February 2009 Archives

SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 24, 2009 - Social Compassion in Legislation, in conjunction with Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez (D-Shafter), today announced a new spay and neuter state bill, SB 250 -- The Pet Responsibility Act.

"Every year in California, approximately one million pets enter into our shelters and more than half are killed," said Judie Mancuso, founder of Social Compassion in Legislation. "The fact that pets are not required to be spayed and neutered statewide causes massive unwanted breeding and a major pet overpopulation crisis. This new bill will not only help save the lives of millions of loving animals, it will also help save money for California taxpayers. It's a win-win for everyone."
Joined at the Capitol by animal welfare advocates and celebrities from hit shows like The Bachelor and Rock of Love, the bill aims to drastically reduce the half million cats and dogs that are euthanized in California shelters each year. The policy change will benefit the California taxpayers who spend a quarter of a billion dollars housing and killing unwanted pets each year, as well as the shelter workers who must deal with that sad reality each day.

"From a moral and ethical perspective, I was shocked at how we can even think of tolerating the killing of half a million pets every year," said Matt Grant, first international bachelor from ABC's The Bachelor. "From my financial background, I was also amazed at how we can even afford it. $250 million is a hell of a lot of money.."

"As a rescuer, I have looked into the eyes of dogs and cats knowing that they will never get to live with a human who loves them and knowing that their days are numbered," said Lacey Conner from VH1's hit show Rock of Love and Charm School, and founder of Heroes K9 Rescue. "To me it is obvious to pass a law that requires people to spay and neuter their pets."

SB 250, authored by Senator Florez, provides a reasonable, fiscally responsible step towards reducing pet overpopulation. The bill simply requires that dogs be spayed or neutered in California unless their owner/guardian obtains an unaltered dog license when they license their animal. SB 250 also requires that roaming cats be spayed and neutered by their owner/guardian. The bill number SB 250 was chosen because over $250 million dollars is spent housing and euthanizing homeless dogs and cats in California.

"We cannot understand how anyone could turn away from a solution like SB 250," Brenda Mitchell, humane educator for the Central California SPCA. "For over six decades we have been trying to educate our community and still we have to decide which really great dog should be allowed one more day, which wonderful house cat is worth saving. The answer is simple, all of them, every last one."
"But the underlying problem remains; there are still too many dogs and cats entering California's shelters," said Dr. Allan Drusys, Riverside County Department of Animal Services. "More animals than the public can adopt. More animals than the shelters themselves are designed to handle. And far too much euthanasia of these unwanted pets is taking place. This is simply a supply side problem and a reduction in the fertility rate of the entire population is in order.."

For more information on the bill visit http://www.yesonsb250.com/sb250-home.php/

This dog is approx. 7 months old, weighs 15 pounds, resides in OUTSIDE KENNEL 18, and has been spayed and is available for adoption, now. She has been house trained, gets along great with other dogs, but it is unknown whether she is good with children or cats... She has an adorable smile and she likes to be in your lap!! Previous owners just couldn't take care of her anymore. They wrote, " She is a very Lovable Dog."

Look at me smile! This is a very lovable man!! He is very unassuming, but loves attention when it is offered. Look at his beautiful, rich orange color, too!! A gorgeous, orange Tabby cat! He is approx 2-3 yrs old, neutered and ready to go to his forever home! He is control# R121770.

Here we have a very mellow and sweet 10 month old German Shepherd mix. She walks great on the leash and gets along great with all of our dogs. She has been at the shelter for a while now and she is in desperate need of a home.This precious creature can be found in the outside kennels #4.