2008-08-23 00:29:01 -

www.petpac.net - Today the California State Senate overwhelmingly defeated AB 1634, authored by Assemblymember Lloyd Levine. The original bill called for mandatory sterilization of all pets in California. AB 1634 became the most controversial bill in the Legislature in 2007 and 2008.

PetPAC Chairman Bill Hemby who lobbied against the bill said, "The defeat of AB 1634 is a

great victory for pet owners in California and across the country. Our grassroots internet campaign brought together tens of thousands of dedicated dog and cat lovers organized to protect helpless dogs and cats from being sent to shelters and killed at taxpayer's expense."

After 11 amendments to the bill, AB 1634 still mandated mandatory sterilization and microchipping. PetPAC contended the bill would result in more dogs and cats being sent to shelters and killed there and would cost taxpayers millions. The California Department of Finance agreed and issued an analysis which confirmed PetPAC's claims.

The bill was defeated by a vote of 27 against and 5 in favor. The scope of the defeat was virtually unprecedented for a measure which had passed the Senate Local Government Committee and the Assembly by a large margin. Reconsideration of the bill was granted but any change in outcome is considered very unlikely.

"PetPAC will continue to speak out for pet owners in California and across this nationm," Hemby promised. "Our work is not completed."

PetPAC is an organization of over 45,000 members in California and the country. More information can be found at www.petpac.net.

PetPAC
Bill Hemby, 916-202-8883