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Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Law Strengthening California’s Protection for Downed Cows
July 22, 2008
SACRAMENTO — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed a measure into law that significantly strengthens the California Downed Animal Protection Act. The Humane Society of the United States praised Gov. Schwarzenegger for signing the legislation, which addresses the cruel treatment of downed cows documented by an undercover HSUS investigation at the Hallmark/Westland plant in Chino, Calif.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has introduced legislation at the federal level to strengthen farm animal welfare laws and improve enforcement, and Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer has announced plans to change federal regulations to prohibit all downed cows from being slaughtered for human consumption, though the USDA has not yet taken action on this.
This November, California voters will consider Prop 2 — the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act — a modest measure that will provide the most basic protection to animals confined on California factory farms: that they merely be able to turn around and extend their limbs. Prop 2 has already attracted hundreds of endorsements.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has introduced legislation at the federal level to strengthen farm animal welfare laws and improve enforcement, and Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer has announced plans to change federal regulations to prohibit all downed cows from being slaughtered for human consumption, though the USDA has not yet taken action on this.
This November, California voters will consider Prop 2 — the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act — a modest measure that will provide the most basic protection to animals confined on California factory farms: that they merely be able to turn around and extend their limbs. Prop 2 has already attracted hundreds of endorsements.
Animal Advocates Celebrate Historic Milestone: Dogfighting Now a Felony in All 50 States
March 5, 2008
Today marks the beginning of a new era for dogs, a moment to savor for millions of Americans who cherish the special place these wonderful animals occupy in our lives, and a signpost of progress for all citizens who share aspirations for a more humane America. Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal signed a bill yesterday that made the cruel blood sport of dogfighting a felony crime — the 50th state to enact such a law.
"This is a real reason to celebrate — a landmark moment in the struggle to rid our nation of this hideously cruel activity that destroys so many innocent animals and is so corrosive to the ideals of a decent and civil society," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States.
Wyoming's action follows the signing of a similar felony law in Idaho on Feb. 25. These two states were among many states nationwide that are considering legislation this year to increase penalties against dogfighting. Such bills are pending in 23 states.
The wave of legislative action this year follows the 2007 case against football star Michael Vick, who pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting charges. His case shed a spotlight upon the horrific reality of dogfighting in the U.S. and triggered a national outcry. Vick is serving time in a federal prison.
How to Spot Signs of Dogfighting in Your Community
- An inordinate number of pit bulls being kept in one location, especially multiple dogs who are chained and seem unsocialized.
- Dogs with scars on their faces, front legs and stifle area (hind end and thighs).
- Dogfighting training equipment such as rawhide or tires hanging from trees for dogs to jump up and grab onto, or treadmills.
- Unusual foot traffic coming and going from a location at odd hours.
- Learn more by visiting the Humane Society of the United States
Fight Worldwide Animal Abuse-Join PETA
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News & Events 2008
September...
Sept 6 & 7, Bay Area Pet Fair & Adoptathon
Sept 27, Marin Humane Society 2nd Annual Birthday Bash
Ongoing...
Fact vs Fiction: Media Myths
In a world where the media educates the public, owners of specific dog breeds have reason to be fearful. Rather than reporting on the truth, the majority of media companies see an opportunity to sell papers by building false myths about certain canine breeds.
What is the truth about Staffords and related bull breeds? How does the public feel about being manipulated by the media? Should the media be accountable for their role in encouraging dog bites? It is about time that people looked at the real problem behind dog bites and realized that dog owners are the true problem.
The media's methodology of sensationalizing dog attacks and the supposed 'dangers' of certain dog breeds not only deflects attention away from the people that are the real problem, but it encourages those people to continue abusing their dogs.
Summit to battle "dog slaughter laws" Best Friends Animal Society is taking action to stop municipal laws that target certain breeds and dogs that resemble banned breeds as a result of an emergency October conference on the topic in Denver, Colorado. Attempting to crack down on dog attacks, Denver passed a city-wide anti-pit bull ordinance that deems pits and other broad-skulled dogs "dangerous". The city destroyed 2,000 "dangerous" dogs in 2005. More than 100 cities nationwide have similar laws, resulting in an estimated 5,000 dogs killed per week.
"The laws target innocent pets and their people instead of the irresponsible and often criminally abusive owners, breeders and trainers who raise aggressive dogs for sport and profit", said Best Friends president Michael Mountain. "Responsible breeders share our concern about the exploitation of dogs who are themselves the victims of this growing culture of violence." Best Friends is covering their efforts and providing tools to fight these laws online.
