Animal Legislative Action Network

834 ¼ Tularosa Dr. Los Angeles, CA  90026

(323) 666-9075 /fax (323) 666-8007 / e-mail:  alan1@ix.netcom.com

California State Election Primary, June 6, 2006

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 (alanpac.com).

Animals in Entertainment

1.                Both dog fighting and cockfighting are outlawed in California, yet they occur with frequency in many communities.  Can you formulate a solution?

I would focus on three things.  First, I would make sure that our state laws are enforced to the fullest.  Secondly, I would work with state authorities to make sure that communities with histories of dog fighting and cockfighting are educated on animal cruelty and the consequences for participating in these activities.  Finally, I would support efforts to require breeders of pets sold in California to register as businesses with the California Board of Quality Assurance. 

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?

The best place for elephants is not in a zoo.  Elephants already in California zoos need to be monitored by appropriate local and state agencies.  I would require the state to study the current health and living conditions of elephants in California, make recommendations and follow-up on those recommendations.

Wildlife

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? 

In 1995, ALAN fought successfully to stop the California Department of Fish and Game from re-instituting trapping and killing of red foxes.

I would [work] alongside ALAN to support efforts to halt the use of dogs to hunt Bears and Bobcats.

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?

I would tell the constituent to take steps such as not feeding pets outside, making garbage inaccessible to coyotes and fencing the yard to protect his or her cat.  The Department of Fish and Game is the agency 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:

Residents must come to view wildlife as a potential neighbor.  Increased public education is needed to improve methods of landscape management, trash disposal, care of pets, and recognition of the need for wildlife. 

Farmed Animals

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:      

         I am 100% vegetarian in large part because I believe that killing animals for human consumption is wrong.  Sufficed to say, I do not support the slaughtering of animals outside of slaughterhouse zones and/or in inhumane ways.

Animals in Research

1.                What is pound seizure?  Do you support it?

Pound seizure is the sale or release of cats and dogs from a pound or shelter to a research, testing or educational facility. 

This is a complicated issue.  However, because I am vegetarian, I do support the sale or release of animals to education facilities that keep the animals alive in a safe and healthy environment.

2.                The media has recently covered cases of pet animals being cloned.  Would you support the licensure of such business practices?

No.

Companion Animals

1.                Los Angeles has recently passed a law prohibiting tethering of dogs.  Should dog tethering for extended periods be allowed in California?

No.

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?

Cats should have the freedom to roam during parts of the day, but owners should be responsible for their behavior.  Owners should know when their cat is outdoors and where their cat is roaming. 

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?

I would support efforts to make micro chipping mandatory.

4.                A bill signed in October by Governor Schwarzenegger prohibits the breeding of pit bulls in California.  My response as an elected official to breed specific legislation would be:

Breed-specific legislation is a quick fix and does not provide long-term solutions.  Dog problems are associated with irresponsible owners.  We must hold dog owners responsible and not single out specific breeds.   

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 $120 million.  Spaying and neutering does reduce the number of animals born, but other sources of animals from pet shops, volitional and accidental breeders and sexually active abandoned animals prevent demand from equaling supply.  How would I solve this problem for the people of my district?

I would support legislative efforts, such as the Companion Animal Overpopulation Bill, to reduce the high number of abandoned animals.

I would also promote ideas such as micro chipping to begin to create a support base for these types of ideas.

Feral Cats

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:

I would promote partnerships between private and public agencies to offer low cost spaying and neutering options.

 “No-Kill”

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:

Eliminating euthanasia as a means of animal control.

Animal Cruelty

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?

I would work with local governments to make them understand the importance of prosecuting animal cruelty cases.  Also, I would make sure that all available resources are being utilized to prosecute animal cruelty.  

Other

As a Council Member in Santa Ana, I took a leadership role to enact an ordinance prohibiting the display of exotic animals with our city.

Signature:

Name Printed:  Jose Solorio