Angelique Kenney - Boise and all the Treasure Valley Real Estate

CA: Fight Cuts to Holding Period at Animal Shelters!

Because of the $24 billion budget deficit facing the State of California, Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed cutting state funding to city and county animal shelters.

In 1998, California passed a law that made the minimum, statewide stray animal holding period six days per animal. This “animal adoption mandate” allows pet owners time to locate lost animals and gives unclaimed animals more time to either be adopted or transferred to rescue organizations.

Governor Schwarzenegger wants to suspend the mandate and drastically cut the holding period, giving animals in shelters three days or less to be claimed or adopted. By shortening the animal holding period, the state will relieve its budget deficit by a mere one-tenth of one percent (0.1%).

If state funding is reduced, shelters will be put in a very difficult position. The tidal wave of home foreclosures has dramatically increased the number of surrendered and abandoned animals, placing a tremendous financial burden on these already overwhelmed shelters. Suspending the “animal adoption mandate” will have life-or-death consequences for California’s neediest animals.

What You Can Do
Call your senator and assemblymember in the California Legislature and ask them to oppose the governor’s proposal to suspend the animal adoption mandate.

When you call, you will most likely speak to a staff member who will offer to pass your message along to your senator and assemblymember. Here are a few suggestions that may help you when speaking to a legislative staffer:

• Give your name and address so they know you are a constituent.
• Tell them that you strongly oppose the governor’s proposal to shorten animal holding periods at shelters.
• Be sure to thank the person you speak with for taking the time to consider your views.

Afterwards, please use the link below to let us know you called.

Thank you for your help, California.