BILL INTRODUCED TO BAN PURSUIT OF BEAR AND BOBCAT IN CA

[BOSS HOG]

Yes in it dose

[FFHankey]

Here are the Senators on that committee.
Senator Christine Kehoe-D (Chair)
Capitol Office
State Capitol, Room 5050
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4039
Fax: (916) 327-2188

Senator Mimi Walters-R (Vice Chair)
Capitol Office
State Capitol, Room 3082
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4033
Fax: (916) 445-9754

Senator Elaine Alquist-D

Capitol Office
State Capitol, Room 5080
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4013
Fax: (916) 324-0283

Senator Bob Dutton-R

Capitol Office
State Capitol, Room 5097
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4031
Fax: (916) 327-2272, Room

Senator Ted Lieu-D

Capitol Office
State Capitol, Room 4090
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4028
Fax: (916) 323-6056
Senator Curren Price-D

Capitol Office
State Capitol, Room 2057
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4026
Fax: (916) 445-8899

Senator Darrell Steinberg-D

Capitol Office
State Capitol, Room 205
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4006
Fax: (916) 323-2263

[YSHBHounds]

Here's a question..

Senator Lieu is the author of this bill, being on the committee, does he even get to vote? What about the co-author. I don't see how that would at all be fair? (Not saying politics are fair) Anyone have any insight into that author/vote process?

[CRA]

Yes the author and co-author both have a vote in the appropriations committee. It's not fair but it's how the system works. Our best chance is for Governor Brown to refuse to sign the bill due to the fiscal impact. Millions of dollars in costs and millions of dollars the state will lose in revenue.


All 3 Senators are on the appropriations committee.
Senator Christine Kehoe - already voted to support SB1221
Senator Ted Lieu SB1221 Author
Senator Darrell Steinberg SB1221 Co-Author

Read some of these lies that the supporters claim. I have never heard of renting a bear dog but apparently we do according to the anti's.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT

The lead supporting organization is the Humane Society of the
United States which is heading a large coalition of animal
welfare organizations. Additionally, the Committee has received
support letters from dozens of other organizations including
Sierra Club California and a record number of emails from
individuals. The main arguments of the author and other
supporters are as follows:

1. According to the author, hunting bears with dogs is cruel and
unsporting. He objects to the practice of releasing dogs
equipped with radio devices to chase bears or bobcats across
great distances, often across private property or public
property where no hunting is allowed.

2. As described by the author, at the end of the chase, the bear
or bobcat climbs a tree or fights with the dogs, at which point
the hunter can arrive and shoot the bear or bobcat.

3. One supporter from Shasta County wrote that wayward hounds
have attacked her cats, her poultry, her livestock and killed 14
deer near her home. There are other reports of dogs being lost
during hunts or injured or killed by their prey.

4. The author, as well as many of the supporters, point out that
a Mason-Dixon poll conducted in 2010 FGC was considering an
increase in the bear quota, indicated that 83% of the California
population opposes bear hunting with dogs.

5. The author and sponsors also have obtained numerous reports
that the dogs are often treated improperly, especially those
dogs which are rented from kennels that raise dogs for the
purpose of bear hounding.

6. The sponsors and other supporters are concerned that
historically bear hunting has been closely associated with
poaching or other enforcement problems for DFG. Correspondence
from former DFG wardens or federal wildlife agency personnel,
some of it going back to the 1980's but continuing to the
present, has been provided to the Committee. Some supporters
argue that a ban on hounding will reduce poaching.

7. Many of the supporters contend that the use of dogs is not
"fair chase." A small group of hunters have expressed this view
as well.

8. Hounding of large predators is not necessary for DFG's
species management purposes.

9. The old model of management of predators for sport hunting is
inconsistent with a more focused approach that would take
predators that actually cause damage. A more modern approach
would recognize the ecological value of top predators.

10. The incidence of human conflicts with bears or bobcats would
not be changed if there were a reduction in the sport take of
these species that relied on hounding.

11. Hounding has adverse consequences on non-target species such
as deer and other smaller mammals.


ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION
It seems that every hunting and sportsmen's organization is
united against this bill with the addition of a ranching
organization, one timber company, and the Siskiyou County Board
of Supervisors. The Committee also has a large stack of letters
and petitions with perhaps 1,000 or more individual signatures.

The main arguments of the opposition are as follows:

1. Bear hunting is necessary to minimize human-bear
interactions.

2. Hunting with dogs is humane in the sense that the bear or
bobcat can be killed quickly.

3. The bill is simply an emotional attack on one type of
hunting.

4. Hounding is necessary to meet DFG's management objectives for
native bears and that even with telemetry devices on dogs, the
bear population has increased over the last 40 years.

