DawnWatch California

House and turkey-sitter needed this weekend for four nights Jan 16-20

2010-01-12T15:53:05Z

My lovely turkeys, Monty and Marsha, have not yet gone to their permanent home, and I am going out of town this weekend for four nights, starting Saturday, and need somebody to turkey-sit. It should be a pleasant gig in my cottage on a cliff in Pacific Palisades overlooking the Malibu beaches. There is even a hot tub on the patio. And there is a lovely big flat screen TV with HBO and what-not. And two adorable turkeys for company. I need somebody to sleep here so I know they are safe, put them in their coop at night and let them out in the morning, feed them and clean up a little turkey poo, and hopefully hang out here in the day so that they can strut around the front garden. You might want to do some wikipedia reading on turkeys as neighbors stop by all day long on their walks to the bluffs and ask questions. It is fun. Perfect for somebody studying or with lots of computer work or reading to catch up on.
I can pay about $50 a night -- there is not a whole lot to do. Just come stay in this pleasant place.
Please email me your number if you can do it. And if we don't know each other please provide references.
Yours and the animals',
Karen

----------------------------------------

You are subscribed to DawnWatch California using the following address:

example@example.com

Date: Tue Jan 12 15:53:05 2010

DawnWatch: Danger of proposed vet tax in LA Times op-ed -- 12/8/08

2008-12-09T08:43:15Z

The Monday, December 8 Los Angeles Times included an op-ed dealing with an issue which could be of grave importance to pets throughout California. The piece, by Jennifer Fearing, the chief economist for the Humane Society of the United States, deals with a proposed tax on veterinary bills and is headed, "Fido can't balance the budget." (Page A 19.)

Fearing opens:

"Across California, municipal animal shelters and humane societies are reporting increases in pet relinquishments this year as high as 30%. Families losing their homes in the credit crisis or losing their jobs are dropping off their Fluffies and Fidos, adding moral and emotional insult to economic injury.

"And Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has found a way to make matters worse. Included in his November budget proposal, but lost amid major political hot potatoes like the vehicle license fee, was a plan to add a sales tax to veterinary services as part of the solution to the state's multibillion-dollar budget shortfall. In other words, because state leaders failed in their basic responsibility to keep government functioning, pet owners may have to foot the bill, and pets themselves may pay the ultimate price."

She discusses some government programs, such as spay-neuter programs, and tells us:
"With a sales tax possibly increasing to 10.25% in Los Angeles County, the governor's tax idea would thus take nearly a quarter of a million dollars from these critical local programs that help care for abandoned animals and prevent unwanted births."

And she comments:

"Under Schwarzenegger's proposal, these medical expenses now would be lumped into a proposed category of taxable services such as 'appliance and furniture repair, vehicle repair.' Does the governor really think repairing dishwashers and Dodges is the same as 'repairing' dogs?

"The state doesn't tax cosmetic surgeries, so why should we tax an essential medical cost for animals? We can't skimp on veterinary care without jeopardizing the health and safety of our pets and other animals in our collective care."

She writes:

"This new financial burden would not only result in less medical care for animals, it would almost certainly result in more dogs and cats being abandoned or relinquished to animal shelters. It is bad policy that would add to the taxpayers' burden through higher animal-control and sheltering costs, increase the cost of caring for animals raised for food and be a step backward in the otherwise progressive trajectory toward our treatment of animals."

You'll find the full terrific piece on line at:
http://tinyurl.com/6dubro

As legislators look to the letters to the editor page as a barometer of public opinion, please write. And your letter will let the Los Angeles Times know that animal friendly pieces are of interest to their readers and appreciated. The Los Angeles Times takes letters at letters@latimes.com

Always include your full name, address, and daytime phone number when sending a letter to the editor. Remember that shorter letters are more likely to be published. And please be sure not to use any comments or phrases from any alerts in your letters to the editor. Editors are looking for original responses from their readers.

Californians can learn more about this issue, and get involved, at the California Veterinary Medical Association website http://www.cvma.net/

Yours and the animals',
Karen Dawn

(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at http://www.DawnWatch.com. You may forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts if you do so unedited -- leave DawnWatch in the title and include this parenthesized tag line. If somebody forwards DawnWatch alerts to you, which you enjoy, please help the list grow by signing up. It is free.)

Please go to www.ThankingtheMonkey.com to read reviews of Karen Dawn's new book, "Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way we Treat Animals� and watch the fun celebrity studded promo video.

To discontinue DawnWatch alerts go to http://www.DawnWatch.com/nothanks.php

----------------------------------------

You are subscribed to DawnWatch California using the following address:

example@example.com

Date: Tue Dec 9 08:43:14 2008

Last 2008 Monkey Events -- with Turkeys and Actors! 12/9/08 and 12/14/08

2008-12-08T11:57:03Z

Join Bruce and Emily Turkey, as well as actors Bruce Greenwood and Emily Deschanel, over the next week.
----------------------
I send a reminder to California DawnWatch subscribers that my wards Bruce and Emily Turkey, featured with me in the Los Angeles Times on Thanksgiving Day (see http://tinyurl.com/5w9huu) will be part of two events where you can meet them, and cuddle them (they are in ambassador training) this week.

Los Angeles Westsiders (or anybody else) might like to come to a reading this Tuesday, December 9, at the Santa Monica Library Fairview Branch at 7pm. I will have Bruce and Emily with me and will sell books and do a signing after the event -- a good place to pick up signed copies for holiday presents.

