(a) Every person who feloniously steals, takes, or carries away a companion animal of another which is of a value exceeding nine hundred fifty dollars ($950) is guilty of grand theft.

(b) (1) For purposes of this section, “companion animal” means an animal, including, but not limited to, a dog or a cat that a person keeps and provides care for as a household pet or otherwise for the purpose of companionship, emotional support, service, or protection.

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(2) For purposes of this section, “companion animal” excludes feral animals, including, but not limited to, feral cats as defined in § 31752.5 of the Food and Agricultural Code.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 546, Sec. 1. (AB 1290) Effective January 1, 2023.)