5. Hounders do not take the state's full quota of bears or
bobcats.

6. The use of dogs is part of a proud tradition of hunting and
is a very challenging and physically grueling endeavor. Dogs are
not mistreated.

7. The bill is part of an aggressive anti-hunting agenda-an
attack on hunting by those who dislike it.

8. Hounding is the most effective method of hunting bears and
bobcats.

9. Hounding has been lawful since the state's first hunting laws
were adopted.

10. The Legislature should not overrule the Fish and Game
Commission.

11. If there are unintended consequences from this ban, the
investment of time, money, and skill that is required to raise
dogs to hunt bears will not easily be replaced.

12. Bears are harmful to cattle and destroy young trees that are
important to the timber industry. This bill could lead to
increased predation by bears.

13. The bill would result in a significant loss of revenue to
DFG because of the loss of hunting tag sales.

COMMENTS
Staff is not recommending any amendments at this time. If the
author considers possible amendments, the Committee would
request to be involved, and may need to re-hear the bill which
is the usual practice.

SUPPORT
The Humane Society of the United States (Sponsor)
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Animal Legal Defense Fund
Animal Rescue Team
BEAR League
Best Friends Animal Society
Big Wildlife
Born Free USA
Environmental Protection Information Center
Haven Humane Society
Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association

In Defense of Animals
Injured & Orphaned Wildlife
Klamath Forest Alliance
Lake Tahoe Humane Society
Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care
Last Chance for Animals
Last Chance for Animals
Lions tigers & Bears Big Cat Sanctuary and Rescue
Los Padres ForestWatch
Mountain Lion Foundation
Ohlone Humane Society
Ojai Wildlife League
Paw Pac
PEACE
Project Coyote
Public Interest Coalition
Sacramento SPCA
San Diego Animal Advocates
San Francisco SPCA
Santa Clara County Activists for Animals
Santa Clara County Activists for Animals
Santa Cruz SPCA
Sierra Club - Kern-Kaweah Chapter
Sierra Club California
Sierra Wildlife Coalition
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles
State Humane Association of California
The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center
The League of Humane Voters, California Chapter
The Marin Humane Society
The Paw Project
WildCare
Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release
Thousands of Individuals


OPPOSITION
Barnum Timber Company
California Cattlemen's Association
California Houndsmen for Conservation
California Outdoor Heritage Alliance
California Rifle and Pistol Association
California Sportsman's Lobby
California Waterfowl Association
Central California Sporting Dog Association
Modesto Houndsmen Association
National Shooting Sports Foundation
Outdoor Sportsmen's Coalition of California
Safari Club International
Shasta County Cattlemen's Association
Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors
U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
Thousands of Individuals

UNOFFICIAL BALLOT
MEASURE: SB 1221
AUTHOR: Lieu
TOPIC: Mammals: use of dogs to pursue bears and bobc
DATE: 04/24/2012
LOCATION: SEN. N.R. & W.
MOTION: Do pass, but re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations.
(AYES 5. NOES 3.) (PASS)


AYES
****

Pavley Kehoe Padilla Simitian
Wolk


NOES
****

La Malfa Cannella Fuller


NO VOTE RECORDED
****************

Evans

[RIFLEMAN]

Can this be tied up in a lawsuit effectively enough to derail it???

The short answer is no. For starters, it is not yet law. Secondly, I'm not sure what the basis would be other than a potential violation of CEQA...but that law has its own cottage industry of lawyers more intelligent than I am that spend a lifetime trying to figure it out.

[RIFLEMAN]

You couldn't be more wrong. Dan Noyes is a major part of the problem. He manipulated his story to show the worst possible side of hound hunting, if it was fair and unbiased he would have shown a real hound hunt and not the worst case scenario. Is there any proof at all that the video used was even filmed here in california ? Im not saying there are no bad apples here in CA , my point is dan chose the worst video he could find and aired it.

Let me explain to you how a news story works. A reporter speaks to both sides and typically gets material from both sides. In this case, the reporter was either provided the video from HSUS or their website just as he was provided video from CHC. The reporter also gathered perspective from HSUS just as he gathered perspective from CHC.

The reporter wasn't alleging that it happened here. The video doesn't have to be from California if the method is no different from that of California.

Again, you are focusing way too much attention on the media rather than on the dirtbags that are destroying our beloved sport from within.

[RIFLEMAN]

Brian,

what will the hsus do to help pass this along?

They will continue to do exactly what we will do...lobby the decision makers to adopt a favorable opinion of each of our respective positions.

what can we do to help stop/prevent them from any more public lies.they will never stop, most people dont know how bad they really are in this country

We need to expose them for what their true intentions are and not allow them to continue to use their propaganda to convince people that they are focused solely on the welfare of pets.

no organization should be able to grow as big as them and be able to throw thier weight around like this.