Then, on Sunday, December 14, Bruce and Emily turkey will be retired to Animal Acres Sanctuary with the help of their namesakes, actors Bruce Greenwood (you've seen him in all sorts of things including 13 Days and John From Cincinnati, and he is the captain in the new Star Trek movie!) and Emily Deschanel (Bones).
Bruce and Emily, the actors not the turkeys, will join me in a reading from Thanking the Monkey before we retire our feathered friends to their new life. There will be sanctuary tours from 12-2, the reading from 2-3, and then the signing and holiday cowtail party afterwards.

Daniela Sea, who plays Max on the L Word, may also be reading with us.

Why not come do some Christmas shopping at the Animal Acres shop, where all proceeds go to the sanctuary, spend some time with the animals, sit back and enjoy and reading, and then join us for a little cocktail (or cowtail) party.

You'll find more information about both events and can RSVP at www.ThankingtheMonkey.com/events.php

Hope to see you, and introduce you to Bruce and Emily Turkey (or actors) this week!
Yours and the animals',
Karen Dawn

Please go to www.ThankingtheMonkey.com to read reviews of Karen Dawn's new book, "Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way we Treat Animals� and watch the fun celebrity studded promo video.

To discontinue DawnWatch alerts go to http://www.DawnWatch.com/nothanks.php

----------------------------------------

You are subscribed to DawnWatch California using the following address:

example@example.com

Date: Mon Dec 8 11:57:03 2008

DawnWatch California: LA Times article on La Jolla seal beach issues 9/30/07

2007-10-01T13:56:53Z

Those in San Diego and also Los Angeles, where this article appeared, may like to respond. The seals could use your voice! The Los Angeles Times takes letters at letters@latimes.com
Include your name, address, and phone number.
--------------------
Los Angeles Times
September 30, 2007 Sunday

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-seal30sep30,1,7553052.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california

Beach deal is tough to seal ;
Officials tried to find a way for pinnipeds and people to happily share a cove in La Jolla. But some fear health risks.

Tony Perry, Times Staff Writer

CALIFORNIA; Metro Desk; Part B; Pg. 1

SAN DIEGO -- Oblivious to the 15-year legal and political fight their presence has caused, harbor seals loll in the water off the Children's Pool in La Jolla.

They come ashore to sun themselves, bark their distinctive barks and, during pupping season, give birth to adorable little bundles on the beach.

But they also poop, on the sand and in the water, extensively. And that is the focus of the war between seal-lovers and people-firsters over a sheltered cove that is the legacy of one of San Diego's revered philanthropists.

The City Council, stuck in the middle after years of not satisfying either side, tried in 2004 to fashion a "joint use" plan in which seals and people could coexist on the tiny beach.

The beach would be dredged to increase tidal flushing and take away the excrement. Barriers would keep people away from the seals during pupping season. The beach would be smaller but cleaner and both sides could declare victory, the council reasoned.

But now a state appeals court has upheld a trial court's decision that the council should put a priority on constantly cleaning the sand and water to allow human use -- even if that means driving the seals into the ocean, where hungry sharks await.

The 3-0 decision had no sooner been issued Sept. 7 when City Atty. Michael Aguirre vowed to ask the California Supreme Court to overturn the appeals court. That appears to be a long shot for several reasons, including the city attorney's mixed record when issues leave the political arena and enter a courtroom.

Calls last week to inquire how Aguirre plans to pull a seal from a legal hat went unanswered. He was busy late in the week feuding with Mayor Jerry Sanders over the latter's assertion that Aguirre had bungled a key pension-fund case.

As for the seals, the high court hears only about 5% of cases sent to it. Observers say the justices prefer cases of statewide significance, or in which the lower courts were split or the intellectual arguments are legally challenging. None of those criteria would seem to fit the case of Valerie O'Sullivan vs. the City of San Diego.

O'Sullivan, a swimmer, sued because she felt the beach and water should be safe and clean for children and adults and that joint use would not work.

Her lawyers argued that the council was violating a 1931 action by the state Legislature deeding to the city the submerged lands known as the Children's Pool. The legislative action spoke of people using the beach and made no reference to seals or other marine mammals.

The beach, at 850 Coast Blvd. in the heart of the tourist mecca that is La Jolla, is just a short walk from a grassy park.

"The issue is whether the city is authorized to maintain the Children's Pool in a manner that encourages occupation by seals and prevents concurrent safe use by children," the court said.

The appeals court decision, which awarded attorney's fees to O'Sullivan, rejected the city attorney's arguments on virtually every point.

Swimmers and other members of www.friendsofthechildrenspool.com were exultant.

"You can't have seals doing their business on the beach and then have babies crawling over it," said Don Perry, a swimmer and art broker.

Seal advocates and members of www.lajollaseals.com were disconsolate.

"It's insane," said Bryan W. Pease, general counsel for the San Diego-based Animal Protection and Rescue League.

The two sides can't even agree on what to call the area. Perry and others prefer Children's Pool, the name given when philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps donated the money for a 300-foot sea wall that made the pool a tranquil wading spot for children.

The pro-seal faction prefers the name Casa Beach and notes that it is one of the few protected areas along the California coastline where seals can safely give birth.

Just why the seals adopted the beach in the early 1990s is unclear. Even though the city for years has declared an offshore rock outcropping a seal sanctuary, hundreds of the pinnipeds prefer to laze on the beach.

Pease hopes the state Supreme Court is intrigued by a legislative action mandating how a city should handle a land-use issue.

