5/30/2017 AB 485 PASSES FULL ASSEMBLY & AB 1199 HELD IN COMMITTEE.

AB 485 PET RESCUE & ADOPTION ACT
PASSES FULL ASSEMBLY  44 - 6    (final vote count to be posted later today)


press conf ab 485
L-R: Amitis Ariano,Simone Reyes, Assemblymember Patrick O'Donnell, Judie Mancuso, Henry Brezinski, Katie Cleary, Assemblymember Matt Dababneh, Dr. Karen Halligan, Andrew Kim


AB 485 PET RESCUE & ADOPTION ACT
PASSES FULL CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY  
 
Social Compassion in Legislation Announces Robust Support for AB 485 from Legislature and Public
 
Sacramento, CA May 30, 2017 - California Assembly Bill 485, the Pet Rescue and Adoption Act, passed the State Assembly today.  AB 485, authored by Assembly Members Patrick O'Donnell and Matt Dababneh and sponsored by animal advocacy group, Social Compassion in Legislation, is a landmark bill that will ban the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits sourced from high-volume, commercial breeding facilities in all pet shops throughout the state. Instead, pet shops will be required to source animals from shelters and rescues. The bill has bipartisan support with both Democrat and Republican co-authors. 

"Today is a good day for pets in California.  The passage of AB 485 out of the Assembly is a step closer to ensuring that dogs, cats and rabbits from shelters are able to find forever homes," said Assemblymember Patrick O'Donnell.  "I would like to thank Social Compassion in Legislation for their hard work on the bill." 

"Today,  AB 485 passed off the Assembly Floor with strong, bipartisan support, representing a huge step forward in the effort to bring an end to the cruel, inhumane treatment of animals at puppy mills," stated Assemblymember Dababneh.  

"We are elated with the response from the state legislature and their robust support. In educating legislators about the bill, we heard many stories from members and staff about their own experiences with sick animals purchased from pet stores, heartwarming stories of fostering, and of rescuing pets in need," said Judie Mancuso, founder and president of Social Compassion in Legislation. "The 'shelter pet' is already the official state pet, now California is on its way to helping those pets get out of shelters and rescues and into pet shops where they have a much better chance of finding their forever homes."

"Animal shelter workers throughout California rejoice when there is another outlet to place the overwhelming number of animals in our facilities. Many large scale pet shops already collaborate with municipal shelters to showcase dogs, cats and rabbits and alleviate overcrowding. Assembly Member O'Donnell's bill will save lives," stated Henry Brzezinski, Legislative Chair of the California Animal Control Directors Association.

AB 485 will replace high volume commercially bred animals, requiring dogs, cats, and rabbits from local animal shelters and rescue groups in pet stores statewide.  AB 485 will be a gigantic step forward in solving the state's pet overpopulation crisis, by eliminating the ability of cruel puppy mills from importing animals for sale into California. 

The bill will now report to the Senate Rules Committee for policy committee assignment. 

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AB 1199 POLICE-CANINE ENCOUNTERS PROTECTION ACT HELD IN APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Silver Linings in Stalled 
AB 1199 Police-Canine Encounters Protection Act

We are disappointed to report that AB 1199, the Police-Canine Encounters Protection Act, has stalled in the Appropriations Committee due to staff's concerns regarding costs of implementing the training program. Yet, despite the bill not moving forward, there are several positive outcomes from this process.

Firstly, by introducing the bill, Assemblymember Nazarian put a much-needed spotlight on the issue of police-canine encounters that end with a dead or injured dog. This problem has flown under the radar of our legislators for too long, but thanks to Assemblymember Nazarian and the SCIL team, that is no longer the case.

Secondly, through this process we found that the tracking of canine shootings is severely lacking and nearly impossible to find. SCIL is leading discussions of implementing a uniform reporting system across the state would go a long way towards reducing police-canine encounters that end badly, and help to quantify the problem and justify the cost for training.  

Lastly, a pilot program showing the benefits of the training in two or three counties may be possible and is also being discussed among stakeholders. A successful pilot program would be invaluable in ushering this mandatory training at a statewide level.

Thank you to everyone who sent in a support letter and made phone calls.  There was never a doubt the training was needed, it was the cost to implement the bill that was the issue.  SCIL will be regrouping on this important cause, please check for updates on our website.  
Social Compassion In Legislation needs your help to  continue our work on lifesaving legislation. 

We are a small nonprofit that relies on your generosity.  Your contributions enable us to do this crucial work for the animals. Please donate today.

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With gratitude, and hope for a more compassionate world.
 
Judie Mancuso, Founder/President
Social Compassion In Legislation

Social Compassion In Legislation | P.O. Box 1125 | Laguna Beach, CA | 92652-1125 
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