CA AB3040

Repeals existing law on sexual assault of animals and replaces it with a broader prohibition on any sexual contact with animals, defined as acts committed for sexual arousal, gratification, abuse, or financial gain involving contact between sex organs or anus of a person and animal, or insertion into vaginal or anal openings.

Makes violation of the sexual contact prohibition a misdemeanor and requires convicted defendants granted probation to complete court-ordered counseling to evaluate and treat behavior or conduct disorders at the defendant's expense.

Authorizes law enforcement to seize animals used in the commission of the offense and requires convicted persons to reimburse the seizing agency for all costs of impoundment, housing, care, feeding, and treatment.

Adds animal sexual abuse convictions to the list of offenses resulting in a five-year (misdemeanor) or ten-year (felony) prohibition on owning, possessing, maintaining, caring for, or residing with animals, with limited exemptions for livestock owners.

Expands veterinarian reporting requirements to include reasonable cause to believe an animal has been a victim of sexual abuse, with reporting to appropriate law enforcement authorities and immunity from civil liability for good faith reports.