PetPAC Begins Broadcast of TV Commercials Opposing AB 1634
Legislation to force the sterilization of nearly all dogs and cats in California will result in serious unintended consequences, according to PetPAC, a 32,000-member grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the rights of animals and their owners.
Assembly Bill 1634 by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine (D-Van Nuys) sets up a convoluted system of pet permits, fees and fines that will affect millions of Californians and have a devastating financial impact on cash-strapped animal control agencies across the state, said PetPAC Chairman Bill Hemby at a Capitol press conference today where PetPAC unveiled their TV commercials opposing the bill.
“This measure will take money from programs proven to reduce the unwanted animal population and instead spend the funds to implement a bureaucracy that is expensive to administer and impossible to enforce,” said Hemby. “Animal control expenses in Santa Cruz County have skyrocketed up 109% since a similar law took effect,” he said.
Representatives from the disabled community also spoke on their opposition to the measure. “Our independence, safety, mobility and an improved quality of life are interwoven with our trained dog’s ability to mitigate some of the effects of our disabilities,” said Beth Shea, representing the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners. “Passage of this bill would threaten our ability to safely travel, work, and enjoy other aspects of daily life,” said Shea, who was accompanied by her service dog, Remy.
Noting that more than 90% of owned cats are already spayed or neutered, Joan Miller, representing the Cat Fanciers Association, said that feral cats are the real problem facing animal control agencies – an issue not addressed by AB 1634. “There are thousands of unowned cats on the streets,” said Miller. “Their numbers will only increase if this bill becomes law.”
Also scheduled to speak were:
• Dr. Kathleen Kenyon from Sanger Veterinary Hospital, a veterinarian for 25 years.
• Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff Steve LeCouve and his K-9, Dantes.
AB 1634 will be heard in the California State Senate Local Government Committee at 8:00 am on Wednesday, July 11.
Following the hearing, a PetPAC rally will be held on the West steps of the State Capitol.
