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California State Senate- Business and Professions Committee
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 94249-0000
June 8, 2007
To the attention of Committee Chair Ridley-Thomas, Vice-Chair Aanestad,
Senators Corbett, Denham, Florez, Harman, Simitian and Yee;
Cc: Senator Kehoe
RE: AB1634 IN OPPOSITION
We respectfully submit the following letter (see last page for previous
cc's) for your consideration. . We are veterinarians, from San Diego and all
over California, and we have deep concerns regarding this bill, which we
have detailed below. We all want to see animal overpopulation controlled,
and euthanasias eliminated, but we feel very strongly that this bill cannot
achieve this goal, and will cause much harm instead. Our state veterinary
association- the CVMA- is one of the sponsors of this bill. They sponsored
this bill without member input, and they do not have member support on this
issue. The majority of the veterinarians in California OPPOSE this bill, for
similar reasons to those described below. If you do not have veterinarians'
agreement and compliance, this bill will be very difficult to enforce. The
amendments attached to this bill last week are no better than Band-Aids on a
bad cancer- they do not help or improve the situation.
Please vote AGAINST AB1634!!
If we can provide further information, we are all willing to help.
Sincerely,
Patricia Ungar DVM, CVA, Brenda Phillips DVM, ACVIM (Oncology), Sharon
Vanderlip DVM,
Jean Spengel DVM
We are licensed veterinarians in the State of California, and many of us are
also members of the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). We
OPPOSE AB1634 for several reasons, detailed below, but first and foremost,
we feel this should be an issue resolved at a LOCAL level, not at the STATE
level. We are only a small portion of the veterinarians in California who
strongly OPPOSE this bill. The issues of concern are NOT statewide issues,
and there is no reason to penalize this many people and animals for issues
that are more limited in occurrence. We also object to the involvement of
our state veterinary association, WITHOUT the input or concurrence of
members.
We oppose Bill AB1634 because:
Ø We object to government intervention on this issue
Ø We were not consulted nor informed about this bill during its development
Ø The bill is poorly designed, cannot successfully be enforced and would be
extremely costly to attempt to enforce
Ø The bill does not address the true source of pet overpopulation
Ø The bill penalizes responsible citizens
Ø The bill has a significant negative impact of the California economy
Our concerns regarding AB1634, pending before the State Senate, include but
are not limited to:
1. Veterinarian recommendation: We strongly believe that owners should be
allowed to choose, with their veterinarian' s guidance, whether their dog or
cat should neutered and the appropriate age to do the procedure. This
decision should not be mandated by state legislation. There may be health
benefits (such as cancer prevention) for dogs that remain intact and
legislation that forces owners to neuter could open the door for litigation
against the state.
2. Permits for breeders: This bill states that the only purebreds eligible
for permit would be those working toward a title or those having acquired a
title. This will significantly reduce the number of purebreds available in
California and limit the gene pool, increasing the incidence of heritable
diseases and disorders. Pet owners in California will ultimately be limited
to selecting less healthy animals from puppy mills or those that have been
smuggled into California. Mixed breed (non-AKC) breeds often make wonderful
pets and assistance animals, and this bill would severely limit their
availability.
3. Recommended age for prepubertal gonadectomy: Many veterinarians consider
four months of age to be too young for this surgical procedure. Filing
routinely for an "exemption" means more time and paperwork for everyone.
4. Guide dog programs: Specifics of the working dogs and Guide Dog Programs
are not clearly defined. Would dogs require permits during the one year plus
of age necessary to determine whether they are suitable candidates to
replace breeding stock for their programs?
5. Compliance/enforcem ent: Veterinarians cannot be expected to assist in
enforcing AB1634, or to report violations. This would be an infringement of
doctor/client/ patient confidentiality and an abuse of trust. In addition,
determination of spay status of an adult female cat or dog is difficult,
adding to difficulty of enforcement.
6. Licensing: Owners of an intact animal that does not have a permit may
discontinue licensing their dogs to avoid being reported. Some people may
allow their dogs to be impounded for non-compliance or abandon them because
they cannot/will not pay to spay or neuter. This will add to the unwanted
pet population.
