Sacramento, CA — Assembly Member Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) announces that the California Animal Association (CAA) has honored him with its 2007 Legislator of the Year award.

“I am delighted to have been selected as the California Animal Association’s Legislator of the Year,” commented Assembly Member DeSaulnier. “It is an honor to work with CAA and other animal advocates in fighting for humane legislation.   I recognize the importance of working on animal protection and wildlife issues, and am committed to helping foster strong laws and policy in this area.”

Assembly Member DeSaulnier has served the state Legislature since 2006, is the former mayor of the city of Concord, and served four terms on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. He has pursued animal protection legislation at both the local and state levels and was instrumental in shepherding CAA’s wildlife bill, Assembly Bill 1477, through the 2007 legislative session.

DeSaulnier continues his crusade for animals in 2008, authoring AB 2949 to protect family pets abandoned in home foreclosures.

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 pets are left to die. CAA and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA) are sponsors of the legislation.

The California Animal Association is a coalition of 13 state and national animal protection groups that work together to advocate statewide policies to improve the lives of animals. The organizations that comprise the California Animal Association form a unified voice on animal protection issues — giving legislators, aides, lobbyists, and agency representatives one comprehensive source to turn to for expertise and information on legislation affecting animals.