2009 California Animal legislation as of July 10, 2009, compiled by Paw Pac, California’s Political Action Committee for Animals.

** For copies of bills: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov. You can subscribe for updates.
** All legislators’ and Governor’s address: State Capitol Bldg., Sacramento 95814. Directory: 916-322-9900.
** To find the names of your Assembly Member and Senator: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
** E-mail addresses follow a formula. Examples: assemblymember.huffman@assembly.ca.gov. or, senator.pavley@sen.ca.gov. Letters, including hand written, by regular mail are always preferable to e-mail.
** Paw PAC 2008 California Voting Chart: http://www.pawpac.org.
** Compiled by: Virginia Handley
** Paw Pac: P.O. Box 475012, San Francisco, CA 94147; 415-646-0622

If you like or dislike any of these laws, write your legislators and the governor and tell them how you feel about it.

Kitten by Bogue

ASSEMBLY BILLS
AB 241 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava re: Dog and Cat Breeders. SUPPORT.
Limits the number of unsterilized dogs and cats used for sale or breeding to a total of 50 and allows law enforcement officers to take possession of animals in violation if necessary to protect the health/safety of animals or humans. To Be Heard: Senate Public Safety. July 14. Write: Tell the legislators that cat and puppy mills are a source of pet overpopulation and cause suffering to animals who are commonly overcrowded and overbred.

AB 242 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava re: Dog Fighting. SUPPORT.
Increases the penalties for spectators at dog fights to up to a year in the county jail and a fine of up to $5,000. To Be Heard: Senate Public Safety. July 14. Write: Tell the legislators that spectators, who are often participants who claim to be spectators, contribute to the illegality and cruelty of dog fighting.

AB 243 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava re: Animal Abuse. SUPPORT.
Mandates the court to prohibit people convicted of animal abuse as part of their probation from residing with or owning/caring for any animals. To Be Heard: Senate Public Safety. July 14. Write: Tell the legislators that animal abusers, like child abusers, repeat their crimes.

AB 708 by Assemblyman Jared Huffman re: Poaching.
Establishes minimum fine of $5,000 and maximum fine of $40,000 for killing, possessing, or selling illegally killed wildlife. Increases jail time and authorizes Fish & Game to suspend/revoke hunting/fishing license. To Be Heard: Senate Appropriations. Write: Tell the legislators that poachers consider fines, unless significant, part of the cost of doing business.

AB 979 by Assemblyman Tom Berryhill re: Hunting/Fishing. OPPOSE.
Declares that the Fish & Game Commission and the Department are the only ones who can regulate hunting/fishing thereby prohibiting any local ordinances. To Be Heard: Senate Appropriations. Write: Tell the legislators that AB 979 is a blatant power grab by hunters to gain access to land whether locals want it or not.

AB 1122 by Assemblyman Ted Lieu re: Animal Sales. SUPPORT.
Prohibits the sale of animals on any street, highway, parking lot, or carnival. Exempts county/state fairs, dog/cat shows, 4-H events and shelters/rescue groups adopting out animals. Amended to no longer prohibit animal sales at flea markets/swap meets. To Be Heard: Senate Appropriations. Write: Tell the legislators that puppies, smuggled in from Mexico and sold on roadsides, are of particular concern who are often neglected and sick.

AB 1423 by Assemblyman Tom Berryhill re: Hunting Clubs. OPPOSE.
Provides incentives for private land owners to open their land for hunting through SHARE (Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement), such as lowering/exempting hunting club fees, raising the penalty from infraction to misdemeanor for trespassing or interfering with hunting, including hunting dog training, and removing the existing requirement that there be “sufficient interest” before the SHARE program is implemented. To Be Heard: Senate Appropriations. Write: Tell the legislators that because there are less hunters, hunting organizations want more power and more access to private property to encourage more hunting.

AB 1437 by Assemblyman Jared Huffman re: Hens. SUPPORT.
Prohibits the importation of eggs that come from factory farms not in compliance with California law going into effect in 2015 (hens must be able to spread their wings). To Be Heard: Senate Health. July 15. Write: Tell the legislators that AB 1437 protects animals from inhumane, overcrowded conditions and protects the health of California consumers.

AB 1442 by Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife Committee re: Wildlife. OPPOSE.
Requires the Wildlife Conservation Board and the Fish & Game Department to prioritize areas they most want access to for hunting/fishing. If the Board leases property to a nonprofit organization, they must allow hunting. AB 1442 allows prizes and inducements over $500 for killing any “game species.” Prohibits anyone from removing a hunting dogs collar. To Be Heard: Senate Appropriations. July 13. Write: Tell the legislators that AB 1442 is another blatant attempt by hunters to control our wildlife, their habitat with the help of the Wildlife Conservation Board and Fish & Game Department. Offering prizes for killing “game species” is an effort to recruit and reward hunters. Unlike “fishing derbies” which are catch/release, there is no release with hunting.

ACA 11 by Assemblyman Bill Berryhill re: Hunting. OPPOSE.
Amends the Constitution to declare “the right to hunt and take game.” Neither the Legislature nor the Fish & Game Commission can prohibit it. ACA 11 requires the State to encourage public and private property to provide hunting opportunities. To Be Heard: Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife. Write: Tell the legislators that ACA 11 is another attempt by hunters to control wildlife, the Legislature and the Commission.  Wildlife “belong” to all the people in California, not the 1% who are hunters.

ACA 13 by Assemblyman Ed Hernandez re: Initiatives. OPPOSE.
A Constitutional Amendment to require any initiative to first go through the Legislature where it can be amended. If proponents disagree with the amendments, they must gather more signatures until they reach 10% of the number of voters who voted in the last election for Governor. (Currently, proponents must gather 5% to be put on the ballot.) If they agree with the amendments the proposal passes as a bill, not an initiative. To Be Heard: Assembly Appropriations. Write: Tell the legislators that ACA 13 will impede citizen initiatives. Citizens go to the initiative process because the Legislature fails to act. Under ACA 13, Proposition 2 on farm animals, which passed by 63%, would have had a more difficult time getting on the ballot.

ACR 74 by Assemblyman Tony Portantino re: Animal Shelters.
A resolution, not a law, to encourage shelters to have programs of low cost  or free spay/neuter, foster care, evening/weekend/offsite adoptions, medical/behavioral rehabilitation, and trap/neuter/release of feral cats. ACR 74 urges shelters to “embrace the philosophy of the No Kill movement.” To Be Heard: Assembly Business & Professions. Write: Tell the legislators that shelters should be encouraged to eliminate/minimize the killing of animals regardless of whether or not they call themselves “No Kill.” Shelters should not be attacked for having the terrible job of having to kill animals in overcrowded facilities.

Buck deer by Mike Gordon, Walnut Creek, CA

SENATE BILLS
SB 135 by Senator Dean Florez re: Tail Docking of Cattle. SUPPORT.
Amends existing law prohibiting tail docking of horses to include dairy cows. Allows  docking for medical reasons but was amended to no longer require it be done by a vet. To Be Heard: Assembly Appropriations. Write: Tell the legislators that tail docking is a painful and unnecessary mutilation. Cows need their tails to protect them from flies.

SB 250 by Senator Dean Florez re: Spay/Neuter. SUPPORT.
Requires owners/custodians of dogs to spay/neuter them unless they have an unaltered dog license. Prohibits anyone who owns/keeps/harbors unspayed/unneutered cats from “roaming free.” To Be Heard: Assembly Appropriations. July 15. Write: Tell the legislators that unaltered dogs/cats cause overpopulation resulting in their deaths and increasing animal control costs.

