On Sunday, Feb. 17, Senator Ted Lieu was presented with a resolution naming him the California chapter of the League of Humane Voters’ 2012 Legislator of the Year. During this past legislative session, Lieu successfully sponsored three animal welfare bills that were signed by Governor Brown.
Senate Bill 917 took effect January 1, 2012. The bill prohibits the sale of animals on street corners, parking lots, carnivals and other temporary facilities.
Despite heavy opposition from hunters across the country, Senate Bill 1221, introduced by Lieu, was signed law in September 2012. SB 1221 prohibits the use of radio collars on pack dogs to hunt bears and bobcats. With this law, California became the 33rd state to ban such practices.
Lieu also introduced Senate Bill 1500. The bill prevents courts from automatically returning neglected and injured animals to abusive owners.
In accepting the award, Lieu said there are three reasons why animal advocacy is important. “It is easy to champion powerful interests. It is not so easy to champion for those who don’t have a voice. Animals don’t have a voice."
He also said he supports a free market but a free market does not work when it comes to animals. Animals cannot file a grievance if they are mistreated. Puppy mills and companies will abuse animals to improve their bottom line.
Finally, Lieu said, “It is corrosive to society if we do not have humane values.”
Alison Stanley, director of the Orange County chapter of the League of Humane Voters, was on hand to help present the award. She is pictured with Senator Lieu above.
Senator Lieu is running for re-election next year. You can contact him on these sites:
- Senate District 28
- Campaign 2014
- Twitter: @tedlieu
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- Bill to ban use of pack dogs in bear and bobcat hunting on Brown's desk
If you have an animal-related story you would like to share, please contact me at iepolitics2010@gmail.com.
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