Spay/Neuter Bill Considered by Senate Committee
In response to last year's failed legislative attempt to mandate the spaying and neutering of most dogs, animal welfare groups have sponsored a new bill, SB 250 (Florez), that would create a whole host of spay/neuter requirements and increase fees on dog breeders. While not directly targeted at sporting dog owners, SB 250 would significantly impact both the quality and quantity of dogs available for hunting, field trialing and other sporting purposes. Many small-scale breeders who produce the majority of hunting dogs available for sale would likely curtail or stop their breeding efforts altogether because of licensing, fees and other requirements related to this bill. Because some dog owners could even be forced to spay or neuter a highly valued, pedigreed hunting dog for any number of possible "violations", important canine breeding genetics could also be lost. Of particular concern, SB 250 effectively allows a local jurisdiction to require the spaying and neutering of all dogs without specifying any exceptions or exemptions. This provision is not only inflexible and infringes on dog owners' rights, but unreasonably grants local jurisdictions far-reaching regulatory powers that are not clearly authorized under state law. SB 250 will be heard in the Senate Local Government Committee on Wednesday, April 15th. Concerned hunters and other dog owners are encouraged to contact members of the Committee to voice their concerns. Below is the Committee's fax number and email information: Senator Pat Wiggins, Chair - 916/323-6958 senator.wiggins@senate.ca.govSenator Dave Cox, Vice-Chair - 916/324-2680 senator.cox@senate.ca.gov Senator Sam Aanestad - 916/445-7750 senator.aanestad@senate.ca.gov Senator Christine Kehoe - 916/327-2188 senator.kehoe@senate.ca.gov Senator Lois Wolk - 916/323-2304 senator.wolk@senate.ca.gov |
Letters Needed on San Luis Obispo Bear Hunt Proposal The California Fish and Game Commission is currently accepting written comments on its proposal to open San Luis Obispo County to black bear hunting. COHA, the California Houndsmen for Conservation and other supporters recently testified in favor of including this new bear hunting opportunity at the Commission's April 8-9th meeting. The California Department of Fish and Game has determined that the additional hunt area will have no significant impact on the state's bear population, which currently numbers well over 30,000 animals and continues to increase. Possible final adoption of the hunt proposal will occur at the Commission's next meeting, scheduled for April 21st. Comments should be sent to: California Fish and Game Commission  1416 Ninth Street P.O. Box 944209 Sacramento, CA 94244-2090 Ph. (916) 653-4899 Fax (916) 653-5040 |
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The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of wildlife conservation and the protection of our hunting heritage. COHA was created in early 2006 by the California Waterfowl Association (CWA) to enhance the political effectiveness of hunters and other wildlife conservationists and enthusiasts in the halls of our State Capitol and beyond. For more information on COHA and its member organizations, please visit www.outdoorheritage.org
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