Cruelly trapped wildlife need your immediate help

It's pretty safe to say that not everyone feels that sharing their abode with wildlife is an enjoyable experience. Unfortunately for the animals, removing them by commercial trapping has become a business that has often employed means of cruelly disposing of those unlucky enough to be captured, a practice that has increasingly come under the scrutiny of animal protectionists.

Customers of trapping services usually have little idea what happens to the animals they wish removed from their property. To address this omission, California Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro) has authored legislation Senate  Bill (SB) 1480 that would mandate that consumers using commercial trapping services must be provided with a written contract stating these details so they can make informed choices regarding the removal of wildlife when they become "nuisance" problems or create property damage.

The bill would also prohibit specific barbaric methods of killing animals like raccoons, opossum, skunks and other wild creatures. Currently, commercial trappers have little, if any, supervision on the methods used to destroy captured wildlife. SB 1480 would make it illegal to kill any trapped mammal by intentional drowning or injection with any chemical not specifically sold for the purpose of euthanizing animals. Killing by the injection of solutions such as chemical solvents, sodium cyanide and even fingernail polish remover, toxic products that have been used in the past and caused an excruciating death; or by thoracic compression, commonly known as chest crushing would be illegal.

Senator Corbett stated "This bill helps consumers find legitimate and experienced trappers," Corbett said. "It's time we quit turning a blind eye to the inhumane practices used by some wildlife trappers."

In 2003 a law was passed that required individuals offering commercial wildlife trapping services to the public to be obligated to obtain a license from the state Department of Fish and Game. However, because of  insufficient resources to enforce the law, Fish & Game has not issued any regulations that would act as guidelines for commercial trappers. SB 1480, if passed, directs the Department of Fish and Game to maintain a list of licensed trappers on its website, requires trappers to provide a written contract to consumers, and forbids cruel methods of animal killing.

SB 1480 is co-sponsored by Born Free USA, a non-profit organization whose mission is to end the suffering of wild animals in captivity, rescue animals in need, protect wildlife in their natural habitats, and encourage compassionate conservation and is partnered by the San Francisco Wildlife Center. Monica Engebetson, the senior program associate for Born Free USA stated "This important bill will increase protections for wildlife, reduce the chances of family dogs and cats being inadvertently killed in traps and will help consumers make informed decisions. Our organization has worked for many years to address this issue, and we are grateful to Senator Corbett for introducing this bill."

Ohlone Humane Society's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, whose mission is to save orphaned and injured wildlife, can attest to a number of orphaned baby mammals coming into the Center every year whose mothers have been killed by for-profit trappers. In an effort to address this tragedy, SB 1480 incorporates specific regulations and guidelines that for-profit trappers must follow to insure the protection young animals still dependent on their mothers for survival. It states, "The bill would require a class II trapping licensee to make a reasonable effort not to leave dependent young animals that are orphaned as a consequence of the trapping and killing of their mother, to die within an area of a home or business that is inaccessible to the licensee." It would also mandate that all trapped lactating females be immediately released to care for their young.

People who hire commercial trappers to remove animals from their property not only need but deserve to know what will happen to animals they pay to have removed. They also have the right - and yes - the obligation to know how the animals will be killed if it is considered "necessary."

SB 1480 successfully passed the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, and will be heard next by the Senate Appropriations Committee (SAC) possibly this coming week. I recently spoke with Senator Corbett's aides in Sacramento, and they emphasized the importance of continuing public support and urged that in the remaining days before going before SAC, possibly just days after this is published, that they ask supporters to call SAC committee members and urge their support of SB 1480. Please take a moment and let your representatives know that you support the humane treatment of wildlife that are presently at the mercy of commercial trappers.

Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee:
Christine Kehoe (Chair) (916) 651-4039
Mimi Walters (Vice Chair) (916) 651-4033
Elaine Alquist (916) 651-4013
Bob Dutton (916) 651-4031
Ted W. Lieu (916) 651-4028
Curran D. Price, Jr (916) 651-4026
Darrel Steinberg (916) 651-4006

For assistance in humanely discouraging wildlife from "homesteading" at your residence, call the OHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for information: 510-797-9449.

*****

Tri-City Voice article by Nancy Lyon, President, Ohlone Humane Society, dated May 22 2012.

