AB1634

Concerned Dog Owners of California does not support the most recent version of AB1634.  This bill is not about public safety or increasing responsible dog ownership; it is about unfair and inappropriate harassment of owners of intact dogs.

We completely support the section on impounded dogs but feel it should apply to all dogs, not just intact dogs.  We support permanent identification but believe it should apply to all dogs, not just intact dogs.  We support an effort to increase licensing but it should apply to all dogs, not just intact dogs.  But we cannot support the castration of dogs as the penalty for a paperwork violation. 
 
We oppose AB1634 because:

It increases costs to Californians.  As a new animal mandate, the State of California will now have to reimburse local animal control groups for their enforcement efforts if they are directed at intact dogs.  California has a $15 billion budget deficit; we need to reduce expenses, not increase them.
 
It allows no exceptions for dogs that are loose as the result of a natural or man made disaster; earthquake, fire or flood.  And it takes away the discretion of animal control officers to acknowledge dogs that are loose as the result of such disasters.
 
The wording allows animals training off-leash to be targeted.  It allows competition animals who are not wearing their tags to be targeted, but altered dogs are not subject to the same requirements.
 
We are pleased the complaint section has been removed.  With more time and input from the dog owners and lovers of California, we could end up with appropriate legislation.  But this bill lay fallow for 12 months.  And now there are not enough days remaining to fix it.
 
Because many of the legislators are not dog people and don't understand these nuances, this version may get enough votes in the Senate and Assembly to go to the Governor.  In writing to your legislators, remind them that the people who are opposing this live in the State.  We are the voters and taxpayers.  Remind them that Finance is opposed to the bill and it represents another new mandate.  Remind them the last mandate they passed costs Californians $23 million a year.
 
Should this bill pass, the Democrats will hold it until there is a budget.  At that time they will send it to the Governor for signature.  We will need as many letters as possible sent to the Governor.  If the bill passes, we will have contact information on the CDOC website.  We will have sample letters at the Santa Barbara Kennel Club and Gold Country Kennel Club shows as well as on the website.  And our representative in Sacramento, Scott Sadler, will advise us of any other action we should take.

CDOC was established for the purpose of educating owners, legislators and policy makers regarding responsible dog ownership. We support permanent identification especially as a means of reuniting lost pets and owners as well as tracking habitual roamers. We support the enforcement of current ordinances including license regulations where required.   We support enforcement of leash laws.  We support the availability of voluntary spay and neuter programs and are working closely with Senator Padilla and Assemblymember Mendoza to find innovative and appropriate ways to fund those programs.

We do not support last minute amendments that circumvent the legislative process by not allowing enough time for expert analysis and public testimony and response.  We believe you join us in supporting positive legislation and opposing AB1634.