Animal Protection Groups Condemn Schwarzenegger Plans To Reduce Animal Home Hold Requirements: The Los Angeles Times has reported that California’s animal rescue system is to be the victim of government funding cutbacks during the recession. If a recent proposal is approved, California’s strays could be euthanised in as little as 3 days, down from the minimum 6 days they have to serve now.

A piece of legislation called The Hayden Bill that was made in the late 90’s states that dogs must serve this 6 day period before they can be euthanised. This legislation aims to increase animal adoption and reduce the amount of dogs put to sleep. A Legislative Analyst’s Office Report has said that there is little evidence to say that the legislation is worthwhile. The report claims the reported $24.6 Million annual figures could be better spent elsewhere.

Animal protection groups are understandably disagreeing with the assessment and are showing their opposition to suspending the 6 day mandate. These groups include: Humane Society of the United States, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, State Humane Association of California and the Californian Animal Control Directors.

Animal protection groups are saying that cats and dogs will be the victims of recession if the plan goes ahead to cut funds. Jennifer Fearing of the Humane Society has said; ”If shelters are no longer reimbursed by the state for animal holding, they will be forced to cut services. The savings generated by suspending this 6 day mandate is a paltry 0.1% of the $24 – Billion deficit. These funds are the only state dollars that presently go to assisting local governments with the costly problem of pet overpopulation.”

Jill Buckley of the ASPCA has said: ”Animal redemption and adoption rates have been steadily rising in California until the tidal wave of home foreclosures dramatically increased the number of surrendered animals.”

The groups are calling for an alternative to the 3-day holding – a year long programme to help shelters survive budget cuts in the short-term. This includes promoting animal adoption over buying a pet.

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