But even if the court turns down Aguirre's bid to appeal the lower court decision, Pease doesn't think it's a sure thing the city will get the required permits to dredge from the Army Corps of Engineers and the California Coastal Commission. Limited dredging is seen by some as key to increasing tidal flushing.

When they voted for the joint-use plan, council members thought the seals would remain, even though the beach, by necessity, would shrink. They viewed the plan as a compromise.

The courts, however, have ruled that any compromise that leaves a chance that the seals will pose a health hazard is impermissible. Even the rope that keeps people away from the seals during the December-to-May pupping season violates the deed, the court ruled.

But Pease thinks that the city will not be able to get the permits necessary to dredge, given the seals' protected status under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.

A poll for Pease's group by Zogby International found that 74% of San Diego adults oppose dredging. The poll estimated the cost of the procedure at $500,000, although city officials have said that is the priciest estimate.

As the court fight heads to a possible conclusion, seal lovers patrol the area lest anyone harass the animals. Tourists arrive daily to watch the seals.

"The seals seem to get along so well with each other," said Dallas resident Mary Cosgrove, vacationing in La Jolla. "Why can't the people do the same?"
--
tony.perry@latimes.com

(End of Los Angeles Times article)
------------------------------------------
(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at http://www.DawnWatch.com. You may forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts if you do so unedited -- leave DawnWatch in the title and include this parenthesized tag line. If somebody forwards DawnWatch alerts to you, which you enjoy, please help the list grow by signing up. It is free.)

To discontinue DawnWatch alerts go to http://www.DawnWatch.com/nothanks.php

----------------------------------------

You are subscribed to DawnWatch California using the following address:

example@example.com

Date: Mon Oct 1 13:56:53 2007

CA kick-off meetings for 2008 animal ballot -- Santa Barbara just added 9/26/07

2007-09-26T16:49:13Z

The following exciting alert from Humane California announces kick-off meetings, October 1-5, for the campaign to put a measure on the 2008 ballot that would outlaw the cruel confinement of veal calves, egg-laying hens, and breeding pigs in California. This is a chance to get involved in a groundbreaking effort for momentous change affecting millions of animals. Please attend if you can, and forward this alert widely.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

HELP PREVENT FARM ANIMAL CRUELTY IN CALIFORNIA!

CAMPAIGN KICK OFF & SIGNATURE GATHERING RALLY

We need your immediate help to put a measure on the 2008 ballot that would outlaw the cruel confinement of veal calves, egg-laying hens, and breeding pigs. This important measure will phase out the use of the gestation crate for pigs, the battery cage for egg-laying hens and prevent the use of the �veal crate� for male calves.

WE NEED YOUR HELP to collect 650,000 signatures in five short months to qualify this initiative for the November 2008 ballot! Become a crucial member of the team of volunteers that will put this precedent-setting measure on the ballot! Come hear about the campaign and how YOU can get involved in this amazing effort for farm animals!

**Special Guests**

Wayne Pacelle, CEO/President, The Humane Society of the U.S.

Gene Baur, Founder/President, Farm Sanctuary

Please Attend a Kick-off Rally Near You!
-----------------------------

SACRAMENTO

Monday, October 1st

Sacramento SPCA

6201 Florin Perkins Rd
Sacramento, CA 95828

7:00pm � 10:00pm

SAN FRANCISCO

Tuesday, October 2nd

San Francisco SPCA

2500 16th St
San Francisco, CA 94103
7:00pm � 10:00pm

SANTA BARBARA/MONTECITO

Wednesday, October 3rd

Montecito Fire Station

***ADDRESS ***

6:00 � 9:00pm

LOS ANGELES

Thursday, October 4th

LA Animal Services � East Valley Shelter

14409 Vanowen Street

Van Nuys, CA 91405

7:00pm � 10:00pm

SAN DIEGO

Friday, October 5th

Health Services Complex - Rosencrans

3851 Rosecrans Street
San Diego, CA 92110

7:00pm � 10:00pm

For more information, please contact Director@humanecalifornia.org

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

THANK YOU FOR HELPING FARM ANIMALS IN CALIFORNIA!
-----------------

----------------------------------------

You are subscribed to DawnWatch California using the following address:

example@example.com

Date: Wed Sep 26 16:49:13 2007

Animal Acres reminder -- Compassion Into Action Festival, Saturday May 12, 2007

2007-05-11T17:09:40Z

Hey Californians,
Below is a reminder from Animal Acres that their Compassion Into Action festival is tomorrow, Saturday May 12. If you have never been to Animal Acres and petted the pigs and cuddled the turkeys, you are missing out! I am delighted to be speaking at the event tomorrow and look forward to seeing everybody there.
And if you are wondering how the food will be, check out the sponsor list below -- Yum!
Yours and the animals',
Karen Dawn

Here's the Animal Acres alert:
--------------

COMPASSION INTO ACTION FESTIVAL SATURDAY MAY 12, 12 noon - 6:00 pm

Purchase your tickets today for the COMPASSION INTO ACTION FESTIVAL. Online registration closes on Friday, and tickets may also be purchased at the door on the day of the event on first-come first-serve basis.

