Got this from the Paw Project mailer today - Californians PLEASE WRITE!!!
TIME IS RUNNING SHORT
This e-mail is intended for humane organizations and individuals who wish to support AB 1857.
Because of the early hearing date, we had very little time to ask for your support, but we are facing a deadline. The Bill Analysis will be printed on March 9. Letters must be in by that time for listing as supporters. Because of this time constraints, please fax copies of letters to Mr. Koretz, Mr. Leno, and the Public Safety Committee office (numbers and addresses are listed below) before you mail them. Thank you very, very much.
The Paw Project is asking for your support of California Assembly Bill, AB 1857. This bill, which will ban declawing of captive wild cats (such as lions, tigers, and cougars), was introduced a few weeks ago and was assigned to the Public Safety Committee a couple of days ago. We learned today that the committee hearings are scheduled for March 16, so LETTERS SHOULD BE RECEIVED BY MARCH 9...only a few days away.
We urgently need letters of support written to the members of the Public Safety Committee of the California Assembly. Their addresses and sample letters are below.
We can e-mail you Word documents of the addresses and letters and other supporting information on request.
Organizations and individuals should write letters of support to ALL of the Public Safety Committee members. The Chairman is Mark Leno. Paul Koretz, the author of the bill, sits on this committee. The names of organizations are listed in the Bill Analysis and can be very influential to the committee members.
TO ASSURE THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION IS LISTED ON THE BILL ANALYSIS, PLEASE FAX A COPY OF THE SUPPORT LETTER TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE OFFICE AT (916) 319-3745.
Many, many thanks,
Jim Jensvold
The Paw Project
PO Box 445
Santa Monica, CA 90406
www.pawproject.com
*******************************************************************
THE BILL, AB 1857 (a brief summary):
This bill would make it a misdemeanor, punishable as specified, for any person to perform, procure, or arrange for surgical claw removal, declawing, onychectomy, or tendonectomy on an exotic or native wild cat species (i.e., ALL CATS EXCEPT DOMESTIC, OR HOUSE, CATS) or from altering such a cat's toes, claws, or paws in order to prevent their normal functioning. The bill would exempt from the prohibition procedures performed solely for a therapeutic purpose to treat an infection, injury or tumor of the animal's toe.
************************************************************************
SAMPLE LETTERS
Here are some sample letters supporting AB 1857, the California Ban on Declawing of Wild and Exotic Cats. Please edit, personalize, or modify in any way you would like. The letters should be sent by US Mail (much preferred over email) as soon as possible. The hearings are scheduled for March 16, 2004. Letters should be received by March 9, 2004.
Sample letter #1
RE: In support of AB 1857, Ban on Declawing of Wild and Exotic Cats
(Address)
Dear Assemblymember (fill in name of Assemblymember):
I am writing you to urge you to support Assemblymember Koretz' bill AB 1857, which is scheduled to be discussed by your committee soon. AB 1857 is a very much-needed bill, which will put an end to the painful and crippling amputation surgery practiced on many captive wild and exotic cats, such as lions and tigers. AB 1857 will outlaw this archaic practice and will reinforce the need for animal owners to use proper and humane training techniques.
(If you have any personal experience with declawing, especially negative ones, please write it down here, and use the first person to be more appealing)
Animal declawing is outlawed by most industrialized nations and considered by many experts like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which "opposes declawing of captive exotic and other wild (indigenous) cats for nonmedical reasons. Because of their size, weight, and environment, exotic and wild cats commonly experience adverse effects when onychectomy (declawing) is performed."
Declawing is also opposed by the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR), the Humane Society of the United States, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, In Defense of Animals, Animal Protection Institute, and Last Chance for Animals. In addition to these well-known American organizations, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons of Great Britain has gone on record to declare that "declawing is an unnecessary mutilation."
Finally, we realize the State is facing many crucial battles, but this is an issue that is very important not only to animals but voters like me. I urge your "Yes" vote on AB 1857.
Should you have any questions, please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Very truly yours,
Sample letter #2
RE: In support of AB 1857, Ban on Declawing of Wild and Exotic Cats
I urge you to support AB 1857. I believe that wild and exotic cats, such as lions and tigers animal should never have to undergo this unnecessary and painful procedure when humane training alternatives are available.
Many animal trainers, humane organizations, and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) oppose declawing. Thank you for doing what is right and voting yes on AB 1857.
Sincerely,
Sample Letter #3
RE: In support of AB 1857, Ban on Declawing of Wild and Exotic Cats
Please vote yes on AB 1857. Declawing is cruel. I have seen the crippling effects of declawing on cats such as lions and tigers. Proper training and handling, not declawing is the answer to the animal safety question. There are dozens of cases of declawed cats maiming and killing people...with their teeth. In fact, cats may be more prone to biting after their claws have been amputated.
Declawed cats are often dumped in already over-burdened animal sanctuaries, or suffer worse fates, when they become crippled. I urge you to protect animals from this horrible fate.