On this, I disagree. An organization should be allowed to grow as big as it can. As an Endowment Member, I am proud of the size and influence of the NRA.

will there be t.v. adds, posters,exc from them or the houndsmen of cali. or will none of that make a difference

No, TV ads are very expensive, and typically are not used to compel response to legislation. Neither CHC nor HSUS will air ads regarding 1221.

is the next step going to be like the meeting yesterday, we call and write and see what happens.

Yep, more of the same until the bill is killed or signed into law.



Clint,

Ok so what happens now. What happens with this bill and what are we suposed to do from here?

From here it goes to the Senate Appropriations Committee. We need to do the same thing...keep the heat on, but turn up the temperature like never before.

Did anywhere in the report have a mention about wardens being able to shoot hounds at there discretion if found harassing a bear or bobcat. How can people really support that?

Yes, the legislative analysis of the bill made reference to this on the first page. I'm not sure why people would condone that action except if they believe that the end justifies the means.

[RIFLEMAN]

Could we get a head count how they voted so we can thank or tell them we'll never support them again and go to hell!!

I truly hope you are just venting and would choose more articulate and measured words to use in a letter to those Senators that voted in support of 1221.

[RIFLEMAN]

I heard although I hope they're wrong, that they have or planned to amend sb 1221 to include fox. Does any one know how or if this can be done now that it's passed and what's to prevent them from including all mammals?

No, I don't believe that the bill could be amended to include additional species at this point, as I believe it would require the consent of the Natural Resources and Water Committee and Tuesday's meeting was the last hearing they will have this year.

[RIFLEMAN]

Please, CHC, keep us posted. Is there any hope? Give me something to hang on to.

Absolutely, there is hope! This isn't over by a long shot. We are working on a couple of different angles that give us reason to be optimistic.

[RIFLEMAN]

Senator lied on camera about use of G.P.S and i didnt see a correction stated during or after.

I'm betting she bought into the deceit of HSUS and ignorance of the author rather than lying herself.

Also, I made sure that La Malfa corrected the record at the time of the final vote. In the end, the differences between telemetry and GPS made no difference to people whose minds were already made up.

[RIFLEMAN]

In all, it's frustrating seeing false statements aired on television on a subject I think one needs to experience first hand before reporting for/against or simply "enlightening the public" on. I will admit sometimes my emotions get the best of me, but all be dang if I'm imaged as someone who has "no respect for life" or any other ridiculous comment when I'm in the profession I'm in.

I know what you mean. I resent being lumped in with the scumbags, too...it's all the more reason for us to condemn and go after the people that are responsible for the despicable behavior that gives the anti hunters ammo to use against the rest of us.

Side Note: Thank-you for representing us well on Tuesday. Your professionalism shined that day in your speech outside and how you handled the situation as a whole. I unfortunately wasn't able to hear your opposition speech to the Senators first hand as I was in line to speak my own opposition to the bill, those who heard it, commended you on your ability to portray emotion in your wording.

You are very kind to say so. I did what I could in the limited time I was provided. I was counting on being questioned by the antagonistic Senators, and was disappointed when they didn't come after me as I had hoped...it's an argument we win easily on its merits.

It was a battle I feel we as a whole fought well. A bit discouraging knowing or pleas and numbers fell on blind eyes and def ears, but more fuel to light the passion in us all to make our numbers and voices heard 10 fold in days to come.

I was very pleased with the turnout, and happy to see so many hound hunters, young and old, men and women, all colors, and all socioeconomic backgrounds stand up and state their opposition. It literally brought tears to my eyes watching people come forward in solidarity.

You are absolutely right. We need to turn up the intensity like never before.

[livetohunt]

Has anyone got in touch with the NRA for help in this fight? Or the NWTF, Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation? We need all the help we can in this fight and the big boys have the power to help.

[rhromm]

Could we get a head count how they voted so we can thank or tell them we'll never support them again and go to hell!!

I truly hope you are just venting and would choose more articulate and measured words to use in a letter to those Senators that voted in support of 1221.

I think he is stating that those that did not oppose the vote will be notified that they are not receiving their vote. While hound hunters are a small portion of the population, very small, the connections are often great. How do you affect a politician? Votes. To those that supported it, let them know "no small deed goes unpaid." Get the word out there of their support. Newsletters to members notifying them of where an ecumbent stands is a great method. Also the internet is a great method.

I would make my stance clear, support the HSUS, and we will work to get you voted out (election year). The NRA works in a similar fashion, and it helps to build much of the power the NRA wields. NRA also uses a PAC to help garner support among encumbents.

[rhromm]

I forgot to mention this is an election year for many.

Including Sen Lieu

If elected, I will continue to fight to ensure the opportunities offered by California remain open to all people.

Along with my wonderful wife Betty and our two rambunctious sons, I humbly ask for your vote.