BILL NUMBER:  AB 2012
  VETOED	DATE: 09/30/2010




To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 2012 without my signature.

This bill increases the maximum punishment for misdemeanor animal
neglect from six months to one year in county jail.  The misdemeanor
provisions of the animal neglect statutes are intended to address
less serious offenses.  While there is no question that an animal
suffers when criminally neglected, an individual who intentionally
maims, tortures, or mutilates an animal should be treated more
harshly by the justice system.  Current law reflects this
distinction.  In addition, I cannot support a measure that increases
the potential jail time for offenses against animals while the
Legislature fails to provide incarