AB 1526 - Cotie's Law

• Requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to grant the Wildlife Center, a nonprofit animal shelter in San Diego County, a permit to operate for at least 5 years upon inspection and approval of the facility.

• Designates the Department of Food and Agriculture as the sole state licensing agency for the Wildlife Center and authorizes the department to charge fees for initial permits, renewals, and inspections to cover departmental costs.

• Requires the Department of Fish and Game to release the remains of Cotie, a dog/coyote hybrid confiscated by the department, to the Wildlife Center upon request.

• Declares that a special law is necessary for the Wildlife Center due to unique circumstances and that a general statute cannot be made applicable.

• Provides that no state reimbursement is required because any costs incurred by local agencies or school districts result from the bill's creation of new crimes or infractions.