Governor Schwarzenegger has vetoed AB 241, The Responsible Breeder Act.  The legislation would make it a crime to own more than 50 ADULT dogs or cats for the purpose of breeding and selling.  It would not impact shelters, research facilities, vets, pet stores, groomers, or boarding facilities.  You can read the full bill at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_0201-0250/ab_241_bill_20090723_amended_sen_v95.pdf.  It passed the assembly 59-17 and the senate 25-9, and was supposed to become a law on January 1, 2010.  That was until the Terminator (appropriate name in this case – don’t you think?) vetoed the legislation with this message:

”This measure would make it a crime for any person or entity to own or control more than 50 unsterilized adult dogs or cats for breeding or raising for sale as pets.  I support measures designed to prevent animal cruelty and that punish persons engaged in the abuse of animals.  However, this measure simply goes too far in an attempt to address the serious problem of puppy mills.  An arbitrary cap on the number of animals any entity can possess throughout the state will not end unlawful, inhumane breeding practices.  Instead this measure has the potential to criminalize the lawful activities of reputable breeders, pet stores, kennels, and charitable organizations engaged in raising service and assistance dogs.  For these reasons, I am unable to sign this bill.”

I would really like to see a reputable breeder who has more than 50 adult dogs!  Further, this legislation would have no effect on raising service and assistance dogs.  To contact the Office of Gov. Schwarzenegger and let him know what you think about his decision that will enable puppy mills to continue operating call 916-445-2841 or write to
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814