SB 318 by Senator Ron Calderon re: Dogfighting Forfeitures. SUPPORT.
Authorizes the forfeiture of assets acquired by dogfighting participants, organizers, trainers,  and property owners who knowingly allow their premises to be used for dogfighting and those who steal animals for use as bait for dog fight training. To Be Heard: Assembly Floor. Write: Tell the legislators that forfeitures for dog fighting are needed to enhance enforcement and penalties for a cruel and illegal activity.

Bobcat by Brian Murphy, Walnut Creek, CA

SB 428 by Senator Christine Kehoe re: Seals. SUPPORT.
Declares a beach park in San Diego to also be a marine mammal park, thus allowing seals to use the beach. They are in danger of being evicted. The City Council may vote for this alternative if SB 428 passes. To Be Heard: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Write: Tell the Governor the beach provides historical and needed habitat for the seals while educating the public who want to protect them.

SB 448 by Senator Fran Pavley re: Safe Harbor Program. SUPPORT.
Establishes a program to encourage landowners to conserve their land to benefit endangered and threatened wildlife. To Be Heard: Assembly Appropriations. July 15. Write: Tell the legislators that endangered and threatened wildlife depend on private land for habitat.

PASSED BILLS
SB 609 by Senator Dennis Hollingsworth re: Alligators/Crocodiles. OPPOSED.
Amends existing law to postpone a 2010 ban on the importation of alligator/crocodile products until 2015.

SB 762 by Senator Sam Aanestad re: De-Clawing. OPPOSED.
Prohibits local ordinances affecting “healing arts” such as veterinarians. The Cal Vet Assn wants no more local cat de-clawing bans such as the one passed in West Hollywood.

Wild turkeys by Joe Oliver, Walnut Creek, CA

INACTIVE BILLS
Inactive bills were defeated or dropped for 2009, but may be pursued in 2010.

AB 233 by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth re: Pet Adoption. SUPPORT.
Would have allowed deduction of pet adoption costs up to $100 on state income taxes when adopted from shelters and rescue groups.

AB 1224 by Assemblyman Mike Eng: Hit & Run. SUPPORT.
Would have required motorists who hit pets or livestock to attempt to help them and report it to authorities, such as police or animal control

SB 416 by Senator Dean Florez re: Antibiotics. SUPPORT.
Would have encouraged schools to not serve poultry and meat products treated with antibiotics starting 2012.

SB 536 by Senator Dennis Hollingsworth re: Hunting Clubs. OPPOSE.
Would have removed restrictions and fees on hunting clubs.

SB 753 by Senator Gil Cedillo re: Kangaroos. OPPOSE.
Would have allowed importation of kangaroo products repealing any restrictions put into the law last year.

Buck deer by Mike Gordon, Walnut Creek, CA

BUDGET STUFF
Animal Shelters Holding Periods. OPPOSE.
Suspends current law for a year, by lowering the minimum holding period from 6 or 4 days (current law provides it’s 4 days if open one night or weekend day) to 72 hours in order to reduce state mandated funding (several million dollars a year). Write: Governor Schwarzenegger. Tell him to do all he can to assist the shelters in keeping and adopting out animals.

State Parks. OPPOSE.
Closes 220 out of 279 state parks to reduce expenses. Write: Governor Schwarzenegger. Tell him closing parks not only loses entrance fees, but opens the unprotected parks to poaching and vandalism.

Bullfrog by Brian Murphy, Walnut Creek, CA

CALIFORNIA FISH & GAME COMMISSION
1416 – 9th St, Sacramento, CA 95814. E-mail: fgc@fgc.ca.gov.

Turtles/Frogs.
The Commission is considering a “possible course of action” on the importation of turtles and frogs for the live animal markets and the pet trade. To Be Heard: Possibly September. Write: Tell the Commissioners that turtles/frogs are invasive species, often diseased, who compete with/kill our native wildlife, such as the Western Pond Turtle and Red Legged Frog. Their importation and sale should be banned. Thank them for considering the issue and urge them to act before September as these animals are coming in by the ton in the meantime.

Exotic Animals.
As a result of a court case, the Fish & Game Department was instructed to set up an inspection program of exotic animal facilities that does not include letting veterinarians paid by permittees to sign off on inspections declaring humane standards have been met. In spite of recommendations given to the Department by their Exotic Animal Advisory Committee, the Department/Commission has yet to set up the program. Write: Tell the Commissioners to take action to amend the regulations to comply with the law that requires the department to do the inspections themselves or contract it out.

ASSEMBLY & SENATE COMMITTEES
Assembly Appropriations: Kevin DeLeon, Chair, Jim Neilsen, Vice-Chair, Tom Ammiano, Charles Calderon, Mike Davis, Michael Duvall, Felipe Fuentes, Isadore Hall, Diane Harkey, Dave Jones, Jeff Miller, John Perez, Curren Price, Nancy Skinner, Jose Solorio, Audra Strickland, Tom Torlakson.

Assembly Business & Professions: Mary Hayashi, Chair, Bill Emmerson, Vice-Chair, Connie Conway, Mike Eng, Ed Hernandez, Pedro Nava, Roger Niello, John Perez, Curren Price, Ira Ruskin, Cameron Smyth.

Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife: Jared Huffman, Chair, Jean Fuller, Vice-Chair, Joel Anderson, Juan Arambula, Tom Berryhill, Bob Blumenfeld, Anna Caballero, Nathan Fletcher, Alyson Huber, Bonnie Lowenthal, John Perez, Mary Salas, Mariko Yamada.

Senate Appropriations: Christine Kehoe, Chair, Dave Cox, Vice-Chair, Ellen Corbett, Jeff Denham, Mark DeSaulnier, Loni Hancock, Mark Leno, Jenny Oropeza, George Runner, Mimi Walters, Lois Wolk, Mark Wyland, Leland Yee.

Senate Health: Elaine Alquist, Chair, Tony Strickland, Vice-Chair, Sam Aanestad, Gil Cedillo, Dave Cox, Mark DeSaulnier, Mark Leno, Abel Maldonado, Gloria Negrete-McLeod, Fran Pavley, Lois Wolk.

Senate Public Safety: Mark Leno, Chair, John Benoit, Vice-Chair, Gil Cedillo, Loni Hancock, Bob Huff, Darrell Steinberg, Rod Wright.

** For copies of bills: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov. You can subscribe for updates.
** All legislators’ and Governor’s address: State Capitol Bldg., Sacramento 95814. Directory: 916-322-9900.
** To find the names of your Assembly Member and Senator: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
** E-mail addresses follow a formula. Examples: assemblymember.huffman@assembly.ca.gov. or, senator.pavley@sen.ca.gov. Letters, including hand written, by regular mail are always preferable to e-mail.
** Paw PAC 2008 California Voting Chart: http://www.pawpac.org.
** Compiled by: Virginia Handley
** Paw Pac: P.O. Box 475012, San Francisco, CA 94147; 415-646-0622

If you like or dislike any of these laws, write your legislators and the governor and tell them how you feel about it.

Kitten by Bogue.

ASSEMBLY BILLS
AB 241 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava re: Dog and Cat Breeders. SUPPORT.
Limits the number of unsterilized dogs and cats used for sale or breeding to a total of 50 and allows law enforcement officers to take possession of animals in violation if necessary to protect the health/safety of animals or humans. To Be Heard: Passed the Assembly to Senate Public Safety. Write: Tell the legislators that cat and puppy mills are a source of pet overpopulation and cause suffering to animals who are commonly overcrowded and overbred.

AB 242 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava re: Dog Fighting. SUPPORT.
Increases the penalties for spectators at dog fights to up to a year in the county jail and a fine of up to $5,000. To Be Heard: Passed Assembly to Senate Public Safety. Write: Tell the legislators that spectators, who are often participants who claim to be spectators, contribute to the illegality and cruelty of dog fighting.

