For Immediate Release                         Jennifer Hanson
February 24, 2009                                 916-651-4016

TV stars give voice to sad reality of shelter animals
Celebs, Florez, animal welfare advocates join forces to urge responsible pet ownership

SACRAMENTO – The public may know them best as stars of reality television, but on Tuesday they will step off the red carpet and into the corridors of the California State Capitol to help turn the spotlight on the tragic reality facing millions of homeless animals – the victims of pet overpopulation – in the United States each year.

Matt Grant, star of ABC’s “The Bachelor: London Calling,” and Lacey Conner, herself an animal rescuer who has starred in Vh1’s “Rock of Love” and “Charm School,” will join Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez (D-Shafter) and other animal welfare advocates to roll out The Pet Responsibility Act – Senate Bill 250.

The number 250 was chosen to represent the 250 million dollars California taxpayers spend each year to kill half a million unwanted animals and house twice that number.  The measure requires dogs to be spayed or neutered unless their owner or guardian obtains an unaltered dog license.  It also requires that cats which are allowed to roam freely be spayed or neutered.  Florez believes the bill will greatly reduce the need for euthanasia and allow much-needed tax dollars to be redirected to more positive purposes.

“Critics of past efforts to encourage spaying and neutering have said clearly that any legislative solution to our shelter crisis must focus on owner responsibility, and I believe this measure does just that,” Florez said.  “Those who own animals responsibly should be united in support of our effort to cut down on the killing of pets in shelters, the financial strain current policy has on local governments and the emotional toll on shelter workers.”

Tuesday’s news conference will be held at 10 a.m. in Room 113 of the State Capitol.

*** MEDIA ADVISORY *** MEDIA ADVISORY *** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

WHO:             Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez, D-Shafter
                      Dr. Allan Drusys, Chief Veterinarian, Riverside Co. Animal Services
                      Brenda Mitchell, Central California SPCA humane educator 
                      Lisa Carter, Director, Santa Cruz SPCA
                      Matt Grant, star of “The Bachelor: London Calling”
                      Lacey Conner, star of Vh1’s “Rock of Love” and “Charm School,” 
                      and founder of Heroes K9 Rescue and Adoptions
                      Representatives of Social Compassion in Legislation

WHAT:           Introduction of The Pet Responsibility Act – SB 250

WHEN:           Tuesday, February 24, 2009; 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:         State Capitol, Room 113; Sacramento, CA