A new California bill seeks to legalize mouth-to-snout resuscitation for any endangered pet dog or cat, a practice that is currently a misdemeanor for anyone except a licensed veterinarian.
Senate Bill 1305 was introduced by state Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, on Friday. Co-authored by a bipartisan group of Assembly members, the concept for SB 1305 was suggested to Glazer by San Ramon Valley veterinarian Jay Kerr, who wrote that “most first responders WANT to provide Emergency Medical Services to the dogs and cats they encounter in emergencies.”
Liability issues and the possibility of prosecution are among reasons for the illegality of these life-saving efforts.
The current fine for unlawful mouth-to-snout emergency care in California can be anywhere from $500 to $2,000, up to one year in county jail or a combination of fines and jail time.