7. Pet stores: This bill will increase business for puppy mills as pet
stores increase sales to meet the decline in quality pets available from
responsible breeders. Guidelines for pet store protocols concerning
non-neutered puppies/kittens four months of age have not been addressed. Pet
stores may elect to euthanize animals to avoid the expense of spay/neuter or
permitting, thereby increasing the number of animals euthanized annually.
8. Effective animal population control programs exist: The number of pets
received into county animal shelters and euthanized in CA each year has
significantly declined over the past 20 years. San Diego County already has
effective and successful programs that reduce pet overpopulation, including
cooperation between the veterinary community and the San Diego County
Department of Animal Control, and numerous volunteer programs. In fact, the
programs are so effective, that potential pet owners often must bring in
dogs from outside the area for adoptions. The San Diego program can be used
as a model for other communities to follow.
Euthanasia rates in San Diego County are far below the State average
9. Financial impact: The pet industry brings significant money into
communities. Bill AB1634 could have a significant negative financial impact
on California, by eventually reducing the overall pet population, as well as
in efforts to enforce this seriously flawed bill. Though will be a
state-mandated law, there will be no state funds provided to enforce this
legislation on a local level.
10 .We interpret this legislation to be an example of government tampering
with personal rights and property; these are issues that should be addressed
on a community level, according to the specific needs of the community. It
is not appropriate that responsible breeders pay to correct the government's
inability to control the feral cat population, educate the public, provide
low-cost spay/neuter programs, and prosecute animal smugglers and fighting
dog breeders.
11. Public health impact: Most puppies and kittens are vaccinated for Rabies
at approximately 4 months of age. If clients are concerned that they will be
reported to the authorities for non-compliance of the spay/neuter law, they
may not comply with Rabies vaccination.
12. Pet health impact: If owners of non-permitted intact dogs or cats are
concerned that they will be reported to authorities for non-compliance, they
may not visit their veterinarian for regular health check-ups. This is not
in the best interest of the pet-owning public nor the pets.
Address the true sources of the animal overpopulation problem:
1. Educate the public about the causes and problems of the animal
overpopulation problem.
2. Penalize irresponsible owners who allow their pets to stray and do not
keep them safely confined.
3. More veterinarians can volunteer more time or be provided tax incentives
to provide spay/neuters free, or at a discount, according to their
communities' needs.
4. Encourage the development of win/win partnerships between animal rescue
and professional organizations (such as we have in San Diego) to help
resolve the problem.
5. Conduct well-designed studies to accurately determine the major sources
of unwanted animals. There is no proof that they are coming from responsible
breeders. Many of these animals originate from puppy mills, many in the San
Diego area have been smuggled by the hundreds/thousands from puppy mills in
Mexico. A large number of dogs in animal shelters are pit bulls and pit-bull
mixes, fighting animals from illegal gambling operations, and many with
behavioral disorders. Some studies indicate that 86% of owned cats are
neutered in the US, indicating that a large part of the cat over-population
problem stems from feral cats, not owned intact ones.
We the undersigned represent only a small portion of the veterinarians who
oppose AB1634. As members of CVMA and California Veterinarians, we strongly
resent the misrepresentation implied by this bill.
Respectfully yours,
Patricia J. Ungar DVM, CVA
Kensington Veterinary Hospital, past-President SDCVMA
Calif lic 8755; CVMA member
Brenda Phillips, DVM, ACVIM (Oncology)
Veterinary Specialty Hosp of San Diego
Calif lic 12738; soon to be ex-CVMA member
Jean Spengel, D.V.M.
La Jolla Veterinary Hospital
Cal. License 6394 CVMA Member
Sharon Vanderlip, D.V.M.,
Director, ICSB-San Diego,
CA. license 7846
Jack Vanderlip, D.V.M.,
Veterinary Consultant,
CA License #2499, not a CVMA member.
Victoria Jordan DVM, CVA
Kensington Veterinary Hospital
CA license 7062
Michelle Zoe Mason, DVM
Kensington Veterinary Hospital (or Relief)
California Veterinary Number 10326
Melissa Vollaire DVM
Kensington Veterinary Hospital (or Relief)
CA license 15581
Rosanne Brown, DVM
Calif. lic #8869 CVMA member
Rancho San Diego Animal Hospital
Ira Feinswog DVM
Pet Emergency & Specialty Center
CA License number 9386
Reid Shufer, D.V.M.
