On April 1, the first day of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, Governor Inslee signed into law HB 2644, which helps animals seized during a cruelty case investigation, and holds pet owners responsible for the cost of care if their animals are seized due to cruelty or neglect.  The goal is to minimize the amount of time animals have to stay in the shelter to (1) help maintain their ability to be adopted and (2) reduce the cost incurred by the shelter housing the animals.  The new law requires an owner to post a bond for the cost of the care of seized animals within 15 calendar days.