A recommendation for the city attorney to draft a resolution in support of four animal-protection bills and a directive to the city manager to communicate the support of the legislation will comprise item #11 on the May 19 Long Beach City Council agenda. As we’ve often stated, there is an ongoing tragedy of pet overpopulation and animal cruelty not only in Long Beach but also nationwide. Dr. Allan Drusys, DVM, chief veterinarian with Riverside County’s Department of Animal Services, will address attendees, and a representative from Last Chance for Animals will also speak.

These measures aim to save tax dollars by alleviating the burden on animal control facilities across the state and, of course, promote kindness to animals.

The bills are as follows:

SB 250—The Pet Responsibility Act: All dogs must be spayed or neutered at 6 months of age unless their owner obtains an unaltered dog license. All cats must be spayed or neutered at 6 months of age if the owner allows the cat to roam outdoors. This bill gives our animal control facilities a tool to work with through the dog-licensing program.
Carried by Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez.

AB 241—The Responsible Breeder Act of 2009: This bill limits the number of unaltered dogs and cats on a seller’s property to 50 total unaltered animals (meaning kittens, puppies, breeding adults). There exists documentation of puppy mills in California with up to 500 unaltered dogs on the premises. Similar cap bills are being carried in 29 other states.
Carried by Assembly Member Pedro Nava.

AB 242 would make it a felony to be a willing spectator at a dogfight. California is the only Western state that does not make it a felony. According to Assembly Member Nava,” what can happen is you become the land of opportunity because it’s only a misdemeanor to observe.” According to law enforcement, drugs and guns go hand in hand with dog fighting. This blood sport is on the rise in inner cities.
Carried by Assembly Member Pedro Nava.

AB 243 would allow a judge to bar a felon convicted of animal cruelty from owning animals for a certain period after his or her release. This addresses a loophole in state law that allows a judge to prevent someone from possessing or having contact with animals while on probation but not while they are paroled.

This bill is sponsored by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office. Debbie Knaan, deputy DA and the office’s animal-cruelty case coordinator, said it gives law enforcement an important tool in helping make sure that animal abusers don’t reoffend.
Carried by Assembly Member Pedro Nava.

For more information, please visit:

Senator Florez for SB 250 at yesonsb250.com. Fax (916) 327-9057
Assembly Member Nava for AB 241 at yesonab241.com. Fax (916) 319-2135

Long Beach already has a number of animal-responsibility/cruelty laws on its books. Click here to read these laws.

“I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.”
—Abraham Lincoln

Random Clawings

Saturday, June 6
“Dressed In Black,” a cabaret show featuring soprano Meredith Kennedy and alto Nancy Pfeffer, will entertain the audience with music and comedy in their own classical/folk/theatre/fusion/crossover style, from the classic beauty of Mozart and Monteverdi and the timeless Flower Duet to the sweet nostalgia of Dan Fogelberg and Middle Earth mystery of Lord of the Rings, Meredith and Nancy create their own unique harmonies and style. A portion of the proceeds benefits the following local charities: Friends of Long Beach Animals; EFBC’s Feline Conservation Center, also known as the “Cat House,” in Rosamond, Calif.; and wildcatzoo.org. Reception follows. 8–11 p.m., Bay Shore Community Congregational Church Concert Hall, 5100 The Toledo, Long Beach, CA. Tickets $20. Click here for reservations.

Animal Match Rescue Team needs temporary foster homes for their dogs. Contact Louise at (562) 897-5282 if you are able to provide short-term care for a dog who weighs less than 15 pounds.

Ongoing Pet Food Drive at Neighborhood Resource Center
The Neighborhood Resource Center in tandem with Food Finders is collecting both pet and people food for needy families. Bring what you can to the NRC office at 425 Atlantic Ave., (562) 570-1010.