Adopt a Rubber Ducky and Help Ohlone Humane Society

The Ducks for Bucks benefit raises money for local school groups and non-profits like OHS. Adopt a rubber ducky for $5 OR get a free bonus duck with every $25 five-duck entry. Then join in the fun at Lake Elizabeth on Sat, April 30th when the featherless flotilla hits the water (winners are not required to be present at the race).

The Kiwanis Club of Fremont has put together some amazing prizes, including the car of your choice from any Fremont Auto Mall dealer (up to $30,000 in value) or $1500 in cash!

TO ADOPT A DUCK:

1. Print the Ducks for Bucks Flyer (note: OHS members will be receiving this flyer in the mail).

[Instructions for printing: go to the grey Scribd toolbar. Click the "download this document" down arrow button, 3rd from the left. A File Download window will pop up ("Do you want to open or save this file?"). Click the Open button. The Ducks for Bucks flyer will pop up and you can print it.]

2. Fill out the form and mail it with a check—made out to Ducks for Bucks—or money order to OHS. You'll receive your Lucky Duck number in the mail. Send form + payment (NO CASH, please) to:

      Ohlone Humane Society - Ducks for Bucks
      39120 Argonaut Way, PMB 108
      Fremont, CA 94538

OR:
3. Simply pick up an official Ducks for Bucks brochure at the Tri-City Animal Shelter on Stevenson (behind the Fremont Police Dept). Fill out the entry form and mail it in with payment or credit card info. That way, you'll get your Lucky Duck number right away!

OHS gets $3 out of every $5 donation for the first 250 ducks sold; after that, we get $4!

**DEADLINE: Form + payment must be received by OHS no later than Monday, April 23rd, 2012.

Fish and Game in the Crosshairs

"The mighty hunter with luck and pluck hopes to outwit a duck." - Ogden Nash

When California Fish and Game (F&G) Commission President Dan Richards proudly posed dancing with a dead mountain lion, the picture went viral and the public went ballistic. The person we depend on to protect our wildlife and enforce our laws went to an Idaho hunting ranch and hound hunted a mountain lion who, if in California, would be protected. California voters had passed an initiative banning sport hunting of mountain lions in 1990 and defeated another initiative in 1996 to repeal it.

There were calls for Commissioner Richard’s resignation or removal and 41 legislators sent him a letter saying he was "eroding the public’s confidence and trust in their government." Richard’s response was that "There is zero chance I would consider resigning." Ultimately, no legislative action was taken possibly because not only was the hunt legal in Idaho but Richard’s term is up next year and any hearings now would be a shoot-out in the Capitol halls filled with hunters and animal advocates.

I’ve attended Commission meetings for 30 years all over the state. Every Commissioner hunts. They always have. They even have an Advisory Committee to promote hunting named after Albert Taucher, a long gone commissioner and avid advocate for the "consumptive" use of wildlife. It was a good ole boys hunting club and it still is.

Former President and current Commissioner Jim Kellogg was equally avid refusing to let me testify on a hunting bill he was asking the Commission to endorse sight unseen. He maintained that he only took recommendations from the Albert Taucher Committee of which he is a member. Before him was Mike Flores, a bow hunter, who said he was not interested in any land that didn’t allow hunting. Where’s a John Muir Advisory Committee?

But Commissioner Richards may have shot himself in the foot. His timing could not have been worse. Right now the F&G Department and Commission are being heavily scrutinized by the California Fish and Wildlife Strategic Vision headed by Secretary of Resources John Laird and formed after the passage of AB 2376 authored by Assemblymember Jared Huffman. Many recommendations are being considered and some may become legislation. Ironically, one of the members on the Strategic Vision represents landowners of the Tejon Ranch in California that was recently fined $136,500 by F&G for illegally killing at least 11 mountain lions.

One of the recommendations that has already become legislation is AB 2293 authored by Assemblymember Tony Portantino to change the name of the F&G Department to Fish and Wildlife Department. AB 2402 authored by Assemblymember Jared Huffman would also change the name and establish an independent scientific advisory panel. The Department’s broader responsibilities need to be reflected in their name.

In addition to hunting and fishing, the Department deals with endangered and threatened species, non-game animals, marine protection, wildlife in captivity (zoos, aquariums, circuses, breeders, sanctuaries, laboratories, etc), wildlife rehabilitation, live animal markets, pet trade, land and water conservation and restoration, depredation permits, "nuisance" wildlife, fur trapping, animal dealers, management of state lands, wildlife research, deer farms, and our overworked, understaffed, underfunded wardens. More legislation is expected from recommendations by Strategic Vision, hopefully, such as reforming the makeup and qualifications of the F&G Commissioners.