Thank you,
Sample Letter #4
RE: In support of AB 1857, Ban on Declawing of Wild and Exotic Cats
I strongly support AB 1857, the proposed ban on declawing of exotic cats, such as lions and tigers. I believe declawing is an unnecessary procedure that has no benefit to the animal and that can cause serious physical and behavioral problems. Because of the high rate of complications from this procedure, declawing is opposed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
The passage of AB 1857 will spare cats pain and suffering, and will be a step forward in the humane and compassionate treatment of animals. I sincerely hope this bill is enacted.
Sincerely yours,
****************************************************************************
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Mark Leno, Chair
Dem-13 (San Francisco)
ADDRESS:
Assemblymember Mark Leno
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0013
Phone: (916) 319-2013
Fax: (916) 319-2113
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a13/
Paul Koretz (author of the bill)
Dem-42 (West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Sherman Oaks)
ADDRESS:
Assemblymember Paul Koretz
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0042
Phone: (916) 319-2042
Fax: (916) 319-2142
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a42/
Jay La Suer, Vice Chair
Rep-77 (El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, San Diego)
ADDRESS:
Assemblymember Jay La Suer
State Capitol
Room 2016
Sacramento, CA 94249-0077
Phone: (916) 319-2077
Fax: (916) 319-2177
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/me...Dist=77&lang=1
Todd Spitzer
Rep-71 (Corona, Mission Viejo, Orange, Norco)
ADDRESS:
Assemblymember Todd Spitzer
State Capitol
Room 2111
Sacramento, CA 94249-0071
Phone: (916) 319-2071
Fax: (916) 319-2171
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/me...Dist=71&lang=1
Jackie Goldberg
Dem-45 (Los Angeles, Echo Park, Hollywood)
ADDRESS:
Assemblymember Jackie Goldberg
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0045
Phone: (916) 319-2045
Fax: (916) 319-2145
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a45/
Mervyn M. Dymally
Dem-52 (Los Angeles, Watts, Compton, Paramount)
ADDRESS:
Assemblymember Mervyn M. Dymally
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0052
Phone: (916) 319-2052
Fax: (916) 319-2152
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a52/
Rudy Bermúdez (that's "Bermudez" with an accent over the "u")
Dem-56 (Artesia, Buena Park, Cerritos, Norwalk, Whittier)
ADDRESS:
Assemblymember Rudy Bermúdez
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0056
Phone: (916) 319-2056
Fax: (916) 319-2156
E-mail: [email protected].
Website: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a56/
TIME IS RUNNING SHORT
This e-mail is intended for humane organizations and individuals who wish to support AB 1857.
Because of the early hearing date, we had very little time to ask for your support, but we are facing a deadline. The Bill Analysis will be printed on March 9. Letters must be in by that time for listing as supporters. Because of this time constraints, please fax copies of letters to Mr. Koretz, Mr. Leno, and the Public Safety Committee office (numbers and addresses are listed below) before you mail them. Thank you very, very much.
The Paw Project is asking for your support of California Assembly Bill, AB 1857. This bill, which will ban declawing of captive wild cats (such as lions, tigers, and cougars), was introduced a few weeks ago and was assigned to the Public Safety Committee a couple of days ago. We learned today that the committee hearings are scheduled for March 16, so LETTERS SHOULD BE RECEIVED BY MARCH 9...only a few days away.
We urgently need letters of support written to the members of the Public Safety Committee of the California Assembly. Their addresses and sample letters are below.
We can e-mail you Word documents of the addresses and letters and other supporting information on request.
Organizations and individuals should write letters of support to ALL of the Public Safety Committee members. The Chairman is Mark Leno. Paul Koretz, the author of the bill, sits on this committee. The names of organizations are listed in the Bill Analysis and can be very influential to the committee members.
TO ASSURE THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION IS LISTED ON THE BILL ANALYSIS, PLEASE FAX A COPY OF THE SUPPORT LETTER TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE OFFICE AT (916) 319-3745.
Many, many thanks,
Jim Jensvold
The Paw Project
PO Box 445
Santa Monica, CA 90406
www.pawproject.com
*******************************************************************
THE BILL, AB 1857 (a brief summary):
This bill would make it a misdemeanor, punishable as specified, for any person to perform, procure, or arrange for surgical claw removal, declawing, onychectomy, or tendonectomy on an exotic or native wild cat species (i.e., ALL CATS EXCEPT DOMESTIC, OR HOUSE, CATS) or from altering such a cat's toes, claws, or paws in order to prevent their normal functioning. The bill would exempt from the prohibition procedures performed solely for a therapeutic purpose to treat an infection, injury or tumor of the animal's toe.
************************************************************************
SAMPLE LETTERS
Here are some sample letters supporting AB 1857, the California Ban on Declawing of Wild and Exotic Cats. Please edit, personalize, or modify in any way you would like. The letters should be sent by US Mail (much preferred over email) as soon as possible. The hearings are scheduled for March 16, 2004. Letters should be received by March 9, 2004.
