|
Kensington Veterinary Hospital
3817 Adams
Ave. San Diego, CA 92116
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, 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/enforcement: 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 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.com San Diego, CA
Kathy Kaleka, DVM Licensed Veterinary Independent Contractor CA license #11799
J. Musella, DVM
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
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. 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
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
|