City Council Opposes Law Repeal That Delays Animal Euthanasia
The Los Angeles City Council enacted a resolution Wednesday to oppose Governor Jerry Brown’s proposal to repeal a state euthanasia waiting law.
Councilman Paul Kortez proposed the resolution at a city council meeting which put the city in opposition repealing Hayden’s Law. Originally, animals could be euthanized within three days, often before the owners of lost pets could get to a shelter to look for them.
However, Hayden’s Law delays the euthanasia until 4-6 days afterwards to give animal owners more time to find their pets.
“These animals here today and all of the animals in our shelters deserve a fighting chance,” said Kortez “That is why we need to maintain the Hayden Law intact.”
The California Legislature passed Hayden's Law in 1998, with the action spear-headed by then state Sen. Tom Hayden. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger tried to repeal it in 2004, and it was suspended in 2009.
Governor Brown hopes to save the state $23 million a year by repealing some provisions of Hayden's Law.
Based on advice from the state’s Department of Finance, Hayden's Law may not have been helping as much as people think.
“Shelters that euthanize more animals receive the most state funds, and conversely, shelters that are successful in promoting adoption receive the least state funds,” said Deputy Director State Finance Director H.D Palmer.
However, animal rescue centers say that could prevent them from saving hundreds of animals.
“You remove that, and it's going to be a free for all,” said Animal Rescue Center volunteer Alexia Tiraki-Kyrkland. “We already euthanize too many animals as it is. Hayden's Law says shelters must wait four to six days before putting animals down. Supporters worry less time could result in hasty euthanasia.”
If the provision is permanently repealed, it will be up to the cities and counties to designate money for shelters. The resolution is scheduled to be heard in the City Council Personnel and Animal Welfare Committee on March 13.
LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT. THE MORE ANIMALS THEY KILL THE MORE MONEY THEY GET,. THE MORE MONEY THEY GET THE MORE ANIMALS THEY KILL AND THESE SUPPOSED TO BE A SHELTERS. THERE SLAUGHTER HOUSES WHERE YOUR OWN PET MIGHT END UP IF YOU LOST HIM. THIS IS HOW YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY? SHAME ON YOU.