Welcome to our News Archive dated July 10 - 11, 2007
Bob, Laddie, and Jon Provost ("Timmy") go to Sacramento and the California. State Capitol in defense of pets
Bob, Laddie, and Jon Provost ("Timmy")
go to Sacramento and the CA. State Capitol
July 10 and 11, 2007
Operation Media, an independent group of women representing
the interests of California dogs and cats, arranged for
Bob, "Laddie", and Jon Provost to visit with key state Senators
and members of the CA Assembly, who supported the fight
against CA AB 1634, the oft called "Pet Extermination Bill"
and to attend the Local Government session as well as a
Capitol steps rally.
Bob Weatherwax & Senator Runner meet
Because of a delay in flight time and misplaced luggage, Bob and Laddie
were unable to keep to the Tuesday appointment schedule, but Jon was
able to attend a PetPAC-sponsored press conference with Senator Runner
and Assembly member Sharon Runner. Coincidentally, they represent the
district where Bob and Laddie live.
Senator Runner, Laddie, & Jon Provost
Upon Bob and Laddie's arrival at California's capital city, they had a
quick visit with Senator Runner and then went on to their first
appointment to meet Senator Gloria Negrete-McLeod. Laddie made quite an
impression on Senator McLeod, demonstrated by two humorous quips she
made during the formal session the next day.
Here she is discussing politics with Laddie
Bob demonstrated Laddie’s ability to speak, which many of McLeod's aides
witnessed. Jon also spoke with Senator McLeod, who seemed sympathetic
with his plea to vote NO on AB 1634. Senator McLeod revealed that her
brother owns Afghan hounds and Akitas, and she mentioned how much
these dogs mean to her brother.
Laddie seemed quite at
home in her office!
Next stop was Senator Yee's office. He had requested meeting Laddie.
Senator Yee came out of committee for a quick photo opportunity. After
greeting everyone, Senator Yee declared that his vote on AB 1634 would
be a resounding NO.
(Jon Provost.
Laddie. and
Senator Yee)
Through the Capitol halls, Bob, Laddie, and Jon met with many legislators:
Assemblymember Fiona Ma,
Assemblymember Doug LaMalfa,
and once again Senator Runner along with his wife,
Assembly member Runner, who wanted additional time with their
canine constituent.
Indeed, Laddie quite literally brought the California Legislature to its
knees! Even the most stoic of legislators smiled broadly when
Laddie – the genuine article – crossed their paths.
The next day, everyone was up early and in their respective places
before several hundreds of supporters who had arrived at the Capitol for
the all-important Committee meeting.
Bob, Laddie, and Jon were seated up front as guests of the Committee.
During the course of the committee meeting, both sides had a chance to
present their evidence. Lloyd Levine (D, Van Nuys) who had written AB
1634, spoke as did a shelter worker at the Santa Cruz SPCA and other
proponents of the bill.
Speaking on behalf of those opposing the bill were Dr. John Hamil, Angie
Niles, and Joan Miller.
The Chair listened…
Laddie listened…
And finally, Levine first tried to suggest that he would amend the bill
yet again, but then pulled the bill from consideration. The bill will
most likely be reintroduced in January 2008.
As a result of the decision to shelve AB 1634 for now, Laddie led the
rally of friends and opposition supporters who had fought the bill so
diligently.
* Bob and Laddie thank all those
who were instrumental in helping them make the trip.
Our Many Thanks to Diane Amble for allowing her photos to be reprinted
and her own report to be edited for www.weatherwaxtraineddogs.com.
Diane may be reached by email at brianamble@sbcglobal.net
For more on CA AB 1634, Visit Pet Pac
Bob, Jon Provost, and Laddie attend the rally
(That's Bill Hemby from PetPac at the podium)
Senator McLeod speaks with Jon Provost)
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