CA AB2012

Revises Penal Code Section 597 to restructure penalties for animal cruelty offenses, making violations punishable as either a felony (state prison) or misdemeanor (county jail for up to one year), with fines up to $20,000 or both fine and imprisonment

Applies enhanced penalties specifically to malicious and intentional maiming, mutilating, torturing, or wounding of protected species including endangered species, fully protected birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish as defined in Fish and Game Code

Requires courts to order convicted animal abusers on probation to complete counseling for behavior or conduct disorders, with costs borne by defendant unless they meet medical necessity criteria for county mental health services or Medi-Cal

Mandates forfeiture of animals seized in cruelty cases and makes convicted offenders liable for all impoundment costs from seizure through disposition

Contains a declaration that no state reimbursement is required to local agencies for implementing the penalty changes under California constitutional provisions