THIS is why we MUST continue to write, call and fax and get OTHERS to do so too

http://pasadenanow.com/main/2009/07/17/pet-responsibility-act-progress-on-paws


Government
Pet Responsibility Act Progress On Paws

Published: Friday, July 17, 2009 | 6:05 PM
Senate Bill 250, also known as the Pet Responsibility Act, has been moved to the suspense file and will not be up for a vote in the Assembly Appropriations Committee until August, said the bills sponsor Senator Dean Florez office Friday.
The bill, a measure that seeks to reduce the number of unwanted pets and the need for pet euthanasia in California, was scheduled to pass before the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, July 15.
According to Florez spokeswoman Jennifer Hanson, the Senator sent the bill to the suspense file instead and will present it before the Assembly Appropriations Committee sometime within the next three weeks.
He chose to keep it in the suspense file so it gives him a couple weeks to talk to members of the Assembly and help educate them on how it differs from past efforts, Hanson said.
Senate Bill 250 originally passed the California State Senate on June 2 by a vote of 21-16. It then moved to the Assembly Budget and Commissions Committee, where it passed on June 30.
The Pet Responsibility Act would require all dog owners to spay or neuter their pets or seek an unaltered dog license. Cat owners who allow their pets to roam outdoors will also be required to spay or neuter their furry companions.
Under the current law, fixed dogs and cats are licensed at a reduced rate, while dogs and cats who are not spayed or neutered are licensed at a higher rate. Fees, costs, hearings and due process for tickets and licensing are determined by and held in accordance with local jurisdiction.
Senate Bill 250 will require dog owners cited for having an intact, unlicensed dog to spay or neuter their pet and obtain a license. Citations for owning an unaltered cat or dog can only be issued if the intact pet is concurrently cited for an additional violation. The bill also maintains that cats allowed outdoors must be spayed or neutered. Hunting and working dogs are exempted from the measure.
Hanson said Florez is hopeful the bill will pass in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Florez did not return calls for comment as of press time Friday.
If the bill passes in the Assembly Appropriations Committee, it will then move to the full Assembly. The last day for the Assembly to pass bills is Sept. 11, Hanson said. If the Assembly passes Senate Bill 250, it will go before the Governor. The last day for the Governor to sign bills is Oct. 11, Hanson said.
Hanson added that the community support has been tremendous - more than 5,000 letters of support have been received.