|
Last month, Assemblymember Bill Essayli introduced AB 1382, the Ethics Over Aesthetics Act, which seeks to prohibit the sale of genetically modified pets when those modifications are made solely for aesthetic purposes, and AB 1482, that will expand the definition of dog breeder and ensure that all dogs sold by breeders are microchipped and vaccinated. Both bills are sponsored by political animal advocacy group, Social Compassion in Legislation.
On April 2nd, Mr. Essayli accepted the position and was sworn in as United States Attorney for the Central District of California. We congratulate Bill on his major promotion now overseeing the largest United States Attorney's Office outside of Washington D.C.
But, Mr. Essayli's departure from the legislature left the fate of these two bills looking bleak. Without another member of the legislature agreeing to pick up these policies as the new author, both would be dead and these important issues would linger for another year.
Thankfully, Assemblymember Leticia Castillo (R-Corona), who knows firsthand the plight that animal shelters are facing, has graciously stepped up and agreed to carry both bills. Assemblymember Castillo represents the 58th District, encompassing the communities of Jurupa Valley, Grand Terrace, Eastvale, Riverside, Home Gardens, and Highgrove.
“I’m proud to carry Assembly Bill's 1382 and 1482, first introduced by Assemblyman Bill Essayli, who had the courage to raise awareness about these troubling issues. As someone who has adopted and rescued both dogs and cats and has volunteered at my local animal shelter, I care deeply about the welfare of animals and the responsibilities we carry toward them," said Assemblymember Castillo. "AB 1382 seeks to prohibit the sale of genetically modified pets when those modifications are made solely for aesthetic purposes—choices that prioritize human preferences over the animal’s physical health and well-being. Meanwhile, AB 1482—also known as Bowie’s Law—aims to bring higher standards to both animal shelters and breeders. I am an animal lover, and I will always stand up for our pets. I am fully committed to seeing both of these bills through."
"We are so grateful to Assemblymember Castillo for saving both AB 1382 and 1482," said Judie Mancuso, Founder and President of Social Compassion in Legislation. "We are elated to have another member of the legislature that understands these issues and is willing to fight for them. Time is always of the essence to protect animals, but particularly in regards to stopping the horrific practice of creating pets with unnatural traits, such as glowing in the dark or creating novelty appendages, through gene-editing. We need to stop this business practice before it becomes a perverse social media sensation and green bunnies are all the rage. That is, of course, until they are not, and these poor animals end up filling up our animal shelters and overburden animal rescue organizations."
"Now, with the leadership of Assemblymember Castillo, these two important bills will move forward in 2025."
Both bills are currently in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee and will receive a hearing in the upcoming weeks.
Stay tuned for updates!
| 
