In her letter, Jackie Speier asks people to "please read the bill" because it does not ban any breed of dog.
Senator Speier, I and many other canine advocates have read SB 861 in detail. In fact, I've written a detailed report that analyzes each paragraph of this hastily-drafted bill.
Speier asserts that her bill only allows for mandatory spay and neuter specific to breeds (which is true) but (in an attached letter) alleges SB 861 will not be detrimental to citizens or their companions. This latter claim is the false one. SB 861 still uses the phrase "to control dangerous or vicious dogs" and fails to mandate exemptions for show, working, or service dogs. The dangerous or vicious language WILL cause insurance companies to blacklist breeds if even a minority of counties in California target those breeds. This will cause owners that have those breeds to lose their dogs (service and search and rescue dogs included). Even Mark Leno's office admitted, in writing, that SB 861 could very well cause problems for owners of show and service dogs. Leno's senior legislative assistant stated that Leno plans to introduce MORE legislation to FIX the problems that SB 861 will cause. That will be little consolation to the wheelchair bound or visually impaired Californians that lose their service or guide dogs prior to Leno offering his "fix" to a bill that should never be passed.
In addition, the ASPCA, though listed as one of the supporting organizations at the end of Speier's letter, has withdrawn its support of SB 861. The ASPCA reviewed the detailed analysis provided on this site and talked extensively with both Linda Blair and myself. The ASPCA looked more closely at SB 861's language (which is poorly drafted and contradictory) and realized that SB 861 is NOT a good bill.
SB 861 is not the solution to the problem of pet overpopulation or dangerous dogs. We urge ALL State senators to vote NO on SB 861. Please. This bill will hurt many good dog owners and negatively impact persons with disabilities.