AB 243 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava re: Animal Abuse. SUPPORT.
Mandates the court to prohibit people convicted of animal abuse as part of their probation from residing with or owning/caring for any animals. To Be Heard: Passed Assembly Floor to Senate Public Safety. Write: Tell the legislators that animal abusers, like child abusers, repeat their crimes.

AB 708 by Assemblyman Jared Huffman re: Poaching.
Establishes minimum fine of $5,000 and maximum fine of $40,000 for killing, possessing, or selling illegally killed wildlife. Increases jail time and authorizes Fish & Game to suspend/revoke hunting/fishing license. To Be Heard: Passed Assembly to Senate Natural Resources. Write: Tell the legislators that poachers consider fines, unless significant, part of the cost of doing business.

AB 979 by Assemblyman Tom Berryhill re: Hunting/Fishing. OPPOSE.
Declares that the Fish & Game Commission and the Department are the only ones who can regulate hunting/fishing thereby prohibiting any local ordinances. To Be Heard: Passed Assembly to Senate Natural Resources. Write: Tell the legislators that AB 979 is a blatant power grab by hunters to gain access to land whether locals want it or not.

AB 1122 by Assemblyman Ted Lieu re: Animal Sales. SUPPORT.
Prohibits the sale of animals on any street, highway, parking lot, or carnival. Exempts county/state fairs and 4-H events. Also exempts shelters and rescue groups adopting out animals. Amended to no longer prohibit animal sales at flea markets/swap meets. To Be Heard: Passed Assembly to Senate Business & Professions. Write: Tell the legislators that puppies, smuggled in from Mexico and sold on roadsides, are of particular concern who are often neglected and sick.

AB 1423 by Assemblyman Tom Berryhill re: Hunting Clubs. OPPOSE.
Provides incentives for private land owners to open their land for hunting through SHARE (Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement), such as lowering/exempting hunting club fees, raising the penalty from infraction to misdemeanor for trespassing or interfering with hunting, including hunting dog training, and removing the existing requirement that there be “sufficient interest” before the SHARE program is implemented. To Be Heard: Passed Assembly to Senate Natural Resources. Write: Tell the legislators that because there are less hunters, hunting organizations want more power and more access to private property to encourage more hunting.

AB 1437 by Assemblyman Jared Huffman re: Hens. SUPPORT.
Prohibits the importation of eggs that come from factory farms not in compliance with California law going into effect in 2015 (hens must be able to spread their wings). To Be Heard: Passed Assembly to Senate Food & Agriculture. June 16. Write: Tell the legislators that AB 1437 protects animals from inhumane, overcrowded conditions and protects the health of California consumers.

AB 1442 by Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife Committee re: Wildlife. OPPOSE.
Requires the Wildlife Conservation Board and the Fish & Game Department to determine what areas they most want access to for hunting/fishing. If the Board leases property to a nonprofit organization, they must allow hunting. AB 1442 allows prizes and inducements for killing any “game species” (deer, elk, antelope, pigs, bears, mountain lions, jackrabbits, squirrels) and prohibits anyone from removing a collar from a hunting dog. To Be Heard: Passed Assembly to Senate Natural Resources. Write: Tell the legislators that AB 1442 is another blatant attempt by hunters to control our wildlife, their habitat, and the Fish & Game Department who regulate hunting. Offering prizes for killing is an effort to get around the current prohibition on bounties.

ACR 74 by Assemblyman Tony Portantino re: Animal Shelters. SUPPORT.
A resolution, not a law, to encourage shelters to have programs of low cost or free spay/neuter, foster care, evening/weekend/offsite adoptions, medical/behavioral rehabilitation, and trap/neuter/release of feral cats. To Be Heard: Assembly Business & Professions. Write: Tell the legislators that shelters should be encouraged to eliminate/minimize the killing of animals regardless of whether or not they call themselves “No Kill.”

Harbor seal pup. Photo by Marine Mammal Center rescue volunteer Rose Kerr

SENATE BILLS
SB 135 by Senator Dean Florez re: Tail Docking of Cattle. SUPPORT.
Amends existing law prohibiting tail docking of horses to include dairy cows. To Be Heard: Passed the Senate to Assembly Public Safety. June 23. Write: Tell the legislators that tail docking is a painful and unnecessary mutilation. Cows need their tails to protect them from flies and for communication.

SB 250 by Senator Dean Florez re: Spay/Neuter. SUPPORT.
Requires owners/custodians of dogs to spay/neuter them unless they have an unaltered dog license. Prohibits anyone who owns/keeps/harbors unspayed/unneutered cats from “roaming free.” Custodian is defined as anyone who provides care or sustenance of the animal on their property for 30 days. To Be Heard: Passed Senate to Assembly Local Government. Write: Tell the legislators that unaltered dogs/cats cause overpopulation resulting in their deaths and increasing animal control costs.

SB 318 by Senator Ron Calderon re: Dog fighting Forfeitures. SUPPORT.
Authorizes the forfeiture of assets acquired by dog fighting participants, organizers, trainers,  and property owners who knowingly allow their premises to be used for dog fighting and those who steal animals for use as bait for dog fight training. To Be Heard: Passed Senate to Assembly Public Safety. Write: Tell the legislators that forfeitures for dog fighting are needed to enhance enforcement and penalties for a cruel and illegal activity.

SB 428 by Senator Christine Kehoe re: Seals. SUPPORT.
Declares a beach park in San Diego to also be a marine mammal park, thus allowing seals to use the beach. They are in danger of being evicted. The City Council may vote for this alternative if SB 428 passes. To Be Heard: Passed Senate to Assembly Natural Resources. June 22. Write: Tell the legislators the beach provides historical and needed habitat for the seals while educating the public who want to protect them.

SB 448 by Senator Fran Pavley re: Safe Harbor Program. SUPPORT.
Establishes a program to encourage landowners to conserve their land to benefit endangered and threatened wildlife. To Be Heard: Passed Senate to Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife. Write: Tell the legislators that endangered and threatened wildlife depend on private land for habitat.

SB 609 by Senator Dennis Hollingsworth re: Crocodiles/Alligators. OPPOSE.
Repeals existing law going into effect in 2010 that prohibits the selling and importation of crocodile and alligator products for commercial purposes. To Be Heard: Passed Senate to Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife. Write: Tell the legislators that SB 609 is a bill for the skin trade and has nothing to do with conservation. Many of the alligator skins come from alligator factory farms, which are overcrowded and inhumane. Legal trade covers up poaching.

SB 762 by Senator Sam Aanestad re: Cat De-Clawing. OPPOSE.
Prohibits any city or county from passing any ordinance that affects the “healing arts” professions, such as veterinarians, that are regulated by the Department of Consumer Affairs. To Be Heard: Passed Senate to Assembly Business & Professions. June 16. Write: Tell the legislators that SB 752 is a dangerous precedent removing power of locals to pass stronger laws than the state. It is an attempt by the Calif. Veterinary Medical Assn. to prohibit any de-clawing bans such as that passed in West Hollywood. It is a blatant and unwarranted power grab.

Deer. Photo by Brian Murphy, Walnut Creek, CA

INACTIVE BILLS
Inactive bills were defeated or dropped for 2009, but may be pursued in 2010.

