Since 1980, Paw PAC – a nonpartisan, volunteer, nonprofit political action committee – has worked for the passage of humane legislation and the election of humane candidates to state offices. Here are some current animal-related bills being followed by Paw PAC, with suggestions for how you can make your voice heard. Learn more and subscribe to regular Paw PAC updates by visiting pawpac.org.
ASSEMBLY
AB 1589 re: State Parks; Paw PAC supports
Sets a guaranteed level of state funding for parks and lowers the number of State Parks that can be closed to 25. Creates a voluntary donation on tax returns and an environmental license plate for support of parks.
Action Alert: Write to your Assemblymember. Tell her/him that closed parks invite poachers, trespassers, off-road vehicles, and littering and denies the public the many benefits of access to open space.
AB 1776 re: Sea Turtles; Paw PAC supports
Declares the Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle to be our State Marine Reptile and designates October 15 as Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle Conservation Day.
Action Alert: Passed in the assembly. Write to your Senator. Tell her/him that sea turtles travel 6,000 miles to on their annual migration and that California is part of their journey. They should be protected.
AB 1939 re: Dog Licensing; Paw PAC opposes
Allows animal control agencies in specified counties to issue puppy licenses. Requires pet dealers, humane societies, and rescue groups to report monthly to animal control agencies with the names/addresses of buyers/adopters.
Action Alert: Bill passed in the Assembly. Write to your Senator. Tell her/him the idea is admirable but that the bill does not include backyard breeders and adds a burden to volunteer rescue groups.
AB 2283 re: Fish & Game; Paw PAC supports
Changes the name of the Fish & Game Department to Fish & Wildlife Department.
Action Alert: Write to your Assemblymember. Tell her/him the Department’s name should reflect its actual purpose, which involves all wildlife, not just “game” for hunters.
AB 2402 re: Fish and Game; Paw PAC supports
Changes the name of the Fish and Game Department to Fish and Wildlife Department and establishes an independent scientific advisory panel for the state wildlife agencies.
Action Alert: Write to your Assemblymember. Tell her/him the name change and the need for “independent” recommendations are important.
AB 2609 re: Fish and Game Commission; Paw PAC supports
Provides for more staff diversity on the Fish and Game Commissioners and requires the President of the Commission to be elected by fellow commissioners instead of seniority.
Action Alert: Write to your Assemblymember. Tell her/him the Commission needs overall reform and broader representation of the public.
ACR 106 re: Parks; Paw PAC supports
Declares July 2012 “Parks Make Life Better” month and recognizes the importance of parks for exercise, open space conservation, nature education, and dog recreation.
Action Alert: Write to your Senator and Assemblymember. Tell them “parks make life better” for people and wildlife.
AJR 29 re: Bees; Paw PAC supports
Resolution declaring the importance of pollinating bees and asking the California Pest Control Board to protect them from pesticides.
Action Alert: Write to your Senator and Assemblymember. Tell them that bees are disappearing and have died from pesticide exposure.
SENATE
SB 969 re: Groomers; Paw PAC supports
Establishes the California Pet Grooming Council to certify groomers, including standards in housing and handling. Certification would be voluntary but any groomers not certified can’t advertise that they are.
Action Alert: Write to your Senator. Tell her/him that animals have been injured/killed by untrained groomers and careless practices.
SB 1145 re: Animal Fighting; Paw PAC supports
Raises the fine for animal fighting from $5,000 to $10,000 per incident and from $1,000 to $5,000 per incident for spectators.
Action Alert: Bill passed the Senate. Write to your Assemblymember. Tell her/him fines must be meaningful in order to be a deterrent.
SB 1221 re: Hound Hunting; Paw PAC supports
Prohibits the use of dogs in hunting bobcats and bears.
Action Alert: Write to your Senator. Tell her/him that hunting with hounds is unsporting and cruel to the dogs as well as the bobcats/bears.
SB 1229 re: De-Clawing and De-Barking; Paw PAC supports
Prohibits a landlord from requiring de-clawing of a cat or de-barking of a dog as a condition of rental.
Action Alert: Write to your Senator. Tell her/him that while rentals are temporary, de-clawing/de-barking are forever.
SB 1249 re: Fish and Game Land; Paw PAC opposes
Authorizes the Fish and Game Departmente to contract with conservation groups to allow hunting/fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, conservation education, etc. on department-managed lands. SB 1249 is sponsored by hunting organizations.
Action Alert: Write to your Senator. Tell her/him that hunting is not compatible with photography and other non-consumptive uses.
SB 1480 re: Trapping; Paw PAC supports
Establishes a license requirement for people who trap wildlife for profit. Prohibits killing by drowning, crushing chests, or injecting chemicals not intended for euthanasia, and requires informing clients of current regulations and laws.
Action Alert: Write to your Senator. Tell her/him that thousands of animals die needlessly and horribly, and tht clients pay expensive fees without being informed of how the animals will be treated/killed.
SB 1523 re: Race Horse Retirement; Paw PAC supports
Provides money from fines/license fees for “Retired California Race Horses” and authorizes HRB to work with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for the rehab/retraining of retired race horses.
Action Alert: Write to your Senator. Tell her/him that many retired horses end up going to slaughter. These horses deserve a humane retirement.
Virginia Handley has lobbied for animals in the State Legislature since 1972. In 1970 she started Animal Switchboard (415-474-4021 or 510-222-2236), which provides 24/7 counseling and referrals for Bay Area animal problems.
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