BILL ANALYSIS Ó
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Date of Hearing: March 31, 2016
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
Gordon, Chair
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150 (Atkins) - As Introduced March 7, 2016
SUBJECT: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals
SUMMARY: Commends the American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals on its 150th anniversary and for the
contributions it has made to the health and well-being of
animals nationwide. Specifically, this resolution makes the
following legislative findings:
1)The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(ASPCA) is celebrating its 150th anniversary on April 10,
2016, and it is appropriate at this time to highlight its many
achievements as North America's first humane society and
underscore the positive impact it has made throughout
California and across the nation.
2)The ASPCA was founded by Henry Bergh in 1866 on the belief
that protecting animals was an issue that crossed party lines
and class boundaries.
3)Henry Bergh was motivated to act after witnessing the regular
beating, abuse, and overworking of cart horses, he made a
commanding moral and legal case to protect animals, and in so
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doing, persuaded prominent leaders of the time, including
members of the Rockefeller family, to support him in enacting
the first anti-cruelty law in the United States.
4)By 1888, the year Henry Bergh died, 37 of the country's then
38 states had passed animal anti-cruelty laws, today the ASPCA
continues his legacy by working to enhance laws to protect
animals by advocating nationally for the strongest possible
protections for animals; helping animals in crisis by
responding to requests for assistance by law enforcement and
emergency response agencies around the country.
5)Since 2008, the ASPCA has provided $93 million in grants to
various partners nationwide, including over $12.3 million to
organizations throughout California in support of programs in
line with its mission.
6)Since its founding, the American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals has evolved into a dynamic voice for
improving the quality of life for animals throughout the
United States.
FISCAL EFFECT: None
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
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Analysis Prepared by:Nicole Willis / RLS. / (916) 319-2800