AB 233 by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth re: Pet Adoption. SUPPORT.
Would have allowed deduction of pet adoption costs up to $100 on state income taxes when adopted from shelters and rescue groups.
AB 1224 by Assemblyman Mike Eng: Hit & Run. SUPPORT.
Would have required motorists who hit pets or livestock to attempt to help them and report it to authorities, such as police or animal control.
SB 416 by Senator Dean Florez re: Antibiotics. SUPPORT.
Would have encouraged schools to not serve poultry and meat products treated with antibiotics starting 2012.
SB 536 by Senator Dennis Hollingsworth re: Hunting Clubs. OPPOSE.
Would have removed restrictions and fees on hunting clubs.
SB 753 by Senator Gil Cedillo re: Kangaroos. OPPOSE.
Would have allowed importation of kangaroo products repealing any restrictions put into the law last year.

Golden retriever puppy

BUDGET ACTIONS
Animal Shelters Holding Periods. OPPOSE.
Suspends for a year, by lowering the minimum holding period from 6 or 4 days (if open one night or weekend day) to 3 days in order to reduce state mandated funding (several million dollars a year) to comply with the law. Write: Governor Schwarzenegger. Tell him to do all he can to assist the shelters in keeping and adopting out animals.

State Parks. OPPOSE.
Closes 220 out of 279 state parks to reduce expenses. Write: Governor Schwarzenegger. Tell him closing parks not only loses entrance fees, but opens the unprotected parks to poaching and vandalism.

Bullfrog. Photo by Brian Murphy, Walnut Creek, CA

CALIFORNIA FISH & GAME COMMISSION
1416 – 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; e-mail fgc@fgc.ca.gov

Turtles/Frogs.
The Commission is considering a “possible course of action” on the importation of turtles and frogs for the live animal markets and the pet trade. To Be Heard: Possibly September. Write: Tell the Commissioners that turtles/frogs are invasive species, often diseased, who compete with/kill our native wildlife, such as the Western Pond Turtle and Red Legged Frog. Their importation and sale should be banned. Thank them for considering the issue and urge them to act before September as these animals are coming in by the ton in the meantime.

Exotic Animals.
As a result of a court case, the Fish & Game Department was instructed to set up an inspection program of exotic animal facilities that does not include letting veterinarians paid by permittees to sign off on inspections declaring humane standards have been met. In spite of recommendations given to the Department by their Exotic Animal Advisory Committee, the Department/Commission has yet to set up the program or change the regulations. Write: Tell the Commissioners to take action to amend the regulations to comply with the law that requires the department to do the inspections themselves or contract it out.

Audubon California-backed anti-poaching legislation gets first committee hearing.

New legislation to address what many see as a rising threat to California wildlife will see its first committee hearing today (April 28) at the State Capitol. Assembly Bill 708, sponsored by Assembly Member Jared Huffman of Marin, seeks to impose substantial new penalties for poaching.

Mallards by Joe Oliver, Walnut Creek, Calif

Audubon California began pushing for new legislation to increase penalties for poaching after learning late last year of an alarming upswing in poaching incidents. The bill lands on the agenda of the Assembly’s Water, Parks & Wildlife Committee with considerable momentum, having already gained widespread support from both sides of the aisle.

“Poaching is a problem that most of us thought was well behind us, but unfortunately for California’s birds and wildlife that is not the case,” said Graham Chisholm, executive director of Audubon California, which has worked closely with Assembly Member Huffman to craft this important legislation. “Because this new wave of poaching undercuts the important work of many to restore California bird populations, both conservationists and hunters should be eager to see this bill get to the Governor’s desk.”

The bill arrives just months after the California Department of Fish & Game declared 2008 “the year of extreme poaching.”

This designation was typified by the arrest of a Gilroy hunter who had in his possession more than 300 bird carcasses — waaay over the legal limit — including protected species such as Sandhill Cranes and Tundra Swans.

Wild turkeys by Joe Oliver, Walnut Creek, Calif.

The rise in extreme poaching matches that of poaching overall. Violations jumped from 6,538 in 2003 to 17,840 in 2007. The trend has hit waterfowl particularly hard, with sensitive species of geese and ducks the most at risk.

Despite its terrible toll on native wildlife, poaching currently carries surprisingly light sentences. Regardless of the scale of the carnage, it is almost never treated as a felony under state law, and only rarely under federal law.

Moreover, in 2008, California had fewer than 200 active-duty fish and game wardens actively patrolling the state’s 100 million acres.

One issue that AB 708 directly addresses is poaching for profit and personal gain, as well as the torture or mutilation of fish and wildlife.

Bandtail pigeon by Brian Murphy, Walnut Creek, Calif.

“Poaching damages the wildlife and natural resources of our magnificent state which harms all Californians,” said San Francisco District Attorney Kamala D. Harris. “Poaching also has a negative economic impact because illegally buying poached wildlife and selling it below market price disadvantages environmentally-responsible businesses. AB 708 helps protect our state.”

If you care about California wildlife, please contact your state legislators and ask them to support AB 708. Thanks for caring. /Gary

2009 California Animal legislation as of March 29, 2009

** For copies of bills: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov. You can subscribe for updates.
** All legislators’ addresses: State Capitol Bldg., Sacramento 95814. Directory: 916-322-9900.
** To find the names of your Assembly Member and Senator: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
** E-mail addresses follow a formula. Examples: assemblymember.huffman@assembly.ca.gov. or, senator.pavley@sen.ca.gov. Letters, including hand written, by regular mail are always preferable to e-mail.
** Paw PAC 2008 California Voting Chart: http://www.pawpac.org.
** Compiled by: Virginia Handley
** Paw Pac: P.O. Box 475012, San Francisco, CA 94147; 415-646-0622

ASSEMBLY BILLS
AB 233 by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth re: Pet Adoption. SUPPORT.
Allows deduction of pet adoption fees up to $300 on state income taxes when adopted from shelters and rescue groups. To Be Heard: Assembly Revenue & Taxation. Assemblyman Charles Calderon, Chair. April 20. Write: Tell the legislators that encouraging spay/neuter will save cities/counties in animal control costs and will save countless animal lives.

Puppies.

AB 241 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava re: Dog and Cat Breeders. SUPPORT.
Limits the number of intact dogs and cats to a total of 50 and allows the inspection of records by law enforcement officers and to take possession of animals in violation. To Be Heard: Assembly Public Safety. Assemblyman Jose Solorio, Chair. April 14. If passed, then to Assembly Business & Professions. Write: Tell the legislators that cat and puppy mills are a source of pet overpopulation and cause suffering to animals who are commonly overcrowded and overbred.

AB 242 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava re: Dog Fighting. SUPPORT.
Increases the penalty for spectators at dog fights from a misdemeanor to a felony and mandates both imprisonment up to four years and a fine of up to $50,000. To Be Heard: Assembly Public Safety. Assemblyman Jose Solorio, Chair. April 14. Write: Tell the legislators that spectators are participants contributing to the illegality and cruelty of dog fighting.

AB 490 by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth re: Pet Stores.
Amends existing law on the killing of rodents and rabbits used as food for other animals by requiring pet store operators/employees to be trained by a veterinarian in methods approved by the 2007 Veterinary Medical Assn. Guidelines. Defines “pet store” as any establishment selling animals with the exception of those sold for agriculture. To Be Heard: Assembly Business & Professions. Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, Chair. March 31. If passed, then to Assembly Agriculture.

AB 708 by Assemblyman Jared Huffman re: Poaching.
Establishes minimum and as yet unspecified maximum fines for poaching animals valued in excess of $400. To Be Heard: Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife. Assemblyman Jared Huffman, Chair. April 14.

AB 979 by Assemblyman Tom Berryhill re: Hunting/Fishing. OPPOSE.
Declares that the Fish & Game Commission and the Department are the only ones who can regulate hunting/fishing thereby negating and prohibiting any local ordinance. To Be Heard: Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife. Assemblyman Jared Huffman, Chair. Write: Tell the legislators that cities/counties should maintain the right to oversee activities under their jurisdiction and that AB 979 is a re-introduction of AB 815 which was defeated.

