PetPAC Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 20, 2009

CONTACT: Bill Hemby 916-202-8883

PetPAC representing nearly 50,000 pet owners strongly opposes Senate Bill 250 by Senator Dean Florez (D-Shafter), which would force mandatory sterilization of dogs and cats unless owners obtained an unaltered dog license.

“At a time of fiscal crisis across California this bill is fiscally irresponsible, said Bill Hemby”, Chairman of PetPAC. “Experience has shown that local jurisdictions cannot recoup the costs to administer and enforce mandated pet sterilization laws from penalties and fees alone. To pay for the new bureaucracy, funds are taken from other city and county services, including law enforcement and public safety.”

Analysis of a similar bill (AB 1634) by the California Department of Finance showed animal control costs are likely to immediately increase as more pets are surrendered to shelters, euthanasia rates rise, and licensing drops off. In Los Angeles, shelters costs rose by 269% following enactment of a similar measure.

“SB 250 is a bad idea”, said Bill Hemby, “it will result in a reduction of dog licenses, cost the taxpayers millions in increased shelter and enforcement costs and result in more dogs being euthanized.”

For more information go to petpac.net