Santa Clara Bird Club  PO Box 3466 Santa Clara, CA. 95055-3466

Santa Clara Valley Canary & Exotic Bird Club, founded in 1958

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

California Governor Affirms

PIJAC Position on Pet Bills With Two Vetoes

More Info at PIJAC

** California Limit Law Vetoed **

California Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed two bills, AB 241 and AB 1122, which would have restricted pet sales. PIJAC urged the Governor to veto AB 241, which would have prohibited any person from having more than 50 "unsterilized dogs and cats at any time used for the purpose of breeding or raising dogs or cats for sale as pets..." While PIJAC strongly supports legislation mandating appropriate humane standards for all pet animals, arbitrary limits on keeping pet animals do nothing to advance that interest. Governor Schwarzenegger's veto language emphasized PIJAC's concerns with this bill and reflected his commitment to sound legislation that actually targets the real purpose of the measure.

The Governor also declined to sign AB 1122, which would have banned animal sales at swap meets, flea markets and outdoor public sales. While PIJAC believed that the amended version of this bill clarified the intended prohibitions, a number of dog, cat and reptile show participants felt strongly that the bill would adversely affect their activities by inadequately defined restrictions under the law.

Another bill, AB 490, written by a coalition including PIJAC, was signed into law ensuring that feeder animals are properly euthanized in accordance with American Veterinarian Medical Association standards. The bill states that certain animals intended as food for another animal may be euthanized only in accordance with specified conditions, and only if by a person who is certified, in writing, by a California-licensed veterinarian.

If you have questions regarding any of these bills, please feel free to contact PIJAC's Bambi Nicole Osborne via email at bambi@pijac.org or by phone at 202-452-1525.