AB 1122 by Assemblyman Ted Lieu re: Animal Sales. SUPPORT.
Prohibits the sale of animals on any street, highway, parking lot, flea market, swap meet, or carnival. First violation is an infraction fine of $250. Second violation or if the first violation places the animal in endangerment of injury, suffering or death is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1000. Exempts agricultural animals and humane organizations who are 501c(3). To Be Heard: Assembly Business & Professions.  Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, Chair. Write: Tell the legislators that many of these animals, particularly puppies, are smuggled in from Mexico and are commonly subjected to harsh and unhealthy conditions. Animals are living beings, not flea market fodder.

AB 1224 by Assemblyman Mike Eng re: Hit and Run of Animals. SUPPORT.
Expresses intent of Legislature to enact a law that fines people who hit an animal, pet, or livestock and leave without trying to contact the owner or local authorities or render aid. To Be Heard: Assembly Transportation. Assemblyman Mike Eng, Chair. March 31. Write: Tell the legislators that many animals are injured, not dead, and could be saved if quick action is taken or their suffering ended by euthanasia. We don’t allow hit & run if a driver hits another car or fence post. It should not be allowed to happen to animals. Ask the author and committee to include wildlife, particularly deer, who are traffic hazards.

AB 1254 by Assemblyman Tom Berryhill re: Hunting.
Requires the hunter training course to be a minimum of 16 hours in order to qualify for a hunting license. Currently, the law is silent on the number of hours. To Be Heard: Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife. Assemblyman Jared Huffman, Chair.

AB 1423 by Assemblyman Tom Berryhill re: Hunting Clubs. OPPOSE.
Provides exemptions for those who have to have commercial hunting club licenses such as anyone who charges a fee less than $200 per entrant. Current law is $50. To Be Heard: Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife. Assemblyman Jared Huffman, Chair. Write: Tell the legislators that the Fish & Game Department is in desperate need of wardens and funds. Money and enforcement should not be lost because hunters want more clubs and more access to private property.

AB 1437 by Assemblyman Jared Huffman re: Hens. SUPPORT.
Would prohibit importation of eggs if they come from hens confined on a farm not in compliance with animal care standards set in Proposition 2 (hens must be able to spread their wings). Goes into effect in 2015 as does Prop 2. To Be Heard: Assembly Agriculture. Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani, Chair. Write: Tell the legislators that AB 1437 protects public health, animals, and California farmers who will have to compete with out of state sub-standard farms.

AB 1442 by Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife Committee re: Wildlife.
An omnibus bill on oil spills, commemorative hunting licenses, Canine (K9) Program, fishing, disease outbreaks, aquaculture. To Be Heard: Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife. Assemblyman Jared Huffman, Chair.

ACA 11 by Assemblyman Tom Berryhill re: Hunting. OPPOSE.
Would amend the Constitution to declare the right to hunt. To Be Heard: Not yet assigned to committee.

Raccoon by Brian Murphy, Walnut Creek, California

SENATE BILLS
SB 135 by Senator Dean Florez re: Tail Docking of Cattle. SUPPORT.
Amends existing law prohibiting tail docking of horses to include cattle, such as dairy cows. To Be Heard: Senate Agriculture. Senator Dean Florez, Chair. April 21. Write: Tell the legislators that tail docking is painful and unnecessary. Cows need their tails to protect them from flies and use their tails for communication.

SB 250 by Senator Dean Florez re: Spay/Neuter.
Requires owners/custodians of dogs to spay/neuter them unless they have an unaltered dog license. Prohibits anyone who owns/keeps/harbors unspayed/unneutered cats six months or older from “remaining” outdoors which would include feral cats, most of whom have no “certificate of sterility” but commonly have notched ears. Citations may be imposed only if the owner/custodian is currently cited for another violation such as roaming free (as feral cats do), violating laws on dog licensing, leashing, tethering, noise, cruelty, business licenses/state tax ID number, etc. To be amended to address feral cat concerns. To Be Heard: Senate Local Government. Senator Pat Wiggins, Chair. April 1 or 15.

SB 254 by Senator Pat Wiggins re: Horse Racing. SUPPORT.
Prohibits anyone from being a dual agent representing both seller and buyer without the knowledge of both and from receiving more than $500 in compensation. To Be Heard: Senate Governmental Organization. Senator Rod Wright, Chair. April 28. Write: Tell the legislators that not only are sellers/buyers victims from double dealing, but more importantly, horses are victimized by being sold/overpriced for races they can’t win resulting in being overworked/injured in order to recoup buyers’ unwise investments.

SB 318 by Senator Ron Calderon re: Dogfighting Forfeitures. SUPPORT.
Authorizes the forfeiture of assets acquired by dogfighting participants, organizers, trainers, breeders, transporters, property owners who knowingly allow their premises to be used, and those who steal and illegally obtain dogs and other animals  including those used as bait and for sparring. To Be Heard: Senate Public Safety. Senator Mark Leno, Chair. April 21. Write: Tell the legislators that forfeitures for drug dealing are successful. It is also good that SB 318 includes those who steal dogs for fighting, training, and for bait.

SB 416 by Senator Dean Florez re: Antibiotics. SUPPORT.
Prohibits schools from serving poultry and meat products treated with antibiotics starting 2012. Prohibits antibiotics for non-therapeutic purposes starting 2015. To Be Heard: Senate Agriculture. Senator Dean Florez, Chair. April 21. If passed, then to Senate Education. Write: Tell the legislators that antibiotics in animals for non-therapeutic purposes are overused, abused, and lessen children’s abilities to fight illnesses.

SB 428 by Senator Christine Kehoe re: Seals. SUPPORT.
Declares a beach park in San Diego to also be a marine mammal park, thus allowing seals to use the beach. They were in danger of being evicted. To Be Heard: Senate Natural Resources. Senator Fran Pavley, Chair. April 14 or 28. Write: Tell the legislators the seals need the beach and the public needs them. The seals provide education and enjoyment and people want to protect them and their habitat.

SB 448 by Senator Fran Pavley re: Safe Harbor Program. SUPPORT.
Establishes a program to encourage landowners to conserve/manage their land to benefit endangered, threatened, and candidate wildlife species and not be subject to additional regulations as a result of their conservation efforts. To Be Heard: Senate Natural Resources. Senator Fran Pavley, Chair. April 14 or 28. Write: Tell the legislators that it is refreshing to see an effort to encourage landowners to protect animals and not just open up land for hunting. Endangered, threatened, and candidate species depend on private land for habitat.

SB 481 by Senator Dave Cox re: Airport Wildlife. OPPOSE.
Exempts public airports who “take” (harass, haze, remove, kill) wildlife for public safety from violating state wildlife laws. This could include killing endangered/threatened species. To Be Heard: Senate Natural Resources. Senator Fran Pavley, Chair. April 14 or 28. Write: Tell the legislators that airports already successfully use hazing to scare birds away. SB 481 would not necessarily have prevented the plane accident near the Hudson River.

SB 536 by Senator Dennis Hollingsworth re: Hunting Clubs. OPPOSE.
Repeals current law governing commercial hunting clubs. To Be Heard: Senate Natural Resources. Senator Fran Pavley, Chair. April 14 or 28. Write: Tell the legislators that SB 536 is an attempt to deregulate hunting clubs and open up more private property without any Fish & Game oversight, regulation, or fees.

SB 609 by Senator Dennis Hollingsworth re: Crocodiles/Alligators. OPPOSE.
Repeals existing law going into effect in 2010 that prohibits the selling and importation of crocodile and alligator products for commercial purposes. To Be Heard: Senate Natural Resources. Senator Fran Pavley, Chair. April 14 or 28. Write: Tell the legislators that SB 609 is an effort to repeal a law that hasn’t even gone into effect yet (2011). It is a bill for the skin trade and has nothing to do with conservation.

