California Passes Livestock Trespassing Bill

Nov. 14, 2003 -- Last week, California Governor Gray Davis signed legislation that makes it a misdemeanor to trespass on lands where any animal is being housed, raised, bred, fed or held for the purpose of food for human consumption.

The bill seeks to address the potential adverse public health and economic consequences of agricultural bio-terrorist attacks. Across the nation, concern is rising over trespassers who enter lands and facilities where animals are being raised with the intent to interfere with lawful business practices and/or to damage property.

SB993 was approved by wide margins in the Assembly and Senate.

?Acts of animal or biological terrorism are a significant threat to California?s farmers and consumers,? stated Sen. Chuck Poochigian (R-Fresno), the introducer of the bill. ?I am pleased that we are taking a step forward to equip law enforcement to protect the resources and citizens of the state from such acts.?

<< Back