Recent national events have highlighted the brutality of puppy mills, dogfighting, and animal cruelty. Working with The Humane Society of the United States, I authored three bills to protect animals. These measures raise the standards for humane treatment and are now on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk. Please join us in calling on the Governor to sign Assembly Bills 241, 242 and 243 into law.
These bills are important for several reasons. There is an uncontroverted link between animal abuse and domestic violence, elder abuse, and child abuse. Animal abusers have little respect for human life. Animals are often used as a tool to intimidate, silence, or extract compliance from the abuser's victims.
As Michael Vick is placed on the active roster for the Philadelphia Eagles, it is important that we remember that he was not alone in his crime. More than 40,000 people are involved in the crime of organized dogfighting in America resulting in injury or death to nearly 250,000 dogs annually. It is estimated that an additional 100,000 persons participate in "street level" dogfights.
There is also the cruelty associated with "collecting" or "hoarding" dogs and cats. In a typical case, a person is discovered living in squalid conditions with dozens to hundreds of animals. Many are found dead or in very poor condition. These people display a form of mental illness exhibited by an addictive/compulsive personality. The recidivism rate of animal cruelty and neglect crimes committed by animal collectors or hoarders is virtually 100%.
The World Animal Foundation explains that "puppy mill kennels usually consist of small wood and wire-mesh cages, or even empty crates or trailer cabs, all kept outdoors, where female dogs are bred continuously, with no rest between heat cycles. The mothers and their litters often suffer from malnutrition, exposure, and lack of adequate veterinary care."
To address this inhumane and cruel treatment of animals, my bills were approved by the Legislature and sent to the Governor:
- AB 241 -- Curbs abuses at puppy mills by limiting to 50 the number of adult breeding dogs or cats held for sale.
Californians spoke out strongly in support of Proposition 2 last November calling for farm animals to be protected. Together we can make a difference again. Please speak out on this issue and let Governor Schwarzenegger know you support these anti-cruelty animal protection measures.
Assembly member Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) is a candidate for Attorney General. He is a former prosecutor from Fresno and Santa Barbara Counties. Nava chairs the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee. He and his wife Susan are also the happy owners of three rescue animals.