Be an advocate!

TAKE ACTION

Find your local representatives:
www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html

Read and subscribe to bill updates: www.leginfo.ca.gov

Federal

HR 4733 Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act
To promote the well-being of farm animals by requiring Federal agencies to procure food products derived from certain animals only from sources that raised the animals free from cruelty and abuse, and for other purposes.

Update: Referred to House Agriculture
MHS position: support

HR 5092 Crush Videos
Prohibits the sale, or offering for sale, of animal crush videos in interstate or foreign commerce.

MHS position: support

HR 1018 Restore American Mustangs
Amend the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to improve the management and long-term health of wild free-roaming horses and burros, and for other purposes.

Update: Referred to Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
MHS position: support

HR 1549 Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment
Amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to preserve the effectiveness of medically important antibiotics used in the treatment of human and animal diseases.

MHS position: support

State

California Gray Whale Coalition
The California Gray Whale Coalition has been created to ensure the remaining Gray Whale population is re-listed under the US Endangered Species Act.

Support the coalition: www.californiagraywhalecoalition.org/index.shtml
MHS position: support

Assembly

AB 1656 Fur Labeling
Prohibits the sale of any coat, jacket, garment, or other apparel made wholly or partially of fur, regardless of the value of the fur, without having attached and displayed a tag or label including the names of the animals from which the fur was acquired and the country of origin of any imported furs.

Update: Passed Assembly, moves to Senate Judiciary
MHS position: support

AB 1980 Animal Shelters and First Aid
Makes it clear that animal shelters can provide first aid to injured animals.

Update: Senate Business and Professions
MHS position: support

AB 2012 Animal Cruelty Penalties
Increases fines and possible jail time for those convicted of felony animal neglect.

Status: Senate Public Safety Hearing
MHS position: support

AB 2689 Dog Licenses
Allows public and animal control to use email, computer, and faxes to have information on rabies vaccinations which are required for dogs to be licensed.

Status: To Governor
MHS position: support

Senate

SB 1277 Animal Abuse Registry
Requires those convicted of felony animal abuse to register with local authorities and information made available to the public. To fund the registry, people convicted of misdemeanor animal cruelty would be fined $200 and felons fined $500.

Update: Bill dropped
MHS position: neutral, continue to monitor

SB 1345 Kangaroo Products
Allows the sale of kangaroo products, such as athletic shoes, for an additional five years. Existing law allowing it would expire in 2011. No kangaroo products were allowed from 1973 to 2008.

Update: Hearing 6/29
MHS position: oppose

SB 1417 Humane Officers
Puts additional requirements on humane societies applying to appoint a humane officer. Requires that a humane society be in existence for five years before being able to appoint a humane officer and three years of either having a shelter or an arrangement with a shelter or veterinary clinic to house animals.

Status: Assembly Judiciary Hearing
MHS position: oppose

SJR 22 Horse Slaughter
Extends support for the federal Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act that would prohibit the long-distance transport and slaughter of American horses for human consumption.

Update: In Assembly
MHS position: support

Fish and Game

Turtle and Frog Importation Ban
Prohibits permits for turtles and frogs for live animal markets

Update: Passed
MHS position: Support original ban