Tails in the News

California Healthy Pets Act
temporarily shelved
AB 1634, a measure that would have required most dogs and cats over the age of 6 months old to be spayed or neutered, has been pulled in order to allow time for modification. The bill was originally introduced to try and reduce the large number of euthanized animals throughout the state, but it received opposition from some groups who said the fines were too steep and would punish those who were responsible with their pets. Proponents of the bill, who are working with bill author and Assembly member Lloyd Levine, say they will create revisions that will potentially allow both sides to compromise.
The bill originally called for a $500 fine for those found to have intact animals over the age of 6 months old. It built in exceptions for those with a breeders’ license, working dogs, and those too old or ill to undergo surgery. Opponents have said this type of mandate should not be regulated on a state level, and that it’s a city- or county-based issue.
While around 20,000 people have petitioned to have the bill killed, a large number of rescue groups and humane societies throughout the state continue to support the measure, and it is slated to be reintroduced with its modifications at the beginning of 2008. To learn about the groups who support AB 1634, visit CAHealthyPets.com. To learn about those in opposition to the bill, visit AB1634.com.


Legislative Alert: A.B. 594
A bill to restrict the confinement of farm animals has been amended and reintroduced to the California Assembly Committee on Agriculture. A.B. 594, which has been modified to only relate to the living conditions of pigs, prohibits a person to tether or confine any pregnant pig or any pig residing on a farm in a manner that prevents the animal from either lying down and fully extending its limbs or turning around freely, thereby banning gestation crates often used in pig breeding. It provides exceptions for lawful scientific or agricultural research, examination, lawful transport, and lawful exhibitions. Violation of this law could be punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 per day and/or imprisonment in county jail for up to 90 days. If passed, the law would take effect in July of 2011. The bill has passed through its first session and is currently in assembly. To contact your assemblymember about this bill, visit Legislature.CA.gov.



Legislative Alert: H.B. 777
A bill that aims to create more humane treatment of elephants within the state of California is currently before the State Assembly. The bill, H.B. 777, aims to make it illegal to use bullhooks, electric prods, and anything else that would result in harm to an elephant, whether it is housed within the state or is just traveling within the state’s boundaries. Chaining and otherwise restraining an elephant would also be illegal under this proposed law. Elephants kept at a stationary location would be required to walk an average of at least five miles per day and be provided with enrichment activities that spark mental stimulation. It is currently a misdemeanor to engage in cruelty to elephants, and the passage of this law could ensure a fine of up to $20,000 and prison time of up to one year in county jail for those found guilty. The bill is currently awaiting its second hearing. To learn more, visit Legislature.CA.gov.


Free spay and neuter services for area Pit Bulls
The County of Santa Clara Division of Animal Care and Control has announced it will offer free spay and neuter services to guardians of Pit Bulls. The surgery is available for female dogs up to 6 months old and male dogs of any age. The department decided to offer the services after finding that Pit Bulls made up a large percentage of dogs entering area shelters and an even larger percentage of those being euthanized. Those interested in taking advantage of this service must make an appointment with the Animal Care and Control clinic. For more information visit SCCGov.org or call (408) 465-2920.