to address neglect or denial of proper care to animals.
  • Potential remedies to be determined by the bill text, which could include injunctive relief, damages, attorney’s fees, or other civil relief.
  • Possible roles for state agencies or local authorities in enforcement, inspection, or enforcement coordination (consistent with agriculture-related animal welfare oversight).
  • Procedures for bringing a claim, standards of proof, and any exemptions or defenses would be defined in the enacted text.

Note: The specific statutory language, definitions, remedies, and enforcement mechanisms will be found in the final enacted text of A2555A.

Who would be affected

  • Animals at risk of improper care and their guardians or owners.
  • Animal welfare advocates, shelters, rescues, and veterinarians who may be involved in reporting or assessing cases.
  • Private individuals who may bring civil actions under the new remedy.
  • State and local agencies involved in agriculture and animal welfare oversight.

Legislative history and timeline

  • 2025-01-17: Referred to Agriculture
  • 2025-06-04: Amendments and Recommit to Agriculture; Print Number updated to 2555A
  • The bill has a Senate companion (S 3073) and related prior-session bills (S 8543, A 9215).

Sponsors

  • Primary sponsor: John T. McDonald III
  • Co-sponsors:
    • Angelo Santabarbara
    • Billy Jones
    • Deborah Glick
    • Maritza Davila
    • Karl Brabenec
    • Phil Steck
    • Marianne Buttenschon
    • Joe Angelino
    • Anna Kelles

Next steps and what to watch

  • Monitor committee action in Agriculture for consideration, potential amendments, and progression toward floor votes.
  • Compare with its Senate companion S 3073 for alignment on provisions and timeline.
  • Review the final enacted text (A2555A) for precise definitions, remedies, and enforcement details.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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