There's still time to help oppose AB418, a bill to ban ear cropping, but fanciers must work quickly! With only a few short weeks to go before the Assembly Appropriations hearing, dog owners need to contact their representatives immediately with their concerns. Please see our April alert below for more information.
[ Wednesday, April 13, 2005 ]
Having decided that passage of AB418 would have a significant financial impact on California's economy, the Assembly Appropriations Committee placed the bill on the Suspense File at this morning's hearing. This is good news for fanciers who now have additional time to organize opposition efforts.
What Happens Now:
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.
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: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html. 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 and dog clubs. We need everyone's help!
Why Passage of AB418 Will Negatively Impact California's Economy:
- Purebred dog fanciers' participation in dog shows bring 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.
- Due to fear of harassment or protest over the law, passage of AB418 could result in a substantial decrease in dog show attendance–potentially as much as 12 percent–and possibly the number of events held in the state. Fewer dogs (who travel with owners, handlers, vendors and families) and fewer shows will result in a huge loss of revenue for retailers, as well as a loss of tax revenue for the government on all services including hotels, restaurants, and gas stations. Sales of products related to dogs will also decrease substantially.
Other Points to Consider:
- 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.
There’s still time to help oppose AB418, a bill to ban ear cropping, but fanciers must work quickly!…