Alta Rancho Pet & Bird Hospital
California license 9036
Kevin F. Mallery, DVM, DACVIM
California Veterinary Specialists
Caifornia license number 14288
Christian Osmond, DVM, DACVS
California license number: 14514
CVMA member
Mark Handel DVM
Palomar Animal Hospital
CA Lic # 8238
Valerie Ewell
CA license # 006733
La Jolla Veterinary Hospital
Monica Laflin, DVM
Cardiff Animal Hospital, INC
CA Lic # 7390
David A. Knox DVM, MS
Companion Animal Clinic
Calif lic 11741; CVMA member
Laurel Bowman, D.V.M
La Jolla Veterinary Hospital
California License 14188
Marilyn Seals, D.V.M.
La Jolla Veterinary Hospital
California License 9504
Ann D. Middleton, DVM
(owner, Cheshire Cat Clinic)
CA Lic # 10064
Current CVMA member since 1988
Keith Richter, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM
Hospital Director, Veterinary Specialty Hospital of SD
10435 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92121
V7607
CVMA Member: Yes
Sean W. Aiken, DVM, MS, DACVS
Veterinary Specialty Hospital
10435 Sorrento Valley Road
CA license 16062
CVMA member
CA lic 16223
A. J. Hardy, D.V.M.
CA License #7443
Lifetime Animal Care Center
4941-G Clairemont Town Square
CVMA Member
Katharine Allen, DVM, MRCVS
CA License 10420,
Animal Medical Center, El Cajon
Trevor Garb
CVMA member and alternate delegate SDCVMA delegate.
Ca Lic number 14117
Pet Emergency & Specialty Center
Mona Boord, DVM, DAVCD
Animal Dermatology Clinic of San Diego
CA vet Lic. # 11495
American Veterinary Medical Association member # 0025114
Donna Valerie, DVM
El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital
6911 University Ave.
La Mesa, Ca. 91941
Vet license # 6176
CVMA # 4429
Dr Helen Hamilton DVM MS DACVIM
California license 9767
CVMA number 7548
Gary Brown, DVM, Dipl. ACVS
Cal lic. 4401
1618 Washington Blvd. Fremont , Cal
Geoffrey R Smith, D.V.M.
Oceanside Veterinary Hospital
CA license 5361
CVMA member
Dr. R. Michael Sevier, DVM
Town and Country Animal Hospital, Bonita, Ca.
license # 6353
SDCVMA member
non-member CVMA
Gina Rochelle Brinton, DVM
Relief Veterinary Services
CVMA member
Dana Bleifer DVM
CA lic 11251
8810
NOT a CVMA member!!!
Patricia Gilbert DVM, DACVD
San Diego CA 92131
CA lic. 8647
Debbie Wu DVM
11836 Handrich Drive
CA lic 15715
Craig Marvil DVM
Kearny Mesa Veterinary Center
7677 Ronson Road
CA lic 4539
CVMA member
Shalein Bonny DVM
CA lic 16223
John R. Hetzler DVM
Ark Animal Hospital
6171 Balboa Ave. San Diego, CA 92111
License #6828 CVMA Member, Yes
Andrew Klotz, DVM
U.C. Davis, 1983
AKlotzDVM@gmail. <mailto:AKlotzDVM% 40gmail.com> com
San Diego, CA
Kathy Kaleka, DVM
Licensed Veterinary Independent Contractor
CA license #11799
J. Musella, DVM
Fellow, American Association of Feline Practitioners
CA Lic # 14703 CVMA member since 2000
Charles A. Hjerpe, DVM
Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Medicine
UC Davis CA vet lic 3664 Former CVMA member
Therese J. Craychee, DVM, MS, DACVR
South Coast Veterinary Imaging
CA vet license 8960
CVMA member
Karen E. Seibold, DVM, DACVECC
Animal Urgent Care and Specialty Group
CVMA member #09201
CVMA Delegate San Diego County
Linda L. Fossum, DVM
Grass Valley Veterinary Hospital
CA Lic.#7661
CVMA member
Wendy Wallace, DVM, CVA
State license 9608
CVMA member for over 20 years
Amy L Tempel, DVM
LA County relief veterinarian
CVMA member - no
Roger K. Beck, D.V.M.