Under current law, wildlife belongs to all of the people of California though many of us would argue that they belong to themselves for their own intrinsic value whether or not they are used for "consumptive" or even "non-consumptive" use.

Current law also requires the Commission to "consider the welfare of the individual animal." This was put in after F&G had given a permit for captive elk to have their antlers cut off in velvet, a very painful and bloody process. I, and other animal protectionists, had to put in a bill to ban it. We also had to ban alligator farms after F&G wanted to permit them even though the non-native alligators would wreak havoc if escaped or released. We have been waiting and working for years for the Commission to take definitive actions on inspections of wildlife facilities, lead shot, and live animal markets where millions of non-native turtles and frogs are imported devastating wild populations in other states.

There are numerous bills affecting wildlife now being heard in the Legislature. Among them is SB 1221 by Senator Ted Lieu to ban the hound hunting of bears and bobcats, unsporting and cruel to both wildlife and hounds. AB 1773 by Assemblymember Mariko Yamanda recognizes the importance of the Pacific Flyway for migratory birds.

The Flyway is our wildlife corridor in the sky. SB 1358 by Senator Mimi Walters gives F&G and Game wardens more bargaining power as law enforcement officers. Wardens endanger their lives everyday while protecting wildlife. SB 1480 by Senator Ellen Corbett establishes minimum standards for trappers of wildlife who are damaging property and prohibits their cruel killing.

Governor Jerry Brown needs to step in and speak up. His silence has been deafening. Two Commissioners’ terms expired months ago (Jim Kellogg, Richard Rogers) but continue as Commissioners until the Governor replaces them. Dan Richards’ term is up in January 2013. It’s past time for the Commission and Department to represent those of us who want wildlife alive, not just gun fodder.

Contact information:
Governor Brown
c/o State Capitol
Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-2841
Fax: (916) 558-3160

Tri-City Voice article by Virginia Handley, Ohlone Humane Society Legislative Advisor

Ratatouille and Quinoa Recipe

Colorful and healthy, ratatouille and quinoa are a delicious twist on the classic combo of eggplant, zucchini, tomato and bell peppers. This dish delivers vegetables and a complete protein in one meal!

INGREDIENTS:

1 large yellow onion - quartered and thinly sliced

5 to 6 ripe plum tomatoes - cored and sliced

2 zucchinis - stem and ends removed, cut on an angle into ½" slices

2 medium eggplants - peel left on, stem and ends removed, cut on angle into ½" slices

1 red pepper - cored and seeded, cut lengthwise into strips 2" wide and ½" thick

1 green pepper - cored and seeded, cut lengthwise into strips 2" wide and ½" thick

2 to 3 cloves garlic - thinly sliced (more if desired)

At least ½ cup olive oil

1-2 tbl dried Herbes de Provence or to taste

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste (freshly ground, if possible)

1/3 cup red wine (optional)

Sprinkling of cayenne pepper (optional)

¼ cup pine nuts - lightly toasted

Fresh minced parsley (optional)

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.
2. In 9"x13" oven-safe dish, layer vegetables beginning with eggplant. Add onion, zucchini, garlic, peppers, and tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil, sprinkle wine (if used) and scatter Herbes de Provence evenly over the vegetables as you layer them. Salt and pepper layers to taste. Add cayenne if desired.
3. Bake for about 40 minutes, pressing down vegetables and stirring as they reach desired softness. Vegetables, especially zucchini, should be tender but not mushy and retain their individuality.
4. Meanwhile, bring 2 cups of water plus 1 cup of quinoa, with salt and pepper to taste, to a boil.
5. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer until quinoa is cooked, about 15 minutes.
6. Serve quinoa topped with ratatouille. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and minced parsley (if used).

Note: The ratatouille can be prepared a day ahead which gives flavors a chance to blend. Reheat slowly in 325ºF oven to desired warmth and serve over quinoa.

Serves 4

Variation on a recipe from The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

Celebrating Life

In a couple of weeks people around the world of the Christian faith will be celebrating Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead following his death on Good Friday. It symbolizes rebirth and shares the time with the vernal equinox, historically a time venerated by early pagans who celebrated the arrival of spring and the awaking of life.

