CA SB921

Expands Penal Code Section 597 to make it a crime to abuse or subject a living animal to needless suffering, in addition to existing prohibitions on maiming, mutilating, torturing, or wounding animals.

Establishes that animal handling and husbandry practices widely regarded as routine and acceptable within relevant industries, including rodeo and rodeo-related events, are presumed not to constitute mistreatment.

Exempts from animal welfare laws acts authorized by wildlife agency permits for conservation research, traditional methods of animal testing for medical research, and certain cosmetic testing conducted under federal or state regulatory requirements.

Adds legislative intent statement clarifying the law targets individuals who affirmatively harm animals or are criminally negligent in their care, and does not impair professions that necessarily involve animal interactions.

Specifies that no state reimbursement to local agencies or school districts is required under the California Constitution because any costs result from changes to crime definitions or penalties under existing law.