SB 709 by Senator Dennis Hollingsworth re: Poaching.
Amends, as yet unspecified, the law prohibiting the illegal killing of wildlife which declares that possession of the animals or hunting/fishing equipment is “prima facie” evidence that a crime was committed. To Be Heard: Senate Natural Resources. Senator Fran Pavley, Chair. April 14 or 28.

SB 753 by Senator Gilbert Cedillo re: Kangaroos. OPPOSE.
Repeals the existing provision, passed in 2007, that allowing the importation of kangaroo products would be allowed only until 2011 and would not be allowed if Fish & Game did not receive a report from Australia that the quota was not increased. To Be Heard: Senate Natural Resources. Senator Fran Pavley, Chair. April 14 or 28. Write: Tell the legislators that SB 753 is a blatant attempt to undo a law only passed recently with a minimum of safeguards to prevent an increased slaughter of kangaroos.

SB 762 by Senator Sam Aanestad re: De-Clawing. OPPOSE.
Prohibits any city or county from passing any ordinance that affects the “healing arts” professions, such as veterinarians, that are regulated by the Department of Consumer Affairs. To Be Heard: Senate Business & Professions. Senator Gloria Negrete-McLeod, Chair. Write: Tell the legislators that SB 752 is a dangerous precedent removing power to locals to pass stronger laws than the state. It is doubtful the state legislature would support any  federal legislation removing states’ ability to enact laws stronger than the feds. It is an attempt by the Calif. Veterinary Medical Assn. to prohibit any de-clawing bans such as that passed in West Hollywood. It is a blatant and unwarranted power grab.

Deer by Brian Murphy, Walnut Creek, California

An interactive and informative training session with facts about farmed animals and tools on how you can help. Learn effective letter writing, legislation, tabling, leafleting, personal ways to help and more. Sanctuary tour is included.

Call 707-449-4814 to sign up, or visit http://www.animalplace.org and click on Animal Activist Training under Upcoming Events.

Want to get involved and help farm animals? This is a great program. Check it out. /Gary

Here’s the status of 2008 California Animal Legislation as of Sept. 18.

If you like, or dislike any of these laws, write your legislators and the Governor and tell them how you feel about it. The address for legislators and Governor: State Capitol Bldg., Sacramento, CA 95814; 916-322-9900

BILLS BEING WORKED ON:

AB 815 by Assemblyman Tom Berryhill re: Hunting/Fishing. Oppose.
Prohibits any city/county from enacting an ordinance that affects hunting or fishing. AB 815 was successfully amended to exempt trapping ordinances. Status: Passed to Governor. Write: Governor Scharzenegger. Tell him local governments should have the right to control hunting/fishing in their own communities to protect wildlife and public safety.

AB 2132 by Assemblyman Guy Houston re: Hunting Dogs.
Prohibits removal of radio transmitting collars from hunting dogs and allows hunters to charge violators for any lost breeding revenues. A section mandating the Fish & Game Commission to consider allowing hunting dogs for deer archers was removed. Status: Passed to Governor.

AB 2233 by Assemblyman Bill Maze re: Dogs in Cars.
Prohibits having a dog, or any animal, in your lap or arms while driving. Status: Passed to Governor.

AB 2291 by Assemblyman Tony Mendoza re: Spay/Neuter. Support.
Adds a check off on state income tax forms to finance low cost spay/neuter programs. Status: Passed to Governor. Write: Governor Schwarzenegger. Tell him pet overpopulation costs cities/counties millions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of lives.

AB 2296 by Assemblyman Gene Mullin re: Animal Research.
Makes it a misdemeanor to trespass on the residential property of an animal researcher or publishing his/her home address with the purpose of “chilling or interfering with the researcher’s academic freedom.” Status: Passed to Governor.

AB 2427 by Assemblyman Mike Eng re: De-Clawing. Oppose.
Prohibits any city/county from prohibiting anyone “engaging in any act that falls within the regulatory definition of that business.” Status: Passed to Governor. Write: Governor Schwarzenegger. Tell him AB 2427 is an attempt by a special interest (Calif. Veterinary Medical Assn.) who opposes any local prohibition on de-clawing cats, such as the ordinance passed in West Hollywood. Special interests, including vets, who have influence on the state level, want to control local governments.

AB 2785 by Assemblyman Ira Ruskin re: Wildlife Corridors. Support.
Requires the Wildlife Conservation Board to designate and protect wildlife corridors. Status: Passed to Governor. Write: Governor Schwarzenegger. Tell him wildlife cannot exist without access to corridors to prevent isolation, inbreeding, and endangerment.

AB 2911 by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk re: Oil Spills. Support.
Among many provisions, strengthens protection against oil spills and provides for the better use of volunteers to rehabilitate wildlife. Status: Passed to Governor. Write: Governor Schwarzenegger. Tell him wildlife rescue and rehabilitation is dependent on the volunteers to act quickly in emergencies.

BILLS THAT HAVE PASSED:

AB 2098 by Assemblyman Paul Krekorian re: Downed Animals. Support.
Strengthens existing law prohibiting auctions and state inspected slaughterhouses from receiving or dragging downed animals.

AB 2949 by Assemblyman Mark DeSaulnier re: Abandonment. Support.
Requires property owners such as banks and real estate agencies to notify animal control when they find abandoned animals.

AJR (Assembly Joint Resolution) 41 by Assemblyman Ted Lieu re: Polar Bears/Penguins. Support.
Asks US Fish & Wildlife Service to extend the Endangered Species Act to cover penguins and polar bears, both suffering from global warming.

AJR 49 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava re: Whales. Support.
Asks California Fish & Game Commission to declare gray whales endangered and asks US Fish & Wildlife Service to survey habitats and threats.

AJR 51 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava re: Off Shore Oil Drilling. Support.
Asks Congress not to lift the ban on offshore oil drilling.

AJR 62 by Assemblyman Mark Leno re: Sea Turtles. Support.
Asks the National Marine Fisheries Service to deny “shallow set longline” swordfish permits off the California coast which have been prohibited since 1977.

SB 685 by Senator Leland Yee re: Pet Trusts. Support.
Strengthens pet trusts for animals in wills to provide for their lifetime care and provides oversight of the money.

SCR 118 by Senator Abel Maldonado re: Sea Otters. Support.
Declares the last week of September to be Sea Otter Awareness Week.

STATE VETERINARY MEDICAL BOARD re: Spay/Neuter. Support.
Will create special license plates with proceeds to fund low cost spay/neuter programs.

BILLS FAILED OR DROPPED:

AB 1634 by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine re: Spay/Neuter. Support.
Would have required dogs/cats to be spayed/neutered after numerous impoundments.

AB 1938 by Assemblyman George Plescia re: Spay/Neuter. Support.
Would have allowed credit on state income tax for spay/neuter costs of dogs and cats.

AB 1969 by Assemblyman George Plescia re: Police Dogs /Horses. Support.
Would have increased penalties for harming/killing police dogs/ horses.

AB 2253 by Assemblyman Alberto Torrico re: Poultry. Support.
Would have required California Dept. of Food and Agriculture to establish criteria for use of the term “California Certified Free Range” for poultry (chickens, turkeys, etc.).

AB 2281 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava re: Dog Fighting. Support.
Would have strengthened existing penalty for attending a dog fight to a felony.

AB 2602 by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth re: Hunting. Support.
Would have declared the Legislature’s intention to prohibit public schools from supporting hunting/trapping of wildlife.

