Last year, a bill called the California Healthy Pets Act was introduced into the State Legislature. Many knew it only as Assembly Bill 1634 submitted by Lloyd Levine of Van Nuys. AB 1634 was an ill-conceived attempt at lowering the number of unwanted cats and dogs in the state, thereby reducing the number of animals euthanized every year. The goal was a good one. But the restrictive method by which this bill tried to tackle the problem of unwanted pets was a complete failure. AB 1634 called for mandatory spay and neuter of all puppies and kittens. Breeders would have to carry a special permit if they wished to raise more young animals. The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) put its full support behind this legislation by sponsoring it, a move that caught many rank and file members by surprise.
Many veterinarians felt that this legislation was so poorly written, it would never achieve its goal. Instead, it would significantly lower the numbers of people who breed dogs as a hobby. As written, 1634 would open the doors to more imported dogs, most of whom are produced in puppy mills. We offered to withdraw our membership if CVMA continued to sponsor the bill. At first, the leadership asked us to reconsider our position. But in the end, enough pressure was applied so CVMA withdrew its sponsorship and the bill failed to make it to the Assembly floor for a vote.
AB 1634 initially would have only affected dog breeders within the state and tightly regulated them as they pursued their hobby. Those in favor had a bevy of Hollywood celebs speaking for them, including Bob Barker, Lionel Ritchie, Diane Keaton and Ben Stein. But their arguments contained more fluff than fact.
Opponents said that many breeders would simply quit raising pedigree pooches. The market would be full of more puppy mill dogs bred in other states. This argument was only part of the reason for 1634's failure. After CVMA withdrew its sponsorship, the dying bill was withdrawn before any vote could be taken.
But this legislation recently resurfaced and was up for vote in the State Senate. Even in an amended form, it was soundly defeated, 5 in favor, 27 against. So once again, this poorly-named and poorly-written statute failed to become law. Many of us are relieved once again, and we hope some other approach can be made to help reduce the large number of animals euthanized each year.
Pet overpopulation is a problem, we can all agree on that. But why can't something be done rid the market of imported puppy mill dogs in California? Anyone who saw Oprah's expose on puppy mills knows how deplorable the conditions are in these "farms."
I'm usually an advocate of less government intervention. But when there are literally tens of thousands of dogs horribly abused by these puppy farmers throughout the country, I think something has to be done to stop the inhumanity. Do you have ideas on how to stop this? Let me know what you think and I'll print some of your comments in a future column.
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Summer may be almost over, but there are still a few great events left for animal aficionados of all types. For dog lovers, the 11th annual Bark In The Park will be held Saturday, Sept. 20. This is a unique festival honoring dogs and their best friends and is held at William Street Park near 16th Street in San Jose. It's a ton of fun for everyone with events including agility and obedience trials, along with sheep herding and lots of other demonstrations. My good friend, George Sampson (from KLIV Radio), and I will emcee and judge a pet/owner look-alike contest, a funny costume contest and some silly dog tricks. Plus, we'll be there to talk about Petpourri as it once was on television and now on radio. Lots of food, fun and entertainment, and it all starts at 10am. Bring some questions and join us for the fun.
A little farther away in San Rafael, the 3rd Bay Area Pet Fair and Adoptathon will open its doors to pet lovers of all kinds this coming Saturday and Sunday. It's at the Marin Civic Center and is rapidly becoming a huge event. Dogs, cats, reptiles, amphibians, birds and even an occasional chicken show up to this fun couple of days. You're sure to have fun if you go.
And let's not forget the remaining county fairs in Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. Here, you can stand next to all the farm animals you ever wanted to see. The local 4-H and FFA clubs will have exhibits. There'll be the usual fun rides at these fairgrounds, and don't forget the food. Ah, the corn dogs, cinnamon rolls and cotton candy. Those alone are reason enough to take in a little tradition and go to the fair. It will be the 93rd annual Santa Cruz County Fair in Watsonville, running Sept. 9-14. And the San Benito County Fair will close off the fair season for 2008. San Benito is also one of the very best, running Oct. 3-5. Get more information and details by logging on to their Web sites. Take in a little Americana this year and go to a county fair. One bite of that cotton candy and you'll be happy you did.
Pete Keesling Pete Keesling is a veterinarian at San Martin Veterinary Hospital. He writes a bi-weekly column for South Valley Newspapers and hosts a radio talk show, Dr. Pete’s Petpourri, Sundays at 1 p.m. and Friday mornings at 7:10 on KSCO 1080 AM. If you have questions about pet care, e-mail them to smvet3@yahoo.com.
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