SACRAMENTO, CA (October 12, 2005) – United Animal Nations (UAN) today applauded Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for signing into law five bills that enhance protection for animals in California. The bills range from tightening humane euthanasia laws to placing restrictions on people who keep exotic animals as pets.
“It is clear that Governor Schwarzenegger takes seriously our responsibility for humane treatment of animals and sees fit to sign laws that advance their welfare,” said Jennifer Fearing, president and CEO of UAN. “We are grateful to the Governor for his compassion and I look forward to working together during the next legislative session to pass more laws to protect animals.”
The animal-related bills Schwarzenegger signed last week include:
- AB 820 – creates new rules for the housing, possession, importation and transportation of wild animals.
- AB 1426 – makes it a misdemeanor to inject a needle directly into the heart of an unsedated, conscious animal for purposes of euthanasia.
- SB 861 – authorizes local governments to enact mandatory spay/neuter programs and breeding requirements for specific dog breeds.
- SB 914 – makes it a misdemeanor for certain unauthorized individuals and agencies to sell puppies less than eight weeks of age.
- SB 1028 – amends the Fish and Game Code to outlaw “canned hunting,” or shooting or killing any bird or mammal with any gun or other device accessed via an Internet connection.
Earlier this year, UAN co-sponsored AB 1428 to ban the sale of cloned and genetically modified pets in California. While the bill stalled in committee, it will be reconsidered during the 2006 legislative session. UAN is also a founding member of the California Animal Association, a coalition of animal protection organizations collaborating to introduce and enact legislation protecting animals in California.
Founded in 1987, United Animal Nations is North America’s leading provider of emergency animal sheltering and disaster relief services and a key advocate for the critical needs of animals.
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