By Basant El-Faramawy
California Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher has introduced legislation dubbed "Dunkin's Law" to strengthen accountability for pet boarding and training facilities after a series of high-profile animal welfare cases. The bill would expand the state's Animal Welfare Act to classify companion animals as "sentient beings" and allow owners to pursue legal action for damages when pets are harmed or killed at covered facilities.
Two Cases Prompt Legislative Action
Gallagher cited two incidents that spurred the legislation. In June, Humboldt County investigators uncovered mass burial sites at a Northern California animal rescue facility, recovering intact remains of 117 dogs and other skeletal remains. Preliminary examinations showed evidence of gunshot wounds on some animals. Sheriff William F. Honsal confirmed the investigation remains ongoing and called the findings "deeply disturbing."
The second case occurred in August when DJ Andrew Fedyk and his wife, Madeleine White Fedyk, reported their Bernese mountain dog Dunkin died at a board-and-train facility in Los Angeles operated by trainer Jeff Todd. The couple, who have a combined 2.5 million social media followers, said Todd told them the dogs had been playing outside during a heat wave and Dunkin died en route to another facility after showing signs of heat exhaustion. They allege Todd did not take the dog to a veterinarian.
Bill Seeks Legal Recourse for Pet Owners
"There needs to be greater protections and teeth when something like this happens," Gallagher told NBC News. The legislation aims to give pet owners a path to seek justice while strengthening accountability for unlawful euthanasia at rescues and shelters. Fedyk said the couple learned "the law treats him like furniture" when they explored legal options after Dunkin's death.
Los Angeles Animal Services and police are investigating the incident involving Dunkin. Todd has declined to comment on the case. Gallagher said he hopes the bill creates strong enough disincentives that "these guys really up their game and we don't have bad actors."
