Governor Schwarzenegger Protects Pet Owner Rights

Petside Blog
|
Poll Archive
|
A-Z
- AAHA
- Beds
- Bones
- Books
- Bowls
- Carriers
- Cat Food
- Catnip
- Collars
- Crates
- Dog Food
- Grooming Tools
- Leashes
- Pet Food
- Pet Picture
- Pet Store
- Pharmacy
- Toys
- Treats

| Print | By Jo Singer | October 16, 2009 1:56 PM

Pet "pawrents" and concerned animal lovers residing in California can now breathe a sigh of relief, thanks to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's stunning veto of two pet related bills pending in the California State Assembly.

On Tuesday, October 13, through the collective efforts of fervent animal welfare groups, dog and cat fancier's organizations backed up by the huge number of vocal pet lovers, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed California's pending anti-pet legislations AB 241 and AB 1122. Had these bills passed, their outcome would have had a strongly negative impact on pet owners and of course their pets.

Assembly Bill AB241 would have made it "illegal to have more than a combined total of 50 "adult" dogs and cats with intact sexual organs. The word "Adult" was not defined.

Excess animals must be placed, altered or destroyed within 30 days. The bill authorizes certain officers to investigate a violation of such provisions and to lawfully take possession of an animal kept in violation under certain conditions"

Governor Schwarzenegger's veto message reads:

"To the Members of the California State Assembly: I am returning Assembly Bill 241 without my signature. This measure would make it a crime for any person or entity to own or control more than 50 unsterilized adult dogs or cats for breeding or raising for sale as pets. I support measures designed to prevent animal cruelty and that punish persons engaged in the abuse of animals. However, this measure simply goes too far in an attempt to address the serious problem of puppy mills. An arbitrary cap on the number of animals any entity can possess throughout the state will not end unlawful, inhumane breeding practices.

Instead this measure has the potential to criminalize the lawful activities of reputable breeders, pet stores, kennels, and charitable organizations engaged in raising service and assistance dogs. For these reasons, I am unable to sign this bill.

Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger"

Assembly Bill, AB 1122 would have made illegal giving away or selling a live animal on any highway, street, parking lot, public right -of-way, boardwalk or carnival. This bill has been amended several times, to permit kittens and puppies to be sold at shows.

However, the implications for the passage of the bill would prevent the sale of kittens or puppies at shows, unless certain requirements were met. According to the Cat Fancier's Association, "The conditions for an exemption would be so impossible to ascertain or assure that it renders the exemption meaningless".

Governor Schwarzenegger's veto statement:

"To the Members of the California State Assembly: I am returning Assembly Bill 1122 without my signature. I am concerned with the scope and unintended consequences of this bill and that it does not assure the humane and ethical treatment and welfare of animals. This bill has unknown costs associated with the enforcement and implementation of prohibiting the sale of live animals in specified venues and could drive the selling of animals underground or to private sites. For this reason I am unable to sign this bill.

Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger"

The "Senate Bill SB250 makes it illegal to own, keep or harbor a dog with intact sexual organs, except as specified. It makes it illegal to have an intact cat or dog remain outdoors and it requires a "certificate of sterility" as proof in order to do so. It also requires reporting of the sale of an unaltered cat or dog and sterilization of any cat or dog impounded for any reason, for the violation of this law if cited for the violation of another law.

Following its passage in the Senate, SB250 failed on the Assembly Floor 28-42 with 41 votes needed for passage. Supporters of the bill were not able to get the necessary votes after being noticed for reconsideration. It has been converted to a "two year bill "at the request of the author, and will be brought up again in January 2010. So this bill is not dead yet.

This is really positive news for California residents, don't you agree? Leave a comment and tell us how you feel.

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (224) , Law (16) , Puppy Mills (5) , Rescue (14) , Service Animals (5)

« Previous

Hide Posted Comments

Vicki October 16, 2009 5:09 PM

I think this is great for the state of California. But I also wish they would pass this law for every state. Even lower numbers would be better for both owners, and pets.

jmuhj October 16, 2009 7:10 PM

Kudos to the Guvinator, whose reasons for refusal wouldn't be mine, but whatever gets the job done, right? We do need to protect community (feral/free-roaming/outdoor) cats and their caregivers, absolutely! But as for breeders, kennel clubs,"pet" stores and other sellers of living beings, I continue to support an end to these. They are exploitive, resulting in untold suffering and death annually, and they have no place in a compassionate, progressive society.

Kim October 21, 2009 12:08 PM

I support reputable hobby breeders, especially those who choose to naturally rear their animals especially since they are concerned for the long-term health and well being of their animals. I don't know how we ever got to blame them for all the irresponsible people who surrender their animals when to the shelters when they don't want to care for them any longer. Somehow that got pushed onto breeders. Remember, it's supply and demand. As long as people demand puppies and kittens on a shelf, there will be someone to supply them. Slandering kennel clubs and breeders is really pretty ignorant. None of the breeders I know exploit their animals in any way, shape or fashion. I wished people would stop listening to all the rhetoric and I'm also glad the governor did what he did. And no I am not a breeder nor ever intend to be. Just thinking outside of the propaganda and rhetoric.

Talk Bubble Icon add your comment