Sample letter #1
RE: In support of AB 1857, Ban on Declawing of Wild and Exotic Cats
(Address)
Dear Assemblymember (fill in name of Assemblymember):
I am writing you to urge you to support Assemblymember Koretz' bill AB 1857, which is scheduled to be discussed by your committee soon. AB 1857 is a very much-needed bill, which will put an end to the painful and crippling amputation surgery practiced on many captive wild and exotic cats, such as lions and tigers. AB 1857 will outlaw this archaic practice and will reinforce the need for animal owners to use proper and humane training techniques.
(If you have any personal experience with declawing, especially negative ones, please write it down here, and use the first person to be more appealing)
Animal declawing is outlawed by most industrialized nations and considered by many experts like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which "opposes declawing of captive exotic and other wild (indigenous) cats for nonmedical reasons. Because of their size, weight, and environment, exotic and wild cats commonly experience adverse effects when onychectomy (declawing) is performed."
Declawing is also opposed by the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR), the Humane Society of the United States, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, In Defense of Animals, Animal Protection Institute, and Last Chance for Animals. In addition to these well-known American organizations, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons of Great Britain has gone on record to declare that "declawing is an unnecessary mutilation."
Finally, we realize the State is facing many crucial battles, but this is an issue that is very important not only to animals but voters like me. I urge your "Yes" vote on AB 1857.
Should you have any questions, please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Very truly yours,
Sample letter #2
RE: In support of AB 1857, Ban on Declawing of Wild and Exotic Cats
I urge you to support AB 1857. I believe that wild and exotic cats, such as lions and tigers animal should never have to undergo this unnecessary and painful procedure when humane training alternatives are available.
Many animal trainers, humane organizations, and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) oppose declawing. Thank you for doing what is right and voting yes on AB 1857.
Sincerely,
Sample Letter #3
RE: In support of AB 1857, Ban on Declawing of Wild and Exotic Cats
Please vote yes on AB 1857. Declawing is cruel. I have seen the crippling effects of declawing on cats such as lions and tigers. Proper training and handling, not declawing is the answer to the animal safety question. There are dozens of cases of declawed cats maiming and killing people...with their teeth. In fact, cats may be more prone to biting after their claws have been amputated.
Declawed cats are often dumped in already over-burdened animal sanctuaries, or suffer worse fates, when they become crippled. I urge you to protect animals from this horrible fate.
Thank you,
Sample Letter #4
RE: In support of AB 1857, Ban on Declawing of Wild and Exotic Cats
I strongly support AB 1857, the proposed ban on declawing of exotic cats, such as lions and tigers. I believe declawing is an unnecessary procedure that has no benefit to the animal and that can cause serious physical and behavioral problems. Because of the high rate of complications from this procedure, declawing is opposed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
The passage of AB 1857 will spare cats pain and suffering, and will be a step forward in the humane and compassionate treatment of animals. I sincerely hope this bill is enacted.
Sincerely yours,
****************************************************************************
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Mark Leno, Chair
Dem-13 (San Francisco)
ADDRESS:
Assemblymember Mark Leno
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0013
Phone: (916) 319-2013
Fax: (916) 319-2113
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a13/
Paul Koretz (author of the bill)
Dem-42 (West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Sherman Oaks)
ADDRESS:
Assemblymember Paul Koretz
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0042
Phone: (916) 319-2042
Fax: (916) 319-2142
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a42/
Jay La Suer, Vice Chair
Rep-77 (El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, San Diego)
ADDRESS:
Assemblymember Jay La Suer
State Capitol
Room 2016
Sacramento, CA 94249-0077
Phone: (916) 319-2077
Fax: (916) 319-2177
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/me...Dist=77&lang=1
Todd Spitzer
Rep-71 (Corona, Mission Viejo, Orange, Norco)
ADDRESS:
Assemblymember Todd Spitzer
State Capitol
Room 2111
Sacramento, CA 94249-0071
Phone: (916) 319-2071
Fax: (916) 319-2171
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/me...Dist=71&lang=1
Jackie Goldberg
Dem-45 (Los Angeles, Echo Park, Hollywood)
ADDRESS:
Assemblymember Jackie Goldberg
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0045
Phone: (916) 319-2045
Fax: (916) 319-2145
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a45/
Mervyn M. Dymally
Dem-52 (Los Angeles, Watts, Compton, Paramount)
ADDRESS:
Assemblymember Mervyn M. Dymally
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0052
Phone: (916) 319-2052
Fax: (916) 319-2152
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a52/
Rudy Bermúdez (that's "Bermudez" with an accent over the "u")
Dem-56 (Artesia, Buena Park, Cerritos, Norwalk, Whittier)
ADDRESS:
Assemblymember Rudy Bermúdez
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0056
Phone: (916) 319-2056
Fax: (916) 319-2156
E-mail: [email protected].
Website: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a56/
