AB 1881, the Dog and Cat Bill of Rights, Fails to Pass the Senate

Every year we try to make progress for the protection of dogs and cats in the state. In some years, we are able to make landmark changes, such as with the passage of AB 485 in 2017 which banned the sale of mill-bred dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail pet stores. In other years, we make beneficial changes in smaller ways, such as with the passage of SB 573, which requires dogs and cats be microchipped when leaving a shelter. With each step, we try to expand protections and save animals from needless deaths, and overall, make things better for animals in California.

That is why we are frustrated to announce that AB 1881, the Dog and Cat Bill of Rights has failed to pass the Senate. We are particularly dismayed to convey that CalAnimals, the association representing animal control agencies and animal shelters in the state, played the leading role in killing the bill.

Why would CalAnimals, who hold themselves out to be an animal welfare organization, be against a bill that simply aims to help educate potential adopters about the needs of dogs and cats?

From what we gather from their opposition letter, conversations, and phones calls to legislators, the bottom line is that they don’t want to be told what to do, and they claim they are already educating and doing a great job.

Also, they claimed having these 7 educational bullets would intentionally stop adoptions. Does the leadership of CalAnimals genuinely believe that Assemblymember Santiago, SCIL, and the rescue community supporting the bill is aiming to stop pet adoptions?

It’s disingenuous and absurd that they would actually believe and write that in their letter!

We have always recognized the good work of many shelters, and the employees and volunteers who give their heart and soul to care for our state’s shelter pets. But that does not mean that there isn’t room for improvement, which is what AB 1881 aimed to do by helping educate potential adopters. Especially at a time when the shelters are full and in need of help, which has been covered in the press from Northern to Southern California on a weekly basis.

We thank Assemblymember Santiago and his dedicated staff for doing their best in what was unnecessarily made into a difficult situation. We also thank the rest of the legislature who voted for the bill with bipartisan support. We all had the purest intentions to do right by the voiceless animals.

We cannot thank you all enough for the action you take for the animals! Please consider making a donation to help us continue our work.

With gratitude,

Judie Mancuso, founder/CEO/president

Social Compassion in Legislation