On Monday, August 24, a working group of organizations led by the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals) hosted a press conference in Sacramento, CA, to unveil a proposal that would create a bureau of companion animals at the state level.
This working group aims to have a bill introduced next legislative session that would be the basis for a new bureau to regulate entities that are involved with or that care for companion animals (like dogs and cats).
One motivation for the proposal is the recent attention that animal “rescues” have gotten in the state, including a few that have received legal scrutiny over purported misconduct. One such case in Northern California has received national attention after charges of severe mistreatment of animals in its care.
The basis of the proposal is a framework similar to the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) in Colorado that has existed for over three decades, and in which AKC’s Colorado federation has taken a significant role. The goal is that a similar bureau in California will ensure proper enforcement of laws and regulations regarding companion animals, provide appropriate oversight, and be a reasonable, practical alternative to the many radical proposals introduced in California each year.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) looks forward to working with the working group to strengthen animal welfare in California, and to ensure the rights of responsible animal owners are protected.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor bills in California impacting dog owners and will provide updates. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.