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SACRAMENTO, September 26, 2024 — Today, SB 1233, authored by Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita), sponsored by California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), and supported by Social Compassion in Legislation and a large coalition of rescues, was signed into law by Governor Newsom. The bill lays the foundation for California veterinary schools to setup a high-volume, high-quality spay and neuter (HVHQSN) certification program for veterinary students and professionals.
HQHVSN is a technique which enables veterinarians to perform large numbers of minimally invasive spay and neuter procedures in a safe and cost-effective manner. This efficient surgical method —which necessitates a precise pre- and post-operative organizational structure combined with targeted surgical approaches—will be particularly helpful for California animal shelters in dire need of spay/neuter veterinary services. Rather than spaying and neutering a small handful of animals per day, HQHVSN techniques empower veterinary teams in shelters to spay and neuter upwards of thirty to forty animals or more each day.
“The California Veterinary Medical Association applauds Governor Newsom for signing SB 1233 by Senator Wilk and for recognizing the need for these important High Quality High Volume Spay Neuter training programs in California,” said Dan Baxter, the CVMA’s Executive Director. He added, “The CVMA is grateful to the coalition of recognized spay/neuter advocacy leaders who helped to secure the bill’s passage, including Social Compassion in Legislation, who offered strong support for the bill from the very beginning and was an active partner throughout the Session. This bill is truly a win-win-win – for animals, animal shelters, and the veterinary profession.”
"The passage of this legislation marks an important step forward in continuing SCIL’s efforts, initiated with the recent ACR 86, to address the urgent need for increased spay and neuter services in California,” said Judie Mancuso, Founder and President of Social Compassion in Legislation. “In collaboration with the CVMA, who we appreciate for leading the effort on this bill, and other key stakeholders, we will push for state funding for the High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) program in 2025. However, solving the pet overpopulation crisis requires collective action from all of us."
"Californians can support these vital programs through the Pet Lover's Specialty License Plate program and the tax check-off program, recently extended by our sponsored bill, AB 1983. These are practical ways to make a difference in expanding spay and neuter services.”
"We are grateful for Senator Wilk, who has been a steadfast champion for animals during his time in the legislature," said Nickolaus Sackett, Director of Legislative Affairs of Social Compassion in Legislation. "He's been integral on SCIL sponsored bills - from his crucial vote on the bill to ban animal tested cosmetics, to his work to phase out closed-colony animal blood-banks, Senator Wilk has been a hero to the animals."
SCIL is so thankful to all of you on our email list and our social media who answered our calls for action! Know that your efforts do make a difference!
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