RSS
Home
Actress Elaine Hendrix joins call for Gov. Schwarzenegger to sign animal welfare bills
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Energize with Parker! See info below. (Photo - HWAC)
MEDIA RELEASE FROM CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLYMEMBER PEDRO NAVA
Actress Elaine Hendrix, animal advocate and co-star of “The Parent Trap,” joined California Assemblymember Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) and leaders from animal protection organizations at a Sacramento news conference Thursday to ask the governor to sign Nava’s three landmark animal cruelty prevention measures.
The first bill, AB 241, known as "The Responsible Breeder Act of 2009,” will impose a limit of 50 on the number of unaltered adult dogs or cats that an individual or business can possess for the purposes of breeding for the pet market.
“Cute puppies sold in pet stores and over the Internet are the ultimate ‘Parent Trap,’” said Hendrix at the state capitol. “The pups may find homes but their parents—the breeding females and males—are likely to spend their entire lives trapped and suffering in puppy mills. When the Governor enacts AB 241, he will not only help reduce that cruelty, but also take a step toward curbing pet overpopulation and the stress that large scale breeders place on animal shelters.”
“Recent events around the country brought to our attention the brutality of puppy mills, dog fighting, and animal abuse,” said Nava, author of the bill. “California must take the lead in setting an example for the humane treatment of animals. Now is the time for the governor to join us and prevent further suffering. The governor has an opportunity to make our state safer by signing these measures.”
The second measure,”The Dog Fighting Prevention Act of 2009” (AB 242), will substantially increase the penalties for spectators caught attending a dog fighting event of up to one year in jail and a $5000 fine.
"Unfortunately, California ranks 42nd in the nation in terms of dog fighting enforcement, due, primarily to weak penalties for being a spectator at a dog fight,” said Eric Sakach, Senior Law Enforcement Specialist for The Humane Society of the United States.“ Increasing the potential fines and jail time would help law enforcement crack down on this vicious blood sport and curb its associated crimes including illegal gambling, weapons and drugs."
The third measure, AB 243, also authored by Nava and known as “The Animal Abuse Prevention Act of 2009, will prohibit a person who has been convicted of specified animal-related crimes from owning or possessing, caring for, or having any contact with animals for no less than five years following a conviction.
“Recent studies have shown that the recidivism rate for animal cruelty and neglect crimes is virtually 100 percent,” said Debra Knaan, Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney. “This bill will provide me with the ability to ask the courts to impose a no ownership penalty for those that are convicted of animal abuse. I am hopeful that this will prevent further acts of animal cruelty and neglect in the future.”
Assemblymember Nava worked this year with district attorneys, public safety officials and humane organizations throughout the state on these bills which received overwhelming bipartisan support and are now on the Governor’s desk waiting for his signature.
TO CONTACT GOV. SCWARZENEGGER:
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (916) 445-2841
Fax: (916) 558 3160
www.gov.ca.gov/interact
TO CONTACT CALIFORNIA STATE LAWMAKERS GO TO:
www.assembly.ca.gov/clerk/MEMBERINFORMATION/memberdir_1.asp
www.senate.ca.gov/~newsen/senators/senators.htp
TO FIND YOUR CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY AND SENATE MEMBERS VISIT:
www.assembly.ca.gov/defaulttext.asp
and click on "Find My District" on the left side of the page
FOR MORE INFO:
Official California Legislative Information
www.leginfo.ca.gov/
Go to “Bill Information,” and type in the bill number.
Around the Capitol
www.aroundthecapitol.com/Bills/
Go to “Bills” and follow the prompts.
Animal Law Coalition
www.animallawcoalition.com/bills
California Assemblymember Pedro Nava
democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a35/Legislation/default.aspx
Yes on AB 241
American Kennel Club (AKC)
www.akc.org/news/sections/legislative_alerts.cfm
Source: Helen Woodward Animal Center
Parker is a one-year old neutered male Catahoula Leopard mix. Handsome with artistic markings! You'll get exercised and energized with this intelligent, peppy guy in your life. Parker will be best in tune with an active family whose members are16 years and older.
Parker’s adoption fee is just $185.
All pets adopted from Helen Woodward Animal Center have been spayed or neutered, have up-to-date vaccinations and microchip identification.
Plus a certificate for a free night's stay at our Club Pet Boarding!
Helen Woodward Animal Center kennels are open everyday from 11am to 6pm (applications accepted till 5:45 p.m.) at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.
For more information call (858) 756-4117, option #1 or log on to www.animalcenter.org.
Save a life! Helen Woodward Animal Center reminds you to start at your local animal shelter or rescue group…plenty of furry faces waiting just for you!
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
