Posted: October 13, 2009, 5 a.m. EDT
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed Assembly Bill 241 on Oct. 11. AB 241 would have limited the number of intact dogs and cats any person could own for breeding and selling as pets.
“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,” the governor wrote in a memo to the members of the California State Assembly. “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.”
Gov. Schwarzenegger also vetoed AB 243, which would have made it mandatory for a judge to prohibit those who had been found guilty of animal cruelty from owning animals again.
“This bill would require a judge to make an order prohibiting a person convicted of specified animal-related crimes from owning, possessing or caring for any animals for a minimum period of time,” the governor wrote in his veto memo. “This measure is unnecessary. Judges already have the discretion to enter an order forbidding persons from caring for animals if it’s warranted. Making this order mandatory could unjustly impact individuals who make a living working with or caring for animals.”