CA. lic. # 3771
CVMA member
Lifetime Animal Care Cntr
Gerry Soifer DVM
Companion Pet Care Professionals
Ca vet lic # 6840
Nancy Bushnell DVM
Companion Pet Care Professionals
Ca vet lic # 6839
Please emphasize my position in your efforts to defeat AB1634. As a
Veterinarian and livestock producer, I am opposed to it. I could not operate
my sheep ranch without livestock guardian dogs and herding dogs. The ability
to gather sort and care for my flock is crucial.
Last year I lost 7 sheep to predators and since having my guard dog I have
lost none. In addition the fear produced by depredation had my 100 head of
ewes loose at least 15 pounds each.
There are many utility and companion pets serving their owners with great
success.
Sincerely
Judith A Groversman, DVM
Cotati Small Animal Hospital, Inc.
May 21, 2007
To the attention of Speaker Nunez, Majority Whip Ma, Chief Republican Whips
Benoit, Lamalfa, Spitzer, and esteemed Assemblymembers:
Cc (fax): Rep.Whips Adams, Fuller, DeVore, Gaines; Maj. Leader Bass, Speaker
Pro Tempe Lieber, Ass't Speaker Pro Tempe Richardson, Ass't Maj. Leader
DeLeon, Dem. Caucus Chair Evans, Min. Floor Leader Villines
RE: AB1634 IN OPPOSITION
We respectfully submit for your thoughtful evaluation the following letter,
faxed previously to the Governor and members of the Appropriations
Committee. Our concerns regarding this bill continue to grow, for the
reasons described below. We request your thoughtful and careful
consideration, and your opposition to this bill. Please vote against it.
Patricia J. Ungar DVM, CVA
Brenda Phillips DVM, ACVIM (Oncology)
Sharon Vanderlip DVM
Jean Spengel DVM
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-445-4633
May 10, 2007
To the attention of The Honorable Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger,
Cc (fax): Assemblypeople Lloyd Levine, Appropriations Committee Chair Mark
Leno, Appropriations Committee Vice-Chair Mimi Walters, Appropriations
Committee Members, Senator Christine Kehoe, Assemblywoman Shirley Horton,
California Veterinary Medical Association President Dr. Ron Faoro
California State Senate- Business and Professions Committee
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 94249-0000
May 22, 2007
To the attention of Committee Chair Ridley-Thomas, Vice-Chair Aanestad,
Senators Corbett, Denham, Florez, Harman, Simitian and Yee;
RE: AB1634 IN OPPOSITION
We respectfully submit the following letter (see last page for previous
cc's) for your consideration. We are aware that AB1634 is currently in the
Assembly, and will very possibly move to the Senate soon for further
evaluation and discussion. We are veterinarians, many of us from San Diego,
and we have deep concerns regarding this bill, which we have detailed below.
We all want to see animal overpopulation controlled, and euthanasias
eliminated, but we feel very strongly that this bill cannot achieve this
goal, and will cause much harm instead. Our state veterinary association-
the CVMA- does not have member support on this issue. If we can provide
further information, we are all willing to help.
Sincerely,
Patricia Ungar DVM, CVA,Brenda Phillips DVM, ACVIM (Oncology),Sharon
Vanderlip DVM,
Jean Spengel DVM
California State Assembly members
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 94249-0000
June 1, 2007
To the attention of Members Arambula, Bass, Beall, Berg, Brownley, Calderon,
Carter, Davis, De Leon, De Saulnier, Dymally, Eng, Evans, Feuer, Fuentes,
Hancock, Hernandez, Huffman, Jones, Karnatte, Krekorian, Laird, Leno, Lieb,
Mullin, Nava, Portantino, Price, Richardson, Ruskin, Salas, Saldana,
Solorio, wolk, Nunez, Coto, De La Torre, Emmerson, Havashi, Houston, Ma,
Mendoze, Parra, Plescia, Soto, Swanson, Torrico
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