April 24, 2008 - DeSaulnier, Animal Protection Groups Introduce Legislation to Protect Pet Victims of Foreclosure

For Immediate Release:
April 24, 2008

Contact: Shara Perkins
(916) 584-1851
Nicole Forsyth, CAA,
(916) 429-2457
Amy Geduldig, ASPCA,
(212) 876-7700 x4567

DeSaulnier, Animal Protection Groups Introduce Legislation to Protect Pet Victims of Foreclosure

SACRAMENTO - Assembly Member Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord), the California Animal Association (CAA) and the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) announce the hearing of Assembly Bill 2949, which will clarify current law to allow bank representatives to immediately seek potentially life-saving help for animals abandoned at foreclosed properties.

As the number of foreclosed properties in California swells, more and more animals are being abandoned when families move to new locations that don’t allow pets or find their financial situation too dire to continue caring for their pets. Currently, bank employees and others who enter abandoned homes are often advised to leave property, including pets, untouched until the foreclosure is complete. As a result, many are left to die.

AB 2949 is a result of DeSaulnier’s 2008 ‘There Ought to Be a Law’ contest, which asks constituents to submit their ideas for legislation. Winner Sheri Kuticka of Concord recognized this unfortunate result of the downturn in the housing market and suggested that something be done to rescue abandoned animals and provide care.

“We understand the hard financial times that are pushing families to make difficult decisions. When a family is consumed with putting a roof over its head and feeding its children, the community can step up to ensure their animals are cared for. My thanks go to Ms. Kuitcka for her recognition of the issue and the opportunity to continue working for animal protection,” said DeSaulnier.

Co-sponsored by CAA and the ASPCA and introduced by Assembly Member DeSaulnier, the bill will be heard by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on April 29.

“Many homeowners are too stressed or overwhelmed to seek better alternatives for their pets, even though alternatives to abandonment exist,” said Nicole Forsyth of the California Animal Association, a coalition of 13 state and national animal protection groups that work together to advocate statewide policies to improve the lives of animals. “AB 2949 makes it clear that people who find abandoned pets on foreclosed property can immediately intervene to help prevent the animals from suffering all alone.”
“The ASPCA advises pet guardians to plan ahead and find homes for their beloved pets before they are faced with the imminent abandonment of the property,” said Jill Buckley, ASPCA Senior Director of Legislative Services. “However, with the increasing numbers of housing foreclosures, more and more animals are left behind to fend for themselves. This bill will help these animals obtain the proper care and attention they need.”

In recent months, agencies throughout the state have reported an increase in animals being found on foreclosed property, despite the fact that animal abandonment is a misdemeanor according to California Penal Code Section 597.1.

For pet owners facing foreclosure, DeSaulnier, CAA and the ASPCA offer several suggestions that can help them protect their pets instead of resorting to abandonment:

· Seek animal-friendly housing. Many apartments and individually owned rental properties allow tenants to have pets. Start looking as soon as you know foreclosure is imminent to have the best chance of finding a new residence in time.

· Seek help from animal organizations. Contact the humane society or animal control agencies in the area you are moving to and ask if they maintain a list of pet-friendly apartments. You can also search Web sites like www.peoplewithpets.com and www.homewithpets.com.

· Turn to friends and family for assistance. Ask friends, family or neighbors if they can provide temporary foster care for your pet, or temporarily board your pet at a kennel until you find a pet-friendly home. CAA member organization United Animal Nations provides financial assistance grants to help victims of foreclosure pay for temporary boarding. Learn more at www.uan.org.

· Surrender the animal to a shelter. As a last resort, bringing an animal to a local shelter at least ensures that he or she will receive proper food, water and shelter instead of starving alone in an abandoned house. Provide medical records, behavior information, vaccination information and anything else that might help shelter personnel find a new home for your pet.

###