AKC and fanciers made significant progress last month in their opposition of AB418, a bill to ban ear cropping in California. Although the measure passed out of the Assembly Public Safety Committee, purebred dog owners won ground when the Assembly Appropriations Committee heard AB418 on April 12th. They effectively argued that passage of the bill would have a significant financial impact on California’s economy, and the Assembly Appropriations Committee placed the bill on the Suspense File. This is good news for fanciers who now have additional time to organize opposition efforts.

Shortly before May 27th (California’s fiscal deadline), the Assembly Appropriations Committee will hold a hearing to announce which bills will be released from the Suspense file to the Assembly floor. (Only released bills can proceed on their journey to become law.) Which bills are released will be determined in large part by Committee staff recommendations but also by the bill sponsor’s requests and political climate. No testimony is permitted at this hearing.

In the coming weeks, fanciers and AKC will continue efforts to show that the passage of AB418 has the potential to have a significant impact on California’s economy. That’s because purebred dog fanciers’ participation in dog shows brings enormous economic benefits to a community. For example, a two-day dog show with 2,000 participants contributes approximately $345,000 to the local economy. AKC sanctioned nearly 1400 events in California last year which drew hundreds of thousands of people from both within and outside of the state. Approximately 185,000 dogs were entered in those competitions, and over 23,000 of those were of breeds who customarily crop ears--just over 12 percent. California legislators should understand that due to fear of harassment or protest over the law, passage of AB418 could result in a substantial decrease in dog show entries or attendance.

Extreme animal rights groups – including one comprised of veterinarians – continue to bombard California officials with misleading statements about ear cropping procedures. It is critical that legislators hear from responsible, reliable sources on this issue. AKC believes that when appropriate veterinary care is provided, ear cropping is a safe, acceptable practice. Owners, in close consultation with their veterinarians, should make informed decisions about their pets’ health care—not the government. Once legislators determine they can ban certain elective procedures, they may be just a short step away from removing veterinarians’ and owners’ rights to make informed decisions about animal care and treatment.

What You Can Do:
• Fanciers should continue to contact their own Assembly member and ask him or her to oppose AB418. We must keep the pressure on in order to increase the chance that the bill remain on the Suspense File. To find out who represents you in the California legislature, click here. It is critical that legislators hear from their own constituents!
• Purebred dog owners should also contact their veterinarians and urge them not to support AB418. Point out that veterinarians should be concerned about allowing the government and public opinion too much control over their practices.
• Share this information with other fanciers, dog clubs and dog owners. We need everyone’s help!