Put your compassion into action at Animal Acres on Saturday, May 12, by enjoying a fun and educational day with our rescued farm animal friends. Learn what YOU can do to help farmed animals while enjoying veggie food booths, cruelty-free product exhibitors, music, films, sanctuary tours and presentations from noted movement speakers including special guests Bruce Friedrich (Vice President, International Grassroots Campaign, PETA), Paul Shapiro (Founder, Compassion over Killing and Director of the Factory Farming Campaign, HSUS) Karen Dawn (Founder, DawnWatch.com) and Bobbi Rock (Author and vegan health expert). The day will end with a "cowtail party" so you can meet and network with other farmed animal advocates.

Tickets for the event are just $10 per person. Please visit www.animalacres.org and click on the COMPASSION FESTIVAL button on our home page to purchase your ticket(s) today or call 661-269-5404.

Festival Program

Noon to 2:00 p.m. Critter Cuddle Time! Meet our farmed animal friends and learn about their heartwarming rescue stories.

2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Guest speakers and presentations

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Cowtail party

Festival Sponsors

Follow Your Heart
http://www.followyourheart.com/

The Green Temple
http://www.greentemple.net/

Humanitaire
http://www.shophumanitaire.com/

Lagunitas Brewing Company
http://www.lagunitas.com/

Leda's Bake Shop
http://www.ledasbakeshop.com/

Mani's Bakery
http://www.manisbakery.com/

Native Foods
http://www.nativefoods.com/

One World
http://www.oneworldveggie.com/

Tazo Tea
http://www.tazo.com/

Tofutti
http://www.tofutti.com/

Truly Vegan
http://www.trulyvegan.net/

Vinh Loi Tofu

Animal Acres is a Los Angeles farmed animal sanctuary and compassionate living center directed by Farm Sanctuary co-founder Lorri Bauston. Thank you for your support.

ANIMAL ACRES
5200 Escondido Canyon Road Acton, CA 93510
Phone: 661.269.5404 Fax: 661.269.0194
Email: info@animalacres.org
Website: www.animalacres.org

----------------------------------------

You are subscribed to DawnWatch California using the following address:

example@example.com

Date: Fri May 11 17:09:40 2007

Animal Acres "Compassion Into Action Festival," Saturday May 12

2007-04-23T22:41:02Z

The following is from Animal Acres, a lovely little sanctuary less than an hour from Los Angeles. If you have never been to a farm animal sanctuary, come visit -- you are in for a treat. I look forward to seeing everybody on May 12.
------------------------

COMPASSION INTO ACTION FESTIVAL

Date: Saturday, May 12, 12pm to 6pm

Renew your passion for compassion this spring at Animal Acres! Learn what YOU can do to help end farmed animal suffering, while enjoying a day with rescued farmed animals at our beautiful sanctuary.

The festival starts with our unique farm tours, where you can kiss a cow, rub a pig�s belly, or simply share a moment with any of our country critters who call Animal Acres, �Home Sweet Home.� Our dedicated tour guides will introduce our residents to you and share some of their amazing and heartwarming stories.

After meeting our farmed animal friends, we�ll gather to learn more about national and regional campaigns to stop factory farming. This year�s festival includes some of our movement�s foremost advocates for farmed animals, including: Bruce Friedrich (Vice President, International Grassroots Campaign, PETA), Karen Dawn (Founder, DawnWatch.com), Paul Shapiro (Founder and Former Campaign Director for Compassion Over Killing and Director of the Factory Farming Campaign, HSUS), Bobby Rock (Author and Vegan Health Expert), and other noted speakers and special guests.

Guest speakers, left to right: Paul Shapiro, Karen Dawn, Bruce Friedrich, Bobby Rock
(Photos at http://www.animalacres.org/events/comp_action.html)

From fashions to food, participants can shop �til they drop, pick up information and resources on compassionate living, and sample scrumptious food at a variety of cruelty-free exhibitor booths, information and resource tables, and veg food tents throughout the day. Then, we�ll wrap up the day with a �cowtail party� so you can meet and network with other advocates working for farmed animal protection.

Last year�s event drew over 300 people. Seating is limited, so please make your reservations early. Tickets are $10 per person. Please go to http://app.etapestry.com/hosted/AnimalAcres/EventRegistration.html to register online -- check the box next to "Compassion Into Action Festival." Or call us at (661) 269-5404. Please note: Tickets will not be mailed; your name will be at the Registration table the day of the event and you will receive a confirmation of your registration via email.

Please be an active advocate for farmed animals by joining us for the Compassion into Action Festival � and be sure to bring a friend!

Compassion Into Action
Festival Program

Noon - 2:00 Guided Shelter Tours
2:00 - 5:00 Presentations
5:00 - 6:00 Cowtail Party

Veg food booths and exhibitor
tables open from noon to 6:00 p.m.

If you would like to have a booth at the Festival, please got to http://www.animalacres.org/PDFs/exhibit_app.pdf for further information and an Exhibitor Application.

(End of Animal Acres alert.)
-----------------------------------------------------------
(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at http://www.DawnWatch.com. You may forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts if you do so unedited -- leave DawnWatch in the title and include this parenthesized tag line. If somebody forwards DawnWatch alerts to you, which you enjoy, please help the list grow by signing up. It is free.)

To discontinue DawnWatch alerts go to http://www.DawnWatch.com/nothanks.php

----------------------------------------

You are subscribed to DawnWatch California using the following address:

example@example.com

Date: Mon Apr 23 22:41:02 2007

Groundbreaking spay-neuter bill -- the California Healthy Pets Act -- Hearing 4/10/07

2007-03-31T16:55:33Z

Animal advocates are attempting to pass groundbreaking legislation in California, to ensure the majority of dogs and cats are spayed and neutered. The California Healthy Pets Act (AB 1634) will be heard on Tuesday April 10 in the Business and Professions Committee. If it passes out of the committee it will go to the house floor for a vote, then to a senate committee, then the senate floor, and finally to the governor to sign.
Please forward this alert to anybody in California who is distressed by the killing of hundreds of thousands of companion animals per year in this state.

