Nothing is more powerful than the written word, especially if it’s written in a law book!
Since 1980, a political action committee called Paw PAC has traveled the hills and valleys, the elations and frustrations, in Sacramento’s Capitol Building, attempting to pass or defeat legislation affecting millions of animals. Following are the highlights of the group’s 2010’s efforts.
PASSED
AB 1437 by Assemblyman Jared Huffman requires eggs from out of state to meet housing mandates required by Proposition 2, passed in 2008. Chickens must have space to stand up, turn around, lie down and spread their wings. (Chickens typically are piled on top of each other in overcrowded cages.) Paw PAC supported AB1437.
AB 1980 by Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi strengthens existing law requiring veterinarians covering rodeos to report injuries to the State Veterinary Board whether they “treat” the animal or not. While there were many injuries at rodeos, many went unreported. Paw PAC supported AB1980.
AB 2869 by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth allows members of the public and animal control personnel to use e-mail, computer, and faxes to verify rabies vaccinations, which are required to dogs to get licenses. Paw PAC supported AB2869.
SB 1179 by Senator Dennis Hollingsworth allows the Fish & Game Dept to provide two free hunting days a year if an unlicensed hunter is accompanied to a licensed hunter. Hopefully, the Dept won’t use this opportunity. Paw PAC’s position was that anyone who won’t bother to buy a license shouldn’t be allowed to hunt. Paw PAC opposed SB1179.
SB 1345 by Senator Ron Calderon allows the sale of kangaroo products in California, which was banned from 1973 to 2008 for environmental and humane reasons. SB 1345 has nothing to do with conservation and everything to do with the profits made by corporations like Adidas that sell kangaroo leather shoes. Paw PAC opposed SB1345.
SB 1417 by Senator Dave Cox puts stringent new requirements on humane societies wanting to appoint humane officers, making the hiring of staff more difficult or impossible. Humane officers are needed now more than ever to help enforce humane laws, since animal control departments are suffering from budget cuts. Paw PAC opposed SB1417.
Senate Joint Resolution 22 by Senator Dean Florez asks the President and Congress to pass federal legislation to protect horses from slaughter. Thousands of horses now travel long distances under inhumane conditions to the slaughterhouse. Paw PAC supported Senate Joint Resolution 22.
The Budget once again suspends some provisions of the Hayden Law, which requires longer holding periods for strays in animal shelters because it has cost the state millions of dollars for additional housing and veterinary care due to overcrowding. Holding periods for owner-surrendered animals (who shelters are not required to accept) and cooperation with rescue groups remain intact. Paw PAC opposed any reductions in veterinary care or holding periods.
FAILED
AB 2223 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava would have prohibited lead shot for hunting in state wildlife areas. We don’t allow lead in other products, such as paint or toys, and PawPAC believes that we shouldn’t be allowing it to poison our wildlife. Paw PAC supported AB 2223.
SB 250 by Senator Dean Florez would have made the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats mandatory under the law. Although SB 250 provided many exemptions, it was overwhelmingly defeated by breeding interests. Paw PAC supported, SB 250.
SB 1277 by Senator Dean Florez would have required those convicted of felony animal abuse to register with local authorities, with the information made available to the public. This bill was modeled after existing law concerning sex offenders, but legislators apparently did not find animal abuse offensive enough. Paw PAC supported SB 1277.
VETOED
AB 979 by Assemblyman Tom Berryhill would have prohibited any local ordinance on hunting. AB 979 was a power play, one of many, by hunters to control hunting throughout the state. Paw PAC opposed AB 979.
AB 1656 by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma would have required fur products to be labeled as to the species and country of origin. Federal law currently requires labeling only of products over $250 in retail value. Governor Schwarzenegger’s veto message said, “it may increase costs to manufacturers.” Paw PAC supported AB 1656.
AB 2012 by Assemblyman Ted Lieu would have strengthened the penalty provisions for misdemeanor animal abuse. The Governor’s veto message said he “could not support a measure that increases potential jail time for offenses against animals.” Paw PAC supported AB 2012.
AB 2411 by Assemblyman Dave Jones would have required pet insurance companies to provide better consumer information, such as defining “pre-existing conditions.” The Governor’s veto message said “this bill is not necessary.” Paw PAC supported AB 2411.
AB 2575 by Assemblyman Wes Chesbro would have repaired/protected riparian habitat where there are threatened/endangered salmon. Paw PAC supported AB 2575.
AB 2743 by Assemblyman Pedro Nava would have prohibited landlords from requiring a cat to be de-clawed (amputating the ends of their toes) or a dog to be de-barked (cutting thier vocal cords) as a condition of tenancy. The Governor’s veto message said the bill’s findings “are not supported by science” and that “this bill goes too far.” Paw PAC supported AB 2743.
2010 GRADES
This year Paw PAC recorded the votes of individual legislators and gave them grades based on eight animal bills: AB 979, AB 1437, AB 1656, AB 2012, AB 2223, AB 2411, AB 2743, and SB 250.
There are 13 legislators graded A+, 39 graded A, 12 graded B, 18 graded C, 5 graded D, and 27 graded F, in addition to Governor Schwarzenegger. Unfortunately, as happens too often in Sacramento, many votes are split along partisan lines.
Paw PAC’s Legislators of the Year are Assemblyman Pedro Nava and Senator Dean Florez, both of whom must now leave the California Legislature under term limits.
Go to www.pawpac.org, call 415-646-0622, or write to Paw PAC, P.O. Box 475012, San Franciso, CA 94147 to receive our 2010 Voting Chart and endorsements for the November election, plus a complete wrap-up of 2010 animal legislation. You can also sign up for Paw PAC’s free e-mail Legislative Alerts. Paw PAC hosts monthly legislative meetings in the Capitol Building at which all animal advocates are welcome.
Virginia Handley has lobbied for animals in the State Legislature since 1972. She worked for best-selling author and animal activist, Cleveland Amory, for over 30 years. In 1970 she started Animal Switchboard, 415-474-4021, which continues to provide 24/7 counseling and referrals for Bay Area animal problems.
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