AJR 103 by Assemblyman George Plescia re: Dogs. Support.
Would have declared June 20 as “Take Your Dog to Work Day.”

SB 200 by Senator Dean Florez re: Slaughterhouses. Support.
Would have required video cameras to monitor handling of animals in stockyards.

SB 908 by Senator Joe Simitian re: Global Warming. Support.
Would have required environmental education to include climate change. Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed SB 908.

SB 1121 by Senator Carole Migden re: Cloned Animals. Support.
Would have required animal products from cloned animals to be labeled.

SB 1205 by Senator Sam Aanestad re: Veterinarians. Oppose.
Would have weakened the power of the Veterinary Medical Board to discipline veterinarians and weaken the Registered Vet Tech Committee.

SB 1773 by Senator Ellen Corbett re: Pet Food. Support.
Would have required pet food companies to have Web site addresses on their labels that include the countries of origin of the ingredients.

SB 1775 by Ron Calderon Re: Dog Fighting. Support.
Would have allowed the forfeiture of property of anyone guilty of dog fighting.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

FOR COPIES OF BILLS: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov

THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN COMPILED BY: Virginia Handley, 415-474-4021

Paw PAC, PO Box 475012, San Francisco, CA 94147, 415-646-0622. See 2007 Voting Chart and 2008 endorsements at http://www.pawpac.org

e-mail info@pawpac.org

If you like, or dislike any of these laws, write your legislators and the governor and tell them how you feel about it.

The address for legislators and Governor: State Capitol Bldg., Sacramento, CA 95814, 916/322-9900

BILLS BEING WORKED ON:

AB 815 by Assemblyman Tom Berryhill re: Hunting/Fishing. Oppose.
Prohibits any city/county from enacting an ordinance that affects hunting or fishing. AB 815 was successfully amended to exempt trapping ordinances. Hearing: Senate Floor. Write: Your Senator. Tell him/her local governments should have the right to prohibit hunting/fishing in their own communities in the interest of wildlife protection and public safety.

AB 1634 by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine re: Spay/Neuter. Support.
Requires dogs/cats to be spayed/neutered about whom there have been complaints or impoundments. AB 1634 has been significantly amended from its original language that had required breeding permits. Hearing: Senate Floor. August. Write: Your Senator. Tell him/her dogs/cats who have been a source of impoundments are often unspayed and unneutered contributing to behavior problems.

AB 2132 by Assemblyman Guy Houston re: Hunting Dogs.
Prohibits removal of radio transmitting collars from hunting dogs and allows hunters to charge violators for any lost breeding revenues. A section mandating the Fish & Game Commission to consider allowing hunting dogs for deer archers was removed. Next Hearing: Senate Floor. August.

AB 2233 by Assemblyman Bill Maze re: Dogs in Cars.
Prohibits having a dog, or any animal, in your lap or arms while driving. Next Hearing: Senate Floor.

AB 2291 by Assemblyman Tony Mendoza re: Spay/Neuter. Support.
Adds a check off on state income tax forms to finance low cost spay/neuter programs. Hearing: Senate Floor. Write: Your Senator. Tell him/her pet overpopulation costs cities/counties millions of dollars and hundred of thousands of lives.

AB 2296 by Assemblyman Gene Mullin re: Animal Research.
Makes it a misdemeanor to trespass on the residential property of an animal researcher with the purpose of “chilling or interfering with the researcher’s academic freedom.” AB 2296 is intended to respond to the harassment of animal researchers, particularly the recent firebombings in Santa Cruz. Hearing: Senate Public Safety. August 11.

AB 2427 by Assemblyman Mike Eng re: De-Clawing. Oppose.
Prohibits any city/county from prohibiting anyone “engaging in any act that falls within the regulatory definition of that business.” Hearing: Senate Floor. August. Write: Your Senator. Tell him/her AB 2427 is an attempt by a special interest (Calif. Veterinary Medical Assn.) who opposes any local prohibition on de-clawing cats, such as the ordinance passed in West Hollywood. Special interests, including vets, who have influence on the state level, want to control local governments.

AB 2785 by Assemblyman Ira Ruskin re: Wildlife Corridors. Support.
Requires the Wildlife Conservation Board to designate and protect wildlife corridors. Hearing: Senate Floor. Write: Your Senator. Tell him/her wildlife cannot exist without access to corridors to prevent isolation, inbreeding, and endangerment.

AB 2911 by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk re: Oil Spills. Support.
Among many provisions, strengthens protection against oil spills and provides for the better use of volunteers to rehabilitate wildlife. Hearing: Senate Floor. Write: Your Senator. Tell him/her wildlife rescue and rehabilitation is dependent on the volunteers to act quickly in emergencies.

AJR 51 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava re: Off Shore Oil Drilling. Support.
Asks Congress not to lift the ban on off shore oil drilling. Hearing: Senate Floor. Write: Your Senator. Tell him/her to protect our coast and our wildlife.

SB 986 by Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas re: Pet Shops.
Clarifies existing law, AB 1347 passed in 2007, that the definition of pet shops for minimum standards does not include animals sold for agricultural purposes. A recent amendment changes provisions about pet shop employees killing “feeder” rabbits/rats. Hearing: Senate Floor for agreement with Assembly amendments.

Budget re: Unfunded State Mandate on Shelters.
The budget committee has “deferred” the Hayden law on shelters, meaning the mandate stays but cities/counties will not be reimbursed for their costs until next year’s budget. The Hayden law has, thus far, cost the state over $120 million.

PROPOSITION 2 re: Farm Animals. Support.
Requires poultry, pigs, and veal calves to have room to stand up, lie down, turn around, and stretch their limbs. This ballot proposition will be voted on in November 2008. For more information and how you can help, contact http://www.HumaneCalifornia.org

LEGISLATION THAT HAS PASSED:

AB 2098 by Assemblyman Paul Krekorian re: Downed Animals. Support.
Strengthens existing law prohibiting auctions and state inspected slaughterhouses from receiving or dragging downed animals.

AB 2949 by Assemblyman Mark DeSaulnier re: Abandonment. Support.
Requires property owners such as banks and real estate agencies to notify animal control when they find abandoned animals.

AJR (Assembly Joint Resolution) 41 by Assemblyman Ted Lieu re: Polar Bears / Penguins. Support.
Asks US Fish & Wildlife Service to extend the Endangered Species Act to cover penguins and polar bears, both suffering from global warming.

AJR 49 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava re: Whales. Support.
Asks California Fish & Game Commission to declare gray whales endangered and asks US Fish & Wildlife Service to survey habitats and threats.

AJR 62 by Assemblyman Mark Leno re: Sea Turtles. Support.
Asks the National Marine Fisheries Service to deny “shallow set longline” swordfish permits off the California coast which have been prohibited since 1977.

SB 685 by Senator Leland Yee re: Pet Trusts. Support.
Strengthens pet trusts for animals in wills to provide for their lifetime care and provides oversight of the money.

SCR 118 by Senator Abel Maldonado re: Sea Otters. Support.
Declares the last week of September to be Sea Otter Awareness Week.

STATE VETERINARY MEDICAL BOARD re: Spay/Neuter. Support.
Will create special license plates with proceeds to fund low cost spay/neuter programs. More administrative details are expected as to how the money will be expended.

LEGISLATION THAT HAS FAILED OR BEEN DROPPED:

AB 1938 by Assemblyman George Plescia re: Spay/Neuter. Support.
Would have allowed credit on state income tax for spay/neuter costs of dogs and cats.

AB 1969 by Assemblyman George Plescia re: Police Dogs /Horses. Support.
Would have increased penalties for harming/killing police dogs/ horses.

