Assembly Bill 1634, the California bill that will require any dog or cat over the age of four months to be spayed or neutered will be revised with even more burdensome requirements. The bill still does not make any provision for animals in the state only for a short time or those who are competing in a dog show or event. It is imperative that clubs, fanciers and responsible dog owners work together to oppose this legislation.
AB 1634 will be heard by the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on April 10th. Letters need to be sent to the committee to ensure that your opposition is noted for the official bill analysis. If you have already submitted a letter you do NOT need to send an additional letter addressing the amended version.
The NEW REQUIREMENTS would allow an owner to purchase an intact animal permit (for an unspecified amount) only if one of the following conditions is met:
- The breeder is licensed by the local jurisdiction, including proof of a business license, Federal and State tax number or other valid information as determined by the local jurisdiction.
- The owner provides proof of EACH of the following:
- The dog has competed in at least one legitimate dog show or sporting competition in the past two years, as determined by the local jurisdiction.
- That the cat or dog is of a valid breed as recognized by a registry approved by the local jurisdiction.
- The dog has earned or is in the process of earning a conformation, obedience, agility, carting, herding, protection, rally, sporting, working or other title from a purebred registry as recognized by the local jurisdiction.
- The dog is or is being trained for use by law enforcement agencies or meets the definition of a service dog, guide dog or signal dog as defined by the California State Penal Code.
- The dog is trained and used by law enforcement agencies as a search and rescue dog.
- The owner provides a letter for a licensed veterinarian stating that due to age, health, or illness it is unsafe to spay or neuter the animal. The letter must include the veterinarian’s license number and the date by which the animal can by spayed or neutered if at all possible.
This draconian legislation would drastically restrict the rights of responsible dog owners and will lead to conflicting ordinances all across the state. A registry that is accepted in one city may not be accepted by the neighboring county. The requirements for a breeder license may also differ from place to place.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Contact your representative in the California State Assembly. To find your Assemblymember, click here.
- Attend the Assembly Business and Professions Committee Hearing
April 10th, 9 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 447
Sacramento, CA 95814
- Contact the members of the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee who will consider this bill.
Clubs please send official opposition letters to the committee consultants to ensure your club is listed in the bill analysis!
Assembly Business and Professions Committee
ATTN: Tracy Rhine, Committee Consultant
1020 N Street, Room 124
Sacramento, CA 94249
FAX: (916) 319-3306
Assembly Republican Policy Consultant
Business and Professions Committee
Ted Blanchard
1020 N Street (LOB), Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
FAX: 916-319-3902
Assemblyman Mike Eng, Chair
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0049
TEL: (916) 319-2049
FAX: (916) 319-2149
Assemblymember.Eng@assembly.ca.gov
Assemblyman Bill Emmerson, Vice Chair
TEL: (916) 319-2063
FAX: (916) 319-2163
Assemblymember.emmerson@assembly.ca.gov
Assemblywoman Karen Bass
TEL: (916) 319-2047
FAX: (916) 319-2147
Assemblymember.Bass@assembly.ca.gov
Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter
TEL: (916) 319-2062
FAX: (916) 319-2162
Assemblymember.Carter@assembly.ca.gov
Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi
TEL: (916) 319-2018
FAX: (916) 319-2118
Assemblymember.Hayashi@assembly.ca.gov
Assemblyman Edward P. Hernandez
TEL: (916) 319-2057
FAX: (916) 319-2157
Assemblymember.Hernandez@assembly.ca.gov
Assemblywoman Shirley Horton
TEL: (916) 319-2078
FAX: (916) 319-2178
Assemblymember.Shirley.Horton@assembly.ca.gov
Assemblyman Bill Maze
*Asm. Maze will be voting No. Unless you are a constituent, please do not continue to contact his office.
TEL: (916) 319-2034
FAX: (916) 319-2134
Assemblymember.maze@assembly.ca.gov
Assemblyman Curren D. Price., Jr.
TEL: (916) 319-2051
FAX: (916) 319-2151
Assemblymember.Price@assembly.ca.gov
Assemblyman Alberto Torrico
TEL: (916) 319-2020
FAX: (916) 319-2120
Assemblymember.torrico@assembly.ca.gov
For more information, contact AKC's Canine Legislation Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.
The Canine Legislation Department will continue to monitor developments in California, and will issue Legislative Alerts as they warrant.
Assembly Bill 1634, the California bill that will require any dog or cat over the age of four…