Please visit the website for the bill, http://www.cahealthypets.com/ , to learn more about it. You'll find the full text of the bill there.

General information on the website tells us:

"Every year, over 800,000 pets are abandoned in California. Aggressive stray dogs roam through many neighborhoods, increasing the danger of dog bites and the transmission of rabies. And taxpayers spend $250 million to house abandoned cats and dogs in shelters and then sadly, euthanize (kill) the majority of these pets.

"There is a proven approach to solve this problem: mandatory spay/neuter laws. With the wide availability of free and low-cost spay/neuter services, mandatory spay/neuter laws do not pose a financial burden for pet owners. It�s a common sense solution to the growing problem of pet overpopulation.

"What the California Healthy Pets Act Would Do

"The California Healthy Pets Act (AB 1634) would require the spaying and neutering of most cats and dogs by the time the pet is four months old. It is authored and was introduced by Assemblymember Lloyd Levine.

"Pet owners who have not spayed or neutered their pet would be cited and given time to spay or neuter their pets before a fine would be assessed.

"Local animal control agencies would be responsible for enforcing the California Healthy Pets Act. A portion of the fines collected would be used to expand the availability of free or low-cost spay or neuter programs and other outreach efforts.

"The California Healthy Pets Act exempts:
Purebred dogs and cats whose owners obtain a permit
Dogs who work as guide dogs, service dogs, or signal dogs
Dogs who are used by law enforcement agencies for law enforcement or rescue activities
Dogs and cats whose veterinarian determines that due to age, poor health, or illness it is unsafe to spay or neuter them."

There is also a superb write-up on the bill from The Deseret Sun, on line at http://tinyurl.com/yukdme
It looks at various criticisms of the bill and then sums up with a reference to the number of animals killed in California and the amount it costs taxpayers every year:
"Some problems are so big that they can't all be solved at once....Depending on your perspective, there are either 400,000 or 250 million reasons to do something constructive about the pet overpopulation problem. AB1634 may not be perfect, but it is the most reasonable approach we've seen in a long time."

The California Healthy Pets Act website lets us know how we can help. It instructs:

"The California Healthy Pets Act is being carried by Assembly Member Lloyd Levine of Van Nuys. Please send him your letters of support and his office will distribute to the appropriate legislators as needed. It's requested that your letters fit on a single page and have a positive, friendly tone.

"Please send your letters to:

Assembly Member Lloyd Levine
Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0040
Tel: (916) 319-2040
Fax: (916) 319-2140 District Office:

"We do not recommend emailing your comments to legislators. The Assembly Member's staff has recommended fax/letter as the best way to voice your support, with a phone call as the next best way.

Judie Mancuso, how is heading up this campaign, has also sent the following. If you have questions about it, and how you can help, contact judie@cahealthypets.com

Here's info from her flyer:
------------
How can I help this important bill pass?

1) Attend the Business and Professions Committee Hearing Tuesday, April 10, 2007
AB 1634 California Healthy Pets Act is scheduled to be heard in the Business and Professions
Committee Hearing on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at the State Capitol, Room 447.
Please help by attending the hearing. The hearing starts at 9 am and lasts until approximately 1:30 pm. If possible be at the
room by 8am to get a seat. We won�t know what time our bill will be heard, we simply show up and wait. We should be done by 1:30, but it
could go later. So get to Sacramento early, and leave sometime early evening, just to be safe.
Everyone that attends will be able to stand at the microphone, state their name (& group if applicable), where they are from and that they support the bill.

It�s very important that we fill the hearing room! So please invite everyone who will come and support our bill.

2) Contact, write, call or visit Business and Professions Committee Members
No matter what your district, please write (best) or call Mike Eng:
Assemblyman Mike Eng, Chair,
Business and Professions Committee
State Capitol,
P.O. Box 942849,
Sacramento, CA 94249-0049
(916) 319-2049,
Fax (916) 319-2149

When writing to Assemblyman Eng, please forward a copy to:
Assembly Business and Professions Committee
ATTN: Tracy Rhine,
Committee Consultant,
1020 N Street, Room 124,
Sacramento, CA 94249.
FAX: (916) 319-3306.

This will ensure that your support is included in the official bill analysis.

Also, please contact your representative, who is on the Business and Professions Committee if you live in one of the following districts:
Thank you for your help in passing this important legislation!

