What is sad is the last minute, drastic steps to get the bill passed without evidence of thinking through the true spirit of the legislation. The San Francisco Chronicle reports:
When Levine [Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, D-Van Nuys (Los Angeles County)] realized that there weren't enough votes in the five-member committee to pass his measure, he suggested weakening it so that spaying and neutering would not be mandatory. Instead, he proposed that spaying and neutering would only be required if a dog or cat was running free or a complaint was lodged against an animal owner. "If in violation of other animal laws, you have to spay and neuter," Levine said in describing his proposed change.
The California Veterinary Medical Association gives their story too, which has an interesting quote:
AB 1634 is a good example of why the CVMA needs to “be at the table” on important issues. The CVMA was approached by the sponsors of the bill and asked to be a co-sponsor. The draft form of the bill required every dog or cat over four months of age to be spayed or neutered. There were no veterinary or medical exemptions. There were no requirements that the surgeries be performed by a California licensed veterinarian. And, there was nothing in the bill stating that veterinarians are not responsible for enforcing the bill. During the subsequent months of debate on the bill, the CVMA worked hard to improve this legislation.
The bill's sponsor and supporters now six months to mend fences and bring the necessary voices together to make a bill that works for our pets. I'll continue to watch the position of the CVMA, who changed their position from co-sponsor to neutral during the course of negotiations on the bill. They have come across as very even-handed, weighing what is best for our community and our animals.
Hug your veterinarian today. :)
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