Animal Anti-Cruelty Legislation Awaits Governor's Action

Recent national events have highlighted the brutality of puppy mills, dogfighting, and animal cruelty. Working with The Humane Society of the United States, I authored three bills to protect animals. These measures raise the standards for humane treatment and are now on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk. Please join us in calling on the Governor to sign Assembly Bills 241, 242 and 243 into law.

These bills are important for several reasons. There is an uncontroverted link between animal abuse and domestic violence, elder abuse, and child abuse. Animal abusers have little respect for human life. Animals are often used as a tool to intimidate, silence, or extract compliance from the abuser's victims.

As Michael Vick is placed on the active roster for the Philadelphia Eagles, it is important that we remember that he was not alone in his crime. More than 40,000 people are involved in the crime of organized dogfighting in America resulting in injury or death to nearly 250,000 dogs annually. It is estimated that an additional 100,000 persons participate in "street level" dogfights.

There is also the cruelty associated with "collecting" or "hoarding" dogs and cats. In a typical case, a person is discovered living in squalid conditions with dozens to hundreds of animals. Many are found dead or in very poor condition. These people display a form of mental illness exhibited by an addictive/compulsive personality. The recidivism rate of animal cruelty and neglect crimes committed by animal collectors or hoarders is virtually 100%.

The World Animal Foundation explains that "puppy mill kennels usually consist of small wood and wire-mesh cages, or even empty crates or trailer cabs, all kept outdoors, where female dogs are bred continuously, with no rest between heat cycles. The mothers and their litters often suffer from malnutrition, exposure, and lack of adequate veterinary care."

To address this inhumane and cruel treatment of animals, my bills were approved by the Legislature and sent to the Governor:

• AB 241 -- Curbs abuses at puppy mills by limiting to 50 the number of adult breeding dogs or cats held for sale.
• AB 242 -- Upgrades the penalties for attending a dogfight, to crack down on spectators who fuel this criminal industry with admission fees and gambling.
• AB 243 -- Prevents convicted animal abusers from owning other animals in the future.

Californians spoke out strongly in support of Proposition 2 last November calling for farm animals to be protected. Together we can make a difference again. Please speak out on this issue and let Governor Schwarzenegger know you support these anti-cruelty animal protection measures.

Assembly member Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) is a candidate for Attorney General. He is a former prosecutor from Fresno and Santa Barbara Counties. Nava chairs the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee. He and his wife Susan are also the happy owners of three rescue animals.

 

 

Comments

[Rolinica]

This is a good step.

I really hope that there is ANOTHER bill in the works, one that allows for humane education, public outreach, more funding for animal services and mental health services, etc. Otherwise, we are just stuffing more people into overcrowded cells and the cycle continues.

[Picca]

Actually, this is not a good step. California already has more animal abuse laws than it needs to insure - as best government can - the welfare of animals. This bill is just another Animal Rights Radical effort to make animal ownership ever more difficult and expensive. Just another step on the way to redefining 'animal ownership' as 'animal abuse'. to reach their goal of putting an end to domestic animals and human management of them.

The Humane Society of the United States has made it explicitly clear that it will press legislation to incrementally outlaw human use of animals. All human use of all animals. Don't take my word for it; google Wayne Pacelle's statements on the subject. This bill represents H$U$ policy.

[ThinkCreeps]

A great shame and all that, but routing the anti-gang and anti-human­-trafficki­ng cops through the dogcatcher's office isn't going to make anything work better. While many human abusers doubtless abuse animals, very many do not. Stop them directly.

If you want to protect people from intimidation using dogs, toughen up the penalties for that. Your three
AB bills don't do that.

As a CA legislator, you really ought to have more urgent matters to attend to.

[lungfish]

Indeed, its about time... an enlightened society, or one that aspires to be, can not tolerate cruelty to animals. Its about time people understood that there is somebody in there and show some respect.

[Progressiveama]

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[keelygirl]

Called the governor's office already! And will tell everyone around me to as well! This ongoing abuse cannot be tolerated! Thank you Pedro for being a "voice" for those who have none! I applaud you! You get my vote in 2010!

[artsandcrafts]

I agree! Thank you Pedro for a great article about a really important topic.

[sabela]

Dialing as I type.

[NoSillyName]

Mistreatment, abuse and other cruelty to animals is bad in & of itself.

I tire of hearing that it can lead to human abuse.

Abuse of animals is horrific if it never leads to abuse of humans.

[Rolinica]

You are absolutely right that animal abuse is horrific by itself, but sometimes pulling on hearstrings isn't enough to garner the support needed. I know it is impossible to MAKE someone care about the life of an animal if they don't already. However, it is possible to give them reason to take action by using other means. Having worked in the animal care field, I encountered many irresponsible pet owners who didn't spay/neuter their pets and ended up with unwanted litters that the owners KNEW would end up getting euthanized. For some of these owners, the only way to get them to s/n was to convince them of the money they would save in the long run. Sounds shallow but it worked many times. Pointing out the connection between abuse of animals and humans, just like pointing out the link between abuse and other crimes, is unfortunately just another means to an end.