While Easter heralds the resurrection of Christ, the word Easter was derived from a Saxon goddess known as Oestre or Eastre, and in Germany as Ostara, who represented spring and dawn and the coming of the light arising from the east. She represented the bringing forth of new life both human and animal and the flowering of plants. The hare known for its noteworthy ability to produce offspring was her sacred animal, an animal whose roots in pre-13th century pagan tradition was destined to eventually become the fabled Easter Bunny.

In pagan tradition, eggs and fluffy newborn chicks were a representation of new growth. And it is told that brightly colored eggs, chicks, and bunnies were all used at festival time to express appreciation for Ostara's gift of abundance. They were later incorporated into the celebration of Easter, separately from the Christian tradition of honoring the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

While there may be no real correlation in the history of Easter between the secular symbols and the Christian holiday, the Christian and pagan have been gracefully woven together; each reminding us of the cycle of rebirth and the need for renewal.

While there is also no clear connection between a rabbit being associated with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Easter Bunny is perhaps the biggest commercial symbol of Easter. Some believe rabbits were another connection with pagan belief associated with Eastre, the goddess of spring and fertility, because of their especially high reproduction rate.

The animals that have been brought into this as symbols of human belief do not always fare well. Today at Easter they are often given as gifts to amuse children and often do not represent an image of veneration as a remembrance of the renewal of life.

Tradition and belief aside, these innocent, temporarily fluffy and adorable little animals very soon become a larger problem. They have special dietary needs and behavioral issues, and their care, if they are to survive, will fall to the adults in the family.

They rapidly grow into extremely messy adult chickens and rabbits that can deposit sizeable amounts of droppings that soon turn into a constant need for cleaning to prevent insects and odor from becoming a home and neighborhood issue.

Baby chicks and ducklings can also present a serious health risk to small children. These young birds are often the carriers of dangerous bacteria called salmonella and each spring some children given very young chicks and ducklings as an Easter gift will fall ill from handling them. Children can be exposed by simply holding, cuddling or kissing them.

According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), anticipating an increase of demand for young birds at Easter, hatcheries increase the hatching, especially of chicks, for the commercial market. Shipping large numbers of these animals at one time increases the stress upon the chicks and ducklings and makes them more prone to disease. This in turn increases the chance of salmonella being transmitted to both children and adults.

HSUS also warns that baby chicks and ducklings are fragile creatures that can be unintentionally injured or killed from mishandling. Not only does the animal suffer but children are traumatized by the death of a beloved pet.

The House Rabbit Society (HRS), an international nonprofit organization, warns against giving rabbits as gifts at Easter. The Richmond based Bay Area HRS strongly urges parents not to buy their children live "Easter bunnies" unless they are willing to make a 10-year commitment to properly care for the animals. Each year, thousands of baby rabbits, chicks, and ducks are purchased as Easter gifts only to be abandoned or left at shelters in the days, weeks and months that follow Easter.

HRS says that many of the rabbits purchased as Easter pets will never live to see their first birthday. Some will die from neglect, while others will be abandoned in local parks or left at animal shelters. Rabbits are fragile, ground-loving creatures that break easily when dropped. Additionally, rabbits are easily frightened by loud noises. It is unreasonable to expect a small child to make a 10-year commitment to taking care of a rabbit. All too often, the child loses interest, and the rabbit ends up neglected or abandoned.

Domestic rabbits abandoned to the wild no longer have the ability to survive in those circumstances and soon die or become easy targets for predators of all species.

Does this mean families with children should never have pet rabbits? "Not at all!" says the HRS. "But what it does mean is that parents must be actively involved on a daily basis, and willing to supervise any interactions between rabbits and children. Otherwise, chocolate is the way to go!"

Ohlone Humane Society joins the Humane Society of the United States and House Rabbit Society in asking people to refrain from acquiring live chicks, ducklings and rabbits as Easter gifts this holiday season. Young, adorable animals mature quickly into adults and need daily care for the rest of their lives. Instead of live animals as gifts, consider giving children a plush toy or a chocolate rabbit. Celebrate the renewal of life in a humane and compassionate manner that truly represents the holiday.

