SB250 DEFEATED

Defeating SB250 was the culmination of four years of work by CDOC, Save Our Dogs, Canine Companions for Independence and other groups to protect dogs and responsible dog owners. Our continued presence in Sacramento all during the year has paid off. But CDOC would not have been able to maintain that presence without two important pieces; the guidance and assistance of Scott Sadler, who represents CDOC and responsible dog owners in California and financial support to engage a well-respected firm. Sadler is the face of 'the dog people' in Sacramento on a daily basis and it is a good face to have.

We need to expand our work in Sacramento and through the League of Cities and the California State Association of Counties. This will mean upping the ante but it will also mean we will be able to be more effective at the local level. And we will get more information out about this.

But today is a day to look at your dogs, know they will not be arbitrarily sterilized because they got out one time and relax -- to an extent. It is also a day to take 10 more minutes and write to your legislator. If they were a Yes vote, let them know how unhappy you are with their performance - they should not get a free pass just because we have been concentrating on others. This is important. It's not OK to vote for a bill that would have killed more dogs. If they were a No vote or an abstention thank them for not voting for a bad bill.

Last year CDOC presented every legislator who was not a Yes vote with a Best of Breed Rosette with their name and the statement Dog's Best Friend. We will make sure we acknowledge them on your behalf again this year.