Assemblyman Bill Emmerson -- Vice Chair
Phone: (916)319-2063
Fax: (916)319-2163
Rep-District 63
Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, San Bernardino, Highland, Loma Linda, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Yucaipa, Moreno Valley, Riverside, Redlands

Assemblywoman Karen Bass
Phone: (916) 319-2047
(916) 319-2147 fax
Dem-District 47
Baldwin Hills Village, Carthay Circle, Crenshaw, Culver City, Ladera Heights
Hyde Park, Mar Vista, Palms, South Los Angeles, West Los Angeles
Country Club Park, Koreatown, Leimert Park, Rancho Park, South Carthay
Van Ness, View Park, Westwood Village, Windsor Hills, Cienga, Culver Junction, Home Junction

Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter
Phone: (916) 319-2062
Fax: (916) 319-2162
Dem-District 62
Fontana, Rialto, Muscoy, San Bernadino, Colton, Bloomington

Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi
Phone: (916) 319-2018
Fax: (916) 319-2118
Dem-District 18
Hayward, San Leandro, Dublin, Castro Valley, Pleasanton, San Lorenzo Sunol, Cherryland, Ashland, Oakland (small portion)

Assemblyman Edward P. Hernandez
Phone: (916) 319-2057
Fax: (916) 319-2157
Dem-District 57
Azusa, Baldwin Park, Covina, La Puente, West Covina

Assemblywoman Shirley Horton
Phone: (916) 319-2078
Fax: (916) 319-2178
Rep-District 78
Chula Vista, San Diego, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, Bonita

Assemblyman Bill Maze
Phone: (916) 319-2034
Fax: (916) 319-2134
Rep-District 34
Visalia, Tulare, Porterville, Barston, Lindsay, Exeter, Farmersville, California City, Independence, Lone Pine, Woodlake, Needles, Bishop

Assemblyman Curren D. Price., Jr.
Phone: (916) 319-2051
Fax: (916) 319-2151
Dem-District 51
Inglewood, Hawthorne, Gardena, West Compton, LA Intl Airport, Playa Vista Lennox

Assemblyman Alberto Torrico
Phone: (916) 319-2020
Fax: (916) 319-2120
Dem-District 20
Newark, Fremont, Union City, Milipitas, Hayward, San Jose, Castro Valley Livermore, Pleasanton, Sunol
----------------
Please take just a few minutes to put a quick call in, and send a quick fax in support of the bill. Those few minutes could help save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Please get in touch with judie@cahealthypets.com if you want to help more.
And please forward this alert to everybody in California who cares.

Yours and the animals',
Karen Dawn

(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at http://www.DawnWatch.com. You may forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts if you do so unedited -- leave DawnWatch in the title and include this parenthesized tag line. If somebody forwards DawnWatch alerts to you, which you enjoy, please help the list grow by signing up. It is free.)

To discontinue DawnWatch alerts go to http://www.DawnWatch.com/nothanks.php

----------------------------------------

You are subscribed to DawnWatch California using the following address:

example@example.com

Date: Sat Mar 31 16:55:33 2007

DawnWatch California: "An assemblyman who never forgets elephants" -- LA Times 3/8/07

2007-03-08T18:21:51Z

Californians,
The Thursday, March 8, Los Angeles Times has a delightful article, by Carla Hall, on State Assemblyman Lloyd Levine's attempts to help animals -- specifically elephants at the moment. . I will paste it below. Angelenos will find a nice photo of Levine outside the Los Angeles Zoo elephant exhibit with the print version of the article on page B4 of the paper.
The article presents a nice opportunity for animal friendly letters to the editor.
The Los Angeles Times takes letters at letters@latimes.com
Always include your full name, address, and phone number.

An assemblyman who never forgets elephants
By Carla Hall, Times Staff Writer
March 8, 2007
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-levine8mar08,1,502833.story

State Assemblyman Lloyd Levine is not a vegetarian, is allergic to cats and doesn't own a dog. (He does, however, admit to a "family of dust bunnies" under his bed.)

This year, the only legislation that has come close to making him famous � both "Good Morning, America" and "The Colbert Report" took notice � is not about protecting animals. It's about banning the sale of incandescent lightbulbs. (Levine dubbed it the "How Many Legislators Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb Act.")

Yet the 37-year-old Democrat from Van Nuys has become something of an elephant point man in the California Legislature.

Last year, he introduced a bill that would have mandated a minimum of five acres of outdoor space for zoo elephants, a requirement that no zoo in the state except Oakland's had met or had plans to meet. Even the Los Angeles Zoo's sweeping $39-million planned pachyderm exhibit, now under construction, does not offer that much enclosure space. The bill never made it out of the appropriations committee.

This year, Levine has retooled his proposal. Instead of mandatory space requirements, zoos must offer enrichment activities and see that their elephants, creatures known to roam miles in the wild, walk an average of five miles a day. The bill, which Levine introduced Feb. 22, also outlaws the use of the bull hook and other instruments.

"I've said this about elephants repeatedly � nobody has an inherent right to see an elephant in the zoo. Nobody has an inherent right to see any animal in the zoo," said Levine, who is wading into the national controversy over whether zoos are humanely keeping elephants. "It's a privilege, and with the privilege of seeing an animal in the zoo comes the responsibility of providing it care that's appropriate."

There's more animal welfare on Levine's agenda. On Feb. 23 he introduced a bill � co-authored by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) and Assemblyman Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) and backed by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa � that has the potential to affect every dog and cat owner in California. In an effort to stem the euthanasia of hundreds of thousands of unwanted shelter animals � many the offspring of unaltered pets � the measure would make neutering and spaying of pets in the state mandatory. (Certain owners can apply for exemptions.)

Why did the chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce become such an animal advocate?

"My parents just taught me an appreciation for animals," Levine said.

But the real religion at home in the San Fernando Valley was politics, not animal rights. The son of political consultant Larry Levine, the assemblyman saw the inside of his first campaign headquarters at age 4.

And that may be why Levine, whether he's talking elephants or house pets � or the energy-wasting of incandescent lightbulbs � seems to know where to draw the line.

"I'm not an extreme animal legislator," said Levine, now in his third term in the Assembly and planning a run for the Senate.

