Our mission 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.
OUR MEMBERSHIP
Concerned Dog Owners of California was established to promote responsible dog ownership. Supported entirely by members, CDOC is an inclusive organization that spans the dog world, and is comprised of individual dog owners across the state of California. In addition, CDOC's membership represents literally hundreds of years of expertise in canine-related fields, including trainers, behaviorists, shelter experts, breed experts, animal control officers, law enforcement officers, attorneys, physicians, public health officials and more.
AB 1939 - A VERY SIMPLE BILL
AB 1939 DOES THREE SIMPLE THINGS
ALLOWS LOCAL LICENSING AGENCIES TO ACCEPT ALTERNATE PROOF OF STERILIZATION
Current state law demands that licensing agencies have in hand a physical piece of paper from a veterinarian stating a dog has been sterilized before they can offer a license. AB1939 would allow the local jurisdiction to determine what they would like as proof allowing them to accept electronic or faxed submissions or whatever else works for the local jurisdiction.
GIVES LOCAL LICENSING AGENCIES THE ABILITY TO LICENSE PUPPIES
Current state law prohibits local governments from licensing puppies that have not obtained their anti-rabies vaccination, which happens at 16 weeks. However, most people acquire puppies at an earlier age and it is at the time of acquisition when new owners are doing all those ‘puppy things’. But we won’t let them license their puppy. So licensing is not a priority and that is reflected in the very low percentage (less than 20%) of California dogs that are licensed. AB 1939 means that municipal shelters could license every dog they adopt out to individuals when they leave the shelter. Now they are prohibited from doing that. And each licensing agency can decide whether or not they want to offer puppy licensing. AB 1939 gives them the decision-making authority.
PROVIDES INFORMATION TO LICENSING AGENCIES ON DOGS IN THEIR AREA WITH NEW OWNERS
Educating people that licensing is the law in California is a huge project. By getting the information on dogs sold by pet stores, placed by 501(c)3 rescue organization or high-volume breeders, local licensing agencies can follow up on licensing and spay and neuter. Pet stores are already required by state law to gather and retain this information for a year. Rescue organizations and shelters are the largest supplier of dogs in the state and many get many of their dogs for adoption from the very municipal shelters to which we are asking them to provide ownership information.
None of this is onerous nor is this a complex bill. This is not a bill with unintended consequences. This is a bill to improve licensing and rabies vaccination compliance in the State. And it generates revenue; for every 10% increase in licensing statewide we will generate $19 million in revenue for local governments. Since we are at less than 20% compliance now, the opportunity is huge. Most importantly, licensed dogs get returned to their owners, they do not get killed at the shelter. We ask for your support on AB 1939.
WHY ARE YOUR DONATIONS SO IMPORTANT
Without Them AB1634 and SB250 Would Be Law
It's that simple. It is not that difficult to get in front of these issues. It takes time, commitment and money. What is the money used for? Printed materials, webcasts, other communications, maintaining a lobbyist in Sacramento, working with local lobbyists as needed on local issues, and educating California dog owners about the legislators who care about their issues.
If every person on this list were to give $10.00 we could do a great deal. If every person on this list gave $25, we could achieve even more. Please make a contribution to CDOC. There are many options, just click here. Make a donation today.
Not everyone can travel to Sacramento. Not everyone can take time off work for those middle of the day local hearings. But everyone can give something. That is how we protect the dogs and the rights of responsible dog owners.
If you can help with administrative work from from home via computer, please contact Sharon Shilkoff (sharon@cdoca.org).
CDOC will continue to work on education projects with legislators and the public.
We would be delighted to come and talk to your Club about what went on in Sacramento this year and what to expect in January. Just contact us.
22647 Ventura Boulevard #108
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Info@cdoca.org
818.519.2141
