East SBV Times

Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) has expressed disappointment that her bill, Senate Bill 89, did not advance from the Assembly Public Safety Committee. Despite support from two Republicans, all Democrats abstained from voting, leading to the bill's defeat.

SB 89 aimed to update California's anti-stalking law to offer improved protections for stalking victims and their pets. Initially, the Assembly Public Safety Committee had agreed to collaborate with Senator Ochoa Bogh under the leadership of Assemblymember Jones Sawyer. However, discussions stalled when Assemblymember McCarty became committee Chairman.

“California's current law does not acknowledge the significant impact that threats or injuries to beloved pets have on stalking victims. By failing to update our state stalking statute, we leave victims and their innocent pets vulnerable to stalking threats and attacks,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “It baffles me that even with new committee membership, the committee couldn't take action to protect our beloved pets.”

Stalking poses a significant threat to the emotional and physical well-being of victims and their pets. Stalkers often target pets as a means to intimidate or harass their victims. An estimated one in three women (31.2%) and one in six men (16.1%) in the United States report enduring stalking at some point in their lives. Additionally, one in 15 women (8.6 million) and one in 24 men (4.8 million) report being stalked within the last 12 months.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, perpetrators of stalking tend to damage their victim’s property, including pets, as a form of manipulation. A National Crime Victimization Survey estimated that four in ten stalkers threaten a “victim or the victim’s family, friends, co-workers, or family pet,” with 87,020 threats reported against pets.

SB 89 proposed making it a "wobbler" offense—chargeable as either a misdemeanor or felony—for engaging in conduct intended to harm or intimidate another person or their pets. The bill sought to align protections for animals with those available for immediate family members.

Senator Ochoa Bogh remains committed to advocating for the safety of stalking victims and their pets and will continue efforts toward updating California's anti-stalking laws.

Organizations supporting SB 89 include:

- American Association of University Women

- California American Association of University Women

- San Jose American Kennel Club, INC.

- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

- California District Attorneys Association

- California Police Chiefs Association

- Crime Victims Alliance

- Crime Victims United

- Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

- Peace Officers Research Association of California

- Riverside County District Attorney

- Social Compassion in Legislation