In general, animal bills can set up legislators for a tough ride. "You get labeled, you get seen as a little different," said Democratic state Sen. Alan Lowenthal of Long Beach, who last year had success with a bill that outlawed prolonged tethering of dogs � but not before legislators greeted him with barks. Lowenthal said Levine seems to have escaped the labeling. "Lloyd has a broad range of issues that he's interested in."

Levine has written several energy bills this year and co-authored a high-profile measure on assisted suicide.

"I don't go out on wild goose chases � pardon the bad pun there," said Levine, who prides himself on his research. "Even if you don't 100% agree with me, you can't say that I don't have any facts to support me."

But he doesn't convince everyone.

"Obviously we want to make sure animals are treated fairly," said Assemblyman Rick Keene (R-Chico). "But I don't see a crying need to get involved in how zoos manage their animals. I haven't heard anyone say the most pressing problem in the state is that we don't walk elephants five miles a day."

Keene works with Levine on the Utilities and Commerce Committee. "I like to tease him," he said, adding that they are friends � if not legislative soul mates. "I don't think the state of California should tell people to spay and neuter their animals when they know they should."

Levine says he's game for the political teasing: "If you're willing to joke about yourself, you actually increase your credibility."

Zoo visit

As he strolled through the Los Angeles Zoo recently, Levine said he still believes in the educational significance of zoos but not in their ability to keep elephants. In particular, he thinks the L.A. Zoo should send both its female African elephant, Ruby � currently kept off-exhibit alone � and its only on-display pachyderm, Billy, an Asian bull, to a sanctuary.

At the elephant exhibit, he eyed Billy. "Look at what he's doing. He's just standing there. That's not natural behavior for an elephant. He's got nothing else to do."

The zoo was thronged the day of Levine's visit, and a few visitors eyed him curiously � a tall, lean man in a gray suit (he had just come from a television interview) on a near 90-degree February day, speaking intensely about elephants. Oblivious to the stares, Levine was reminiscent of a young Jimmy Stewart, in a Mr. Levine-Goes-to-the-Zoo kind of way.

"That's not a happy elephant," he continued. "I mean, would you be happy if you were kept all day in something that [size] and could never leave?"

This kind of talk earns him kudos from animal welfare activists and a rebuttal from the Los Angeles Zoo.

"He's looking at his perception of those conditions, but what he's not looking at is how these animals are doing," zoo director John Lewis said. "Ruby is doing well. The behavior people focus on with Billy is behavior he's exhibited since he was young. He came to us with that behavior."

Generally, Levine is politic. Of Lewis, he said, "I think he's got the elephants' best interests at heart, but I also think he's pulled in a lot of different directions."

"We are willing to work with him," Lewis said. "We just want to make sure that what's done isn't redundant and open to a variety of interpretations."

Levine has schooled himself on the esoterica of elephants in captivity and can hold forth intelligently on ground substrate, watering holes and whether keepers have "protected" or "free" contact with the elephants.

He has visited every zoo in the state except two, and he's toured the Performing Animal Welfare Society's Central California elephant sanctuary.

Zoo officials maintain that vast space is not necessary for captive elephants because they only roam in the wild for food and shelter. Levine says they need the space to roam for exercise � along with the behavior enrichment activities that encourage them to use the acreage.

Two years ago, a conversation with Detroit Zoo director Ron Kagan � whose facility gave up pachyderms � raised Levine's elephant consciousness. But it was his stint working 10 years ago for then-Democratic Assemblyman Edward Vincent (now a state senator representing Inglewood) that inspired him to meld politics and animals.

"He wanted to do something about the pet overpopulation problem," said Levine. "That's what really renewed my political interest."

carla.hall@latimes.com

(End of LA Times article)
--------------
(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at http://www.DawnWatch.com. You may forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts if you do so unedited -- leave DawnWatch in the title and include this parenthesized tag line. If somebody forwards DawnWatch alerts to you, which you enjoy, please help the list grow by signing up. It is free.)

To discontinue DawnWatch alerts go to http://www.DawnWatch.com/nothanks.php

----------------------------------------

You are subscribed to DawnWatch California using the following address:

example@example.com

Date: Thu Mar 8 18:21:51 2007

Last minute West Coast DawnWatch tip: Katrina pets on ABC news on Sunday, August 27

2006-08-27T18:31:06Z

A Sunday (Aug 27) afternoon tip tells us:
"On tonight's ABC's World News Sunday (6:30) there is a very moving segment at the end of the newscast called Katrina's Lost Pets. I hope this email arrives in time to alert West Coast viewers."

Catch it if you can and please send a thank-you for the coverage to wnn@abcnews.com
I will send out more later or tomorrow.

Yours and the animals',
Karen Dawn

(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at http://www.DawnWatch.com. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.dawnwatch.com/cgi-bin/dada/dawnwatch_unsubscribe.cgi You are encouraged to forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts but please do so unedited -- leave DawnWatch in the title and include this tag line.)

----------------------------------------

You are subscribed to DawnWatch California using the following address:

example@example.com

Date: Sun Aug 27 18:31:06 2006

DawnWatch California: Hot car bill covered in LA Times and SF Chronicle 8/15/06

2006-08-15T19:08:06Z

Californians:
The following articles in today's Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle, on a bill that makes it a crime to endanger a dog in a hot car, invite supportive letters to the editor. Your letters might deal with any aspect of animal cruelty. The Los Angeles Times takes letters at letters@latimes.com . The San Francisco Chronicle takes letters at letters@sfchronicle.com and advises, "Due to space considerations, only letters of less than 250 words will be considered for publication. Please provide your name and telephone number along with your letter. You will be called if your letter is being considered for publication."