Tri-City Voice article by Nancy Lyon, President, Ohlone Humane Society

World Spay Month…united we can fix the problem

In the next few months it won't be just flowers that will be springing to life and populating the landscape. With spring comes the birth of young animals, among them many cats and dogs. The thought of fuzzy puppies and kittens may sound sweet but their number far exceeds the hope of finding a decent life for them or, for that matter, the chance of surviving for very long. The problem isn't just a local phenomenon; the seasonal increase of unwanted companion animals is a world-wide problem.

In a world bursting at the seams with 7 billion humans and all its related problems, you might think that the birth of an excess of animals would go unheeded. But that’s not the case.

In 1995, a movement to put an end to the killing of this country’s animal companions started out as Spay Day USA by the Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF). It was a welcome birth of a banding together of people dedicated to putting a halt to the killing of unwanted companion animals—a mission that has evolved into a multi-nation effort spreading to 46 countries.

With blessing of the DDAF, the banner was picked up by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the Humane Society International (HIS) and many organizations working in cooperation to raise awareness of the need to spay/neuter companion animals. Spay Day USA has now evolved into World Spay/Neuter Day, annually observed on February 28, and a planet encircling event known as World Spay Month.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of HSUS stated, "The overpopulation of cats, dogs and other pets is a global problem and it’s gratifying to see that caring people the world over are working to raise awareness that spay/neuter is the solution...to reflect Spay Day’s new status in the world, it is only fitting that we change the name of Spay Day USA to World Spay Day."

Previously, in countries where stray animals were culled off the streets and put to death as a solution to their burgeoning numbers, there now exist dedicated groups of people working tirelessly to not only provide sterilization for dogs and cats but immunizations against disease including the deadly rabies virus. This has allowed frightened people to see the animals as creatures with lives deserving of consideration and care rather than potentially dangerous vermin.

Their efforts have not only helped prevent the birth and ensuing death of thousands of animals but in the process have changed the attitudes of thousands upon thousands of people in far-reaching countries as diverse as Liberia, Panama, Ghana, India—and the list goes on and on.

No longer seen as a threat to human survival, animal companions lucky enough to have homes, and those unfortunates who are forced to live on the streets, can now have a greater chance to be seen as innocents that whose lives have value and their welfare considered.

Through these combined efforts, advocates continue to work toward to putting an end to the needless waste of life…and it is paying off. The World Spay Month movement is catching fire and is spreading around the world as education and resources are made available to stem the birth of unwanted companion animals.

This month in the United States, many organizations have been promoting World Spay Day through spay/neuter awareness and associated activities, forming a link uniting hundreds of events organized by local animal welfare organizations and advocates, as well as participating veterinary professionals.

Since the inception of Spay Day, HSUS estimates that more than one million animals have been sterilized by those supporting the campaign. Efforts including low and no-cost spay/neuter clinics for low-income families, fundraisers to benefit spay/neuter programs and educational efforts informing companion animal guardians about the importance of spaying or neutering have made a significant difference.

Yet there is much work still to be done. Each year an estimated four million cats and dogs—about one every eight seconds—are killed in U.S. animals shelters because there are no homes available for them.

These figures do not include the countless lives of unaltered and abandoned companion animals who never made it to a shelter but were left to try and survive on their own and ultimately died but not before adding their offspring to the growing number of feral animals.

Whether from lack of financing or ignorance of the suffering and death they are contributing to, many people let their beloved family companion animals reproduce. Spay/neuter is a proven way to reduce pet overpopulation, ensuring that every pet has a family to love them.

There really is no excuse; there are many low-cost and even no-cost spay/neuter programs available that cover most areas of the country, helping those on very limited incomes or living on ever-tightening social security or disability benefits.

In 2011, Ohlone Humane Society assisted in the spaying/neutering of just under 1,000 dogs, cats and rabbits and receives no local or state funding for the program. The OHS Spay/Neuter Assistance program is only made possible by the generosity of our members and supporters.

Don’t wait! Call today for Spay/Neuter Assistance: 1-800-248-SPAY (1-800-248-7729);
Ohlone Humane Society 510-792-0927


Tri-City Voice article by Nancy Lyon, President, Ohlone Humane Society

State to cut shelter animal lifeline?

There’s no disputing that California is in a huge budgetary crisis and has been for some time. Looking for ways to address the state shortfall, Governor Brown’s administration has targeted a list of 30 state mandated programs and eliminating assistance to some the state’s most needy inhabitants. Included in the grim edict is the elimination of a legal safety net aimed at giving innocent shelter animals a greater chance at survival.

