Brown Signs Several Animal Bills
Californians will no longer be allowed to use dogs to hunt bears.
Governor Jerry Brown has signed SB 1221, making California the 15th state to pass this type of ban. The legislation was opposed by the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors because of the impact it could have on the region. Opponents of the bill argue that it will result in an increased bear population, and hurt the local economy.
The U.S. Humane Society pushed for the legislation, calling the sport “inhumane.”
Brown signed several other bills related to animal protection. SB 1229 bans landlords from requiring owners to declaw their cats or devocalize their dogs. SB 1500 is designed to improve the handling process of animals seized during cruelty or neglect cases. AB 1776 names the endangered Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle as the official marine reptile of California.