I send thanks to activist Judie Mancuso who has worked hard on this bill and let us know about these articles.

Los Angeles Times
August 15, 2006 Tuesday
CALIFORNIA; Metro; Metro Desk; Part B; Pg. 7

Assembly OKs Bill Aimed at Saving Pets
Jordan Rau, Times Staff Writer

People who endanger their pets by leaving them in cars could face up to six months in jail under legislation approved Monday by the state Assembly.

The measure would bar people from leaving or confining an animal in an unattended motor vehicle with conditions that could lead to suffering, injury or death. Those conditions could include lack of ventilation, extreme hot or cold weather or an absence of food or water.

First offenders could be fined up to $100 if the animal is unharmed, and as much as $500 and half a year in county jail if the pet incurs "great bodily injury." Repeat violators would face the more stringent punishment regardless of whether an animal was hurt.

The legislation notes that even when vehicle windows are left slightly open, a car's interior can heat to as much as 102 degrees within 10 minutes on an 85-degree day. Even a dog in good health can only withstand a body temperature of 107 or 108 degrees for a brief period before suffering brain damage or death, the legislation states.

The bill would allow a police officer, humane officer or animal control officer to remove an animal from a vehicle if they believe it is at risk. It would then be taken to a shelter or veterinary hospital, and the owner could not reclaim it until after paying all costs associated with its care.

The measure, SB 1806, sponsored by state Sen. Liz Figueroa (D-Fremont), passed the Assembly, 58 to 5. It previously was approved by the Senate, 31 to 3. Before being sent to the governor, the measure will return to the Senate for final approval of amendments added by the Assembly.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not taken a position on the bill.
----------------------
THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE (California)
August 15, 2006 Tuesday
BAY AREA; Pg. B3

Bill on leaving pets in cars goes to governor;
Measure makes it a crime to subject animals to the heat

Matthew Yi, Chronicle Sacramento Bureau
Sacramento

Attention pet owners. You might want to think twice before you leave your pooch in the car on a warm day while you run into the store for a few minutes.

If Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signs a state Senate bill headed for his desk, it will be a crime to leave pets in unattended cars under conditions that pose a danger to the animals.

The Assembly on Monday gave a 55-5 thumbs up to pass SB1806 written by State Sen. Liz Figueroa, D-Fremont, that also seeks to impose a fine of up to $500 and as much as six months in jail.

But perhaps more importantly, the legislation would empower animal control officers to remove pets in distress even if it means breaking the window of a car to gain access.

"We hear incidents (about pets dying in locked cars) just about every summer, and you've all seen dogs left thoughtlessly in the car. This is not to just punish those who are offending, but to save the animals," said Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, D-San Fernando Valley, who presented the bill Monday.

However, actually breaking into a car to save an animal will be the last resort, said Ed Boks, general manager of Los Angeles Animal Services, the bill's chief supporter. Animal control officers will first try to locate the owner and then try picking the lock to open the car door, he said.

Nevertheless, under the existing law, forcibly gaining entry into a vehicle is illegal for animal control officers, so they must call police to do it, Boks said. In many cases, by the time police officers arrive, it's too late, he added.

There are no statewide statistics on how many pets die each summer, Boks said. However, animal-control agencies across the state get many calls every summer, especially when a heat wave sets in, he said.

But Assemblyman Ray Haynes, R-Riverside, argued that existing laws against cruelty to animals are sufficient.

"This is criminalizing negligent behavior," he said. "If you intentionally leave an animal in a locked car on a hot day to endanger it, then we already have cruelty to animals laws. But if we're just talking about leaving your dog in a car for a few minutes, that's just negligence."

But Boks said too often pet owners horribly underestimate the amount of time they think they'll spend running an errand while their animal is in the car.

"You go into the store thinking you're just going to buy a gallon of milk, but you run into your friend, have a chat, and it ends up being 15 to 20 minutes," he said.

Citing a study by an adjunct professor at San Francisco State University, supporters of the bill say on a day when the outside temperature is 86 degrees, it would take five minutes for the temperature inside a car parked in the sun to reach 132 degrees, even if the windows are left cracked open.

Boks said most healthy pets could withstand as much as about 107 degrees before suffering brain damage or death.

In other action in the Assembly, lawmakers on Monday passed a bill by Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter (Kern County), that supporters say will fix a glitch in the Gambling Control Act.

According to a report by the state attorney general's office, about 30 cardrooms around the state are not in compliance with the Gambling Control Act because while some cities and counties have set wagering limits, others have left that up to cardrooms, resulting in wide-ranging limits across the state.

The bill, which was originally prompted by disparate wagering limits at rival cardrooms in Colma and San Bruno, would create a level playing field by requiring cities and counties to set wagering limits in their jurisdictions, supporters say.

The Assembly passed the bill in a 46-9 vote and awaits the governor's approval.
-----------
(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at http://www.DawnWatch.com. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.dawnwatch.com/cgi-bin/dada/dawnwatch_unsubscribe.cgi You are encouraged to forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts but please do so unedited -- leave DawnWatch in the title and include this tag line.)

----------------------------------------

You are subscribed to DawnWatch California using the following address:

example@example.com

Date: Tue Aug 15 19:08:06 2006