Most people don't realize that California already has strong animal protection laws on the books—the problem is that enforcement is inconsistent. Overlapping jurisdictions, limited resources, and outdated systems mean that existing laws often don't translate into real protection for animals.

What is AWEI?

The Animal Welfare Enforcement Initiative (AWEI) works to close this gap by focusing on three core areas:

• Policy development – Crafting practical recommendations to improve how animal protection laws are actually enforced.
• Research – Studying what works in enforcement and exploring new tools, models, and technologies.
• Public awareness – Helping people understand why enforcement matters and building support for reform.

Current Work

AWEI is already putting these ideas into practice. We've drafted legislation to create a Bureau of Animal Protection within the California Department of Justice and are developing a modernized regulatory framework to strengthen enforcement statewide. The goal is to build a model that can ultimately guide reform across the country.

How Contributions Help

Your donations directly support the research and policy development already underway. They also provide seed funding for media projects that raise public awareness about enforcement gaps and will help AWEI bring on dedicated leadership as the organization grows, including an Executive Director to expand and sustain our impact.

If you're interested in supporting this effort, any contribution would be deeply appreciated. Monthly donations are especially valuable—they provide the predictable funding needed to plan long-term projects and build sustainable capacity for this work.

This is often detailed, behind-the-scenes work, but it's foundational to creating lasting, systemic change in how animal protection laws are enforced.

AWEI is fiscally sponsored by Chappy & Friends, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.