July 3, 2012


Dear Friends:

We did it!

Your calls in opposition to AB 1939 flooded the Capitol and influenced the Senate Business and Professions Committee members to the point where the author had to pull the bill from being voted on in committee.

What does this mean? It means supporters of this ill-conceived bill could not get enough "yes" votes to get the bill passed out of committee, therefore, AB 1939 is dead. And we have you to thank!

We are not a big group with a lot of money in the bank, but SCIL supporters are incredible at coming through and helping pass, or in this case defeat, legislation when needed. The Legislature takes us seriously in large part due to your passion, commitment and sincerity. I can't thank you enough for being so involved.

We would also like to thank the many groups and cities who lobbied and sent letters in opposition to AB 1939, including the following official opponents from the Committee Analysis:

  • City of Los Angeles
  • City of Long Beach
  • State Humane Association of California
  • PawPAC
  • SPCA Los Angeles
  • Humane Society Silicon Valley
  • Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA
  • Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA
  • San Diego Humane Society & SPCA
  • SPCA for Monterey County
  • Take Me Home Rescue
I would also like to thank the Senate Business and Professions Committee for their thoughtful analysis of the bill; you can read it here, and here is an excerpt from the analysis:

The problem pointed out by opponents of this measure relate more to the use of the differential fee now provided as an incentive for an owner to spay and neuter their dog, then to providing a puppy license. As a matter of fact, it appears that there are several other local jurisdictions that have actually adopted the concept of providing a puppy license with some success. The opponents, however, may have a point. It would seem that one of the major considerations for local jurisdictions is trying to provide whatever incentives are possible so that owners will have their dogs spayed or neutered. Opponents argue that by requiring the specified jurisdictions of this pilot program to offer the same fee for a puppy license that is offered for a spay or neutered dog ("one-half or less of the fee required for dog tag") that this would provide a disincentive for owners to get there dog spayed or neutered sooner rather than later (possibly after one year since that is how long the puppy license would be in effect).

Your voices were heard, and it made the difference.

Our deepest gratitude.
Judie

Judie Mancuso, President
Social Compassion in Legislation


A 501(c)(4) nonprofit animal welfare organization working on solutions to pet overpopulation through state and local policy changes and implementation, community outreach, education and private and public programs.
100% of your donation goes to legislative goals in California, including spay and neuter legislation and anti-puppy mill legislation. SCIL has no paid employees and is run completely by volunteers.