AB 2253 by Assemblyman Alberto Torrico re: Poultry. Support.
Would have required California Dept. of Food and Agriculture to establish criteria for use of the term “California Certified Free Range” for poultry (chickens, turkeys, etc.).

AB 2281 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava re: Dog Fighting. Support.
Would have strengthened existing penalty for attending a dog fight to a felony.

AB 2602 by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth re: Hunting. Support.
Would have declared the Legislature’s intention to prohibit public schools from supporting hunting/trapping of wildlife. AB 2602 will be dealt with administratively.

AJR 103 by Assemblyman George Plescia re: Dogs. Support.
Would have declared June 20 as “Take Your Dog to Work Day.”

SB 200 by Senator Dean Florez re: Slaughterhouses. Support.
Would have required video cameras to monitor handling of animals in stockyards.

SB 908 by Senator Joe Simitian re: Global Warming. Support.
Would have required environmental education to include climate change. Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed SB 908.

SB 1121 by Senator Carole Migden re: Cloned Animals. Support.
Would have required animal products from cloned animals to be labeled.

SB 1205 by Senator Sam Aanestad re: Veterinarians. Oppose.
Would have weakened the power of the Veterinary Medical Board to discipline veterinarians and weaken the Registered Vet Tech Committee.

SB 1773 by Senator Ellen Corbett re: Pet Food. Support.
Would have required pet food companies to have Web site addresses on their labels that include the countries of origin of the ingredients.

SB 1775 by Ron Calderon Re: Dog Fighting. Support.
Would have allowed the forfeiture of property of anyone guilty of dog fighting.

For copies of bills: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov

Compiled by Virginia Handley 415-474-4021

Paw PAC, PO Box 475012, San Francisco, CA 94147, 415-646-0622. See 2007 Voting Chart and 2008 endorsements. http://www.pawpac.org

e-mail info@pawpac.org

A story in today’s San Francisco Chronicle says the San Francisco Supes supposedly want to turn the S.F. Zoo into a facility for rescued animals.

According to a report I heard on KCBS News radio about this story on my way into work this morning, the S.F. Supervisor measure would require that any future animal acquisitions at the zoo could only be rescued animals, such as animals confiscated by law enforcement from people who owned them illegally.

The KCBS report said zoo officials say turning the zoo into a rescue facility would cost them their accreditation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and screw up their abilities to raise funds for the zoo.

As much as I totally agree that something desperately needs to be done to make the S.F. Zoo get its act together and improve the living conditions of the many animals in its care … this isn’t the way to do it.

If they lost the accreditation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, they would be getting rid of the very professional zoo association that is needed to monitor animal care at the zoo. WRONG! If they lose the presence of the AZA, then who would be providing the oversight of the animal care at the zoo? A supervisors subcommittee? I don’t think so!

Running an animal rescue facility of such an enormous size as the S.F. Zoo would be ENORMOUSLY EXPENSIVE. So who is going to pay for THAT?

What are they going to call it — the Zoo Pound?

I’m not sure there’s even anyone around who is experienced enough to manage such a large and complicated exotic animal rescue operation. I don’t think their present staffing could handle it adequately.

They need to come up with modern, state-of-the-art animal holding facilities for the zoo animals, a much better zoo management plan complete with on-going training for the staff, more refined and focused education programs, a more comprehensive and ongoing docent and volunteer program and someone who knows what the heck he/she is doing to run the place.

Believe me, that’s going to be expensive enough as it is.

Completely changing what the zoo is all about would be very nice, but the cost for that would be off the charts. And frankly, I don’t believe that would ever really happen. Just lots of supervisor committee meetings … planning, planning, planning … endless debate, debate, debate … and all the while the poor animals sit in those miserable outdated cages while their frustrated keepers do the best they can … which is never going to be good enough under the present conditions.

Something needs to be done with the zoo that is practical and achievable — NOW. Coming up with a pie-in-the-sky plan that can’t really be implemented isn’t going to solve anything. /Gary

Some crazy guy in Santa Cruz County, Calif., is found to be abusing dogs. Animal control officers discover an unknown number of dead dogs and rotting carcasses and dog feces throughout his house … starving dogs chained with no food or water … body parts everywhere … decapitated dog heads hanging from trees … puppies …

And in spite of all this …
“While animal services officers are doing their best to care for the animals in their control (38 dogs they confiscated), they don’t know if they will be able to save any of the dogs.”

An animal services officer says: “While we are caring for them right now, they are legally his (the guy who killed and abused the dogs) until the DA decides whether or not to prosecute.”

Humane laws in California should be written so that in horrendous situations like this the District Attorney would have no choice in the matter and would HAVE TO PROSECUTE.

“Maybe he (the guy who killed and abused the dogs) will want to surrender some of the animals to us,” said the animal services officer. “Hypothetically we will be able to put them up for adoption.”

Hypothetical baloney! Surviving animals should automatically be confiscated from individuals who cause such abuse.

Anybody else want to jump in and comment on this mess? /Gary

Here’s the whole story by Julie Copeland of the Santa Cruz Sentinel:
http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_10023515

The study, which was reportedly funded by the American Egg Board, evaluated the economic impact of Prop 2, the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, which will appear on the statewide ballot in November.

According to the study’s authors, “little, if any cost increase and no substantial impact on prices to California consumers” will occur when voters approve Prop 2. The measure would prevent the cruel and inhumane confinement of calves raised for veal, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens kept in crates and cages so small they cannot lie down, turn around, or extend their limbs.

Prop 2 is endorsed by leading organizations including the Center for Food Safety, the Consumer Federation of America, The Humane Society of the United States, and the California Veterinary Medical Association.

This latest study also affirms the previous estimate by a California-based poultry economist, who has written that raising egg-laying hens in “cage-free” facilities costs less than a penny per egg more than cramming them into tiny cages. The UC researchers estimate that the cost differential is even less than this previous claim.

“Even though the researchers are aligned with and funded by opponents of Prop 2, their work confirms that consumers won’t pay higher prices as a result of the measure,” said Jennifer Fearing, campaign manager for the Yes on 2 campaign. “The latest Field Poll shows nearly two-thirds of California voters support Prop 2 — a wider margin of support than any other initiative on November’s ballot.”

Dear readers:
On Aug. 19, 2005, I wrote a story about an egg farm in Gilroy, California, that I was allowed to visit. Here is a brief excerpt:

By Gary Bogue
Times Staff Writer
You first notice the smell when you walk into the huge warehouse housing a commercial egg farm in Gilroy. It’s awful.
About 160,000 white leghorn hens fill a building roughly the length of two football fields. They have been debeaked, their beaks cut in half, so they can’t peck each other.
They are crammed in tiny wire cages, five to seven to a cage, squeezed so tightly together they can barely move, so they just pile on top of one another.
This is standard California egg farm operation as seen by a group that arrived Thursday to save some of the birds after the sale of the farm.
No one cleans the birds. Their cages sit on metal racks with three levels. They defecate through the wire bottoms of the cages onto the birds beneath them.
The chickens in the top level cages are white. The birds on the next level are dirty brown, and the birds on the bottom level are absolutely filthy. Dried feces fills the air in gray clouds whenever they move.
The place is fully automated. Food is on a narrow belt that moves through a trough in front of the cages. Eggs roll down the slanted bottoms of the cages and land on another moving belt. Dim bulbs hang amid six-foot-long prehistoric streamers of dirty gray cobwebs.
Capt. Cindy Machado, animal services director at the Marin Humane Society was taking hens from cages to load in a large horse trailer.
“If people saw this, they’d never eat a single egg again,” she said. …

For more information about the Yes on Prop 2 campaign and to see a complete list of endorsers, please visit http://YESonProp2.com. We don’t have to torture our food animals. /Gary