The Animal Legislative Action Network is a political action committee that elects animal friendly legislators to the California Legislature. We attempt to obtain the views of viable candidates in each competitive race. Please take a minute to answer the questions truthfully without trying to figure out the "right answer". You may return the questionnaire by fax. Our endorsements appear on our website (http://www.alanpac.com).
1. Both dog fighting and cockfighting are outlawed in
California, yet they occur with frequency in many communities. Can you formulate
a solution?
2. There has been a great deal of controversy recently regarding keeping
elephants in zoos. Some animal rights groups and members of the public feel that
these large animals are ill-suited to a captive environment, regardless of how
"natural" their caged habitat may be. Other groups and individuals
feel that elephants are safe and well-treated in zoos and provide valuable
education tools. What should be done with elephants already resident in
California?
1. California allows the use of dogs to hunt Bears and
Bobcats. What would be your response if called upon to decide whether this
practice should continue?
2. Constituents often complain of their cats being killed by coyotes. What would
you say to such a constituent? What agency do you believe is responsible for the
behavior of coyotes in California?
3. As urban centers expand into formerly undesirable areas of their surrounding
landscape, wildlife/human interactions become increasingly frequent. This
expansion creates a potentially dangerous environment for human and animal
alike. My response to this as an elected official would be:
1. There is a tradition of humane slaughter of food
animals in this country since 1869. Recently, there have emerged markets where
live animals are housed and slaughtered outside of slaughterhouse zones and in
inhumane ways. My response to this as an elected official would be:
1. What is pound seizure? Do you support it?
2. The media has recently covered cases of pet animals being cloned. Would you
support the licensure of such business practices?
3. In spite of existing humane laws governing the
treatment of animals used in medical research, whistle blowers and government
investigators continue to document widespread abuses and violations. Currently,
violations carry no fine. Do you believe fines should be levied upon culpable
institutions?
1. Los Angeles has recently passed a law prohibiting
tethering of dogs. Should dog tethering for extended periods be allowed in
California?
2. Some animal rights organizations have suggested that it would be beneficial
to license cats as well as dogs. In addition, it has been suggested that cats
should be kept indoors at all times rather than being allowed to roam. What
should be expected of a responsible cat owner?
3. Mandatory micro-chipping of animals sold in California could make it possible
for local officials to track ownership and responsibility for pets. If elected,
would you author such an idea?
4. A bill signed in October by Governor Schwarzenegger allows local governments
to prohibit the breeding of pit bulls in California. My response as an elected
official to breed specific legislation would be:
5. The number of pets bred and sold in California's communities exceeds the
number of permanent homes by over 1 million a year. The cost to the taxpayers
for apprehension and destruction of these animals is currently over $200
million. Spaying and neutering does reduce the number of animals born, but other
sources of animals from pet shops, breeders and free ranging sexually intact
animals insure that supply exceeds the number of homes. How would you deal with
this problem on behalf of the people of your district?
1. Most urban communities in California are inhabited by
colonies of feral (wild) cats. These animals often live in marginal health, are
alleged to reduce wild bird populations, reproduce to the extent to which their
environs will support them, and are often fed by caring individuals who may not
always be able to afford to trap spay and neuter them. My response to this as an
elected official would be:
1. Many major metropolitan cities throughout the United
States have implemented programs aimed at reducing or eliminating euthanasia as
a means of animal control. This so-called "No-Kill" movement has many
different proponents advocating many different approaches. Primary in this
debate is the underlying definition of "No-Kill." My definition of
"No-Kill" can be best described as:
1. In recent years, many local governments have come under
fire from the humane community for failing to prosecute cases of animal cruelty
within their jurisdiction. How would you respond to the request for increased
prosecutions of animal cruelty cases?
Signature______________________________________________
Name Printed___________________________________________
Candidate for which District________________________________
Thank you for your time and thoughts. There are no right answers, just many opinions and views in California. We are as much about stimulating thought about the issues that animal-human interactions bring up, as about rigid solutions. We would be glad to discuss any areas of special interest you have, at any time.
The Board
Animal Legislative Action Network