California's Mandatory Dog Spay and Neuter Bill Failed by 5-27 Vote in State Senate; Senators Respond to Outcries from Pet Owners

Business Wire, August 22, 2008

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- In a resounding defeat for Assemblyman Lloyd Levine's (D.-Van Nuys) proposed mandatory pet spay and neuter bill, AB 1634, the State Senate today rejected his often-amended bill by a vote of five in favor and 27 opposed.

Concerned Dog Owners of California (CDOC) has steadfastly led the opposition to the bill from its inception and galvanized dog owners not only throughout California, but across the nation, to express their opposition to the proposed legislation.

CDOC galvanized not only individual dog owners in California to write their elected officials to urge their rejection of the AB 1634, but also coordinated activities among a broad range of dog clubs and related organizations to urge defeat of the bill.

"Right issue, wrong bill," said Cathie Turner, Executive Director of CDOC. "We are ecstatic that our elected officials saw the merit in our arguments against this ill-conceived and poorly written legislation. Unenforceable laws that cost Californians money and infringe on personal rights are the last thing we need in California. At the same time, CDOC does believe that we all have to work together to reduce irresponsible pet ownership, and we will continue to work with everyone to achieve that goal."

Prior to its defeat in the Senate, the bill passed in the Assembly on a close 41-37 vote.

According to Bill McFadden, President of CDOC, "This would have been a law that law enforcement admits cannot be enforced and that would have endangered the health of dogs. Permanently identifying dogs, increased education regarding responsible dog ownership, enforcing the laws against illegal import of dogs from beyond California's borders - all make more sense than this ill-conceived bill that was promoted by extreme animal rights activists.

The mission of CDOC is to provide information and education to elected officials and others so that legislation and regulation will promote the health, well-being and appropriate care of all dogs, protect the rights and responsibilities of dog owners and breeders, and support responsible dog ownership.

CDOC is located at 22647 Ventura Blvd., #108, Woodland Hills, CA 91364. The CDOC website is CDOCA.org.