Even with the current protections, shelter animals have very limited time for an owner to reclaim them or a chance at adoption before they may be put to death. Any repeal of current legal protections would be a death sentence for many animals.

Before 1998, animals unfortunate enough to end up in kill shelters were given only a minimum 72 hours after their initial impoundment before they could be killed; hours that were counted whether the shelter was open or not.

In 1998, then-Senator Tom Hayden introduced Senate Bill 1785 that was to become the "Hayden Law." This major piece of animal welfare legislation provided animals in shelters a greater chance of survival than ever before.

The 72 hour holding period was replaced with a requirement to hold animals 4-6 working days based on the number of hours the public had shelter access to reclaim their companion animals; lost and found lists were mandated so people desperately searching for their missing animals had a decent chance of locating them. Traumatized domestic cats received greater protection by establishing standardized testing that helped shelter staff to identify them rather than just declaring them feral - meaning speedy euthanization.

It mandated care and maintenance for the same period for impounded rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, pot-bellied pigs, birds, lizards, snakes, turtles, or tortoises legally allowed as personal property that were often euthanized.

It directed when impounded that "necessary and prompt veterinary care" be provided for stray or abandoned injured cats and dogs and emergency treatment be given even though they might ultimately be euthanized. It also directed animal shelters to maintain records on animals that were not medically treated by a veterinarian, but were taken in, then euthanized after the holding period.

The Hayden Law originally included reimbursement to cities or counties for costs that were incurred from implementing the law’s mandates. However, for several years now, due to the budget crisis, the Hayden Law has been in partial suspension; while all other sections of it are still in effect, the state has not been issuing reimbursements to the cities or counties. Since no financial loss from the law has recently impacted California’s budget why is there now a move to repeal it entirely? Why not still leave it on the books with its mandated protections for the shelter animals?

Even though the Hayden Law reimbursements have been in suspension since 2009, Brown’s administration still states that it is a budget issue. Because reimbursement is part of the Hayden Law, and it directs the state to pay animal shelters for the costs incurred from those extra days they keep animals alive. Department of Finance spokesman H.D.Palmer stated that the law costs the state approximately $23 million a year. This would be true only if reimbursements were still being made, but they are not!

In 2008 a report by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office, recommended eliminating the law because it did not find that it resulted in an increased demand for adoptions. This erroneous information was arrived at by bureaucrats seeking to justify not allowing shelter animals a decent chance at survival while theoretically saving a few bucks. Those working in the trenches, working to save shelter animals as I am, know the inaccuracy of the report. How can bean-counters translate the lives of living, feeling beings into numbers? Sadly, it seems all too easy.

As an animal shelter volunteer and regional rescue networker for more than 20 years, I’ve seen the tough reality of what it was like before the Hayden Law came into effect and the increase in adoptions, owner redemptions and rescues since its inception - and this reaches far beyond local findings. Obviously, the bureaucrats have been talking to the wrong people and it has lead the Governor and his advisors down the wrong path.

If repealed, the protections mentioned will be history. Reportedly, left in the gutted bill will be the important non-revenue impacting provision that allows non-profit rescues special opportunity to pull animals before they are killed. Unfortunately, rescues are overburdened and each additional day an animal has gives them time to find rehoming options for them.

Several years ago, then Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger attempted to repeal sections of the Hayden Law only to be faced with such an overwhelming public outcry against the proposal that he backed down. Governor Brown now needs to listen to current huge chorus of disapproval and drop all consideration of repealing any part of the Hayden Law. As a dog lover, he may be attempting to be objective but these are animals whose lives are just as precious as that of his own dog… not impersonal statistics removed from the reality of looming death. It’s in our hands - so request that he choose to be humane and find other means to balance the budget.

Moves to repeal the Hayden Law are also being considered in State Assembly and Senate budgetary committees. TAKE ACTION NOW and contact the committee members backing repeal and tell them this move is not acceptable:

Governor Brown: (916) 445-2841 (9 am to 5 pm); Fax (916) 558-3177
Senator Mark Leno, Chair, Senate Budget Committee: (916) 651-4003
Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield, Chair, Assembly Budget Committee: (916) 319-2040

Tri-City Voice article by Nancy Lyon, President, Ohlone Humane Society