Majority Leader leads fight against pet overpopulation
SB 250 would curb euthanasia rates, cut $250 million burden to taxpayers

SACRAMENTO –  A measure by Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez (D-Shafter) to save California taxpayers from the financial and emotional cost of killing nearly half a million unwanted pets in the state’s overburdened shelters each year will face its first vote Wednesday morning in Senate Local Government Committee.

Every year, more than a million cats and dogs come through California’s shelters, with half of those pets being put to death.  The annual cost to taxpayers for this preventable tragedy is a quarter of a billion dollars -- $250,000,000.

Senate Bill 250 – The Pet Responsibility Act – seeks to implement statewide a program which, when tried in Santa Cruz County, reduced shelter euthanasia rates there by 60%. 

The measure calls on all California pet owners to get their dogs spayed or neutered by six months of age, or obtain a license to keep their dog unaltered.  Under SB 250, cats which are allowed to roam freely would also have to be spayed or neutered.  Florez believes the bill will greatly reduce pet overpopulation and the need for euthanasia, allowing much-needed tax dollars to be redirected to more positive and constructive purposes. 

The measure provides great flexibility for responsible breeders and pet owners who care for and maintain control of their unaltered animals.

“All we are asking for is responsible guardianship of your pets,” Florez said.  “People who love and respect animals should agree that reducing pet overpopulation and euthanasia is a goal we should all strive for.  People who couldn’t care less do not need to have animals breeding unchecked and creating this burden on our shelters and for taxpayers.”

Wednesday’s policy debate and vote will take place at 11:00 a.m. in Room 112 of the California State Capitol.

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

WHO:             Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez, D-Shafter

WHAT:           Local Government hearing on SB 250 – The Pet Responsibility Act 

WHEN:           Wednesday, April 15, 2009; 
                        11:00 a.m.; Special Order of Business

WHERE:         State Capitol, Room 112; Sacramento, CA

For Immediate Release                          Jennifer Hanson
April 14, 2009                                        916-651-4016