Humane Society Legislative Fund Endorses Mark DeSaulnier for Congress

WASHINGTON (April 1, 2014) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation's leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announces its endorsement of California State Sen. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., for the open House seat in California's 11^th Congressional District. Citing his strong support of animal protection policies, HSLF urges California voters to support Mark DeSaulnier.

"Mark DeSaulnier has been a leading advocate for all animals during his tenure in the California legislature," says Sara Amundson, executive director of the HSLF. “We urge voters in the 11th District to support him."

In 2013, DeSaulnier supported legislation to:

Restrict certain trapping methods and promote non-lethal options for mountain lion removal (AB 789, AB 1213, and SB 132). These bills were signed into law.
Require that hunters use non-lead ammunition, to prevent the toxic poisoning of more than 130 species of wildlife (AB 711). This bill was signed into law.
Promote the development of dog parks (AB 265). This bill was signed into law.
Protect pets, including restrictions on the sale of live animals at swap meets and flea markets (AB 339).

In 2012, DeSaulnier supported legislation to:

Reform of state fish and wildlife management processes (AB 2402). This bill was signed into law.
Increase the ability to prosecute and penalize for wildlife crimes (AB 2179).
Improve the Fish and Game Commission appointments and business practices (AB 2609). This bill was signed into law.
Protect pets and wildlife from dangers associated with trapping methods (SB 1480).
Prohibit landlords from requiring that cats be declawed or dogs be devocalized as a condition of tenancy (SB 1229). This bill was signed into law.
Increase penalties for animal fighting (SB 1145). This bill was signed into law.
Ban the cruel and unsporting practice of hounding bears and bobcats (SB 1221). This bill was signed into law.

In 2011, DeSaulnier supported legislation to:

Increase fines and add cockfighting to the profiteering statue (SB 425). This bill was signed into law.
Define repeat animal fighting as a nuisance and allow the eviction of tenants convicted of these activities (SB 426). This bill was signed into law.
Require released shelter animals to be microchipped (SB 702). This bill was vetoed by the governor.
Ban sales of animals in parking lots and along roadsides, and increase animal neglect penalties (SB 917). This bill was signed into law.
Create a uniform mechanism for rabies vaccination exemptions for a dog based on a veterinarian advice (SB 258). This bill was signed into law.
Ban on the possession, sale, trade and distribution of shark fins (AB 376). This bill was signed into law.
Reauthorize income tax check-off for the Municipal Shelter Spay-Neuter Fund (AB 564). This bill was signed into law.
Amend the Penal Code to prohibit criminals convicted of animal cruelty from owning animals for a specified period of time after their conviction (AB 1117). This bill was vetoed by the governor.
Authorize puppy provision licensing, to address barriers and improve funding for animal care/control activities (AB 1121). This bill was signed into law.

In 2010, DeSaulnier supported legislation to:

Require that shell eggs sold in the state come from hens that have enough space to turn around and stretch their wings (AB 1437). This bill was signed into law.
Require any garment including any animal fur to be labeled with the species and country of origin (AB 1656).
Increase penalties for those convicted of felony animal neglect (AB 2012).
Require clearer price and coverage disclosures by insurers (AB 2411).
Protect tenants from being forced by landlords into unnecessary surgery on their pets (AB 2743).
Support federal legislation to protect American horses from slaughter for human consumption (SJR 22). This resolution was passed.

DeSaulnier also opposed a bill that would have allowed the import and sale of any part or product of kangaroos by extending the sunset provision in the existing law (SB 1345).

California's 11th Congressional District has been represented for 40 years by retiring Rep. George Miller, who has always been one of the leading advocates for animal protection in Congress.

Media contact: Stephanie Twining, 240-751-3943, stwining@hslf.org

HSLF is a nonpartisan organization that evaluates candidates based only on a single criterion: where they stand on animal welfare. HSLF does not judge candidates based on party affiliation or any other issue.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. Visit us on all our channels: on the web at hslf.org, on our blog at animalsandpolitics.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/humanelegislation and on Twitter at twitter.com/HSLegFund.

Paid for by Humane Society Legislative Fund and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. HSLF, 2100 L Street NW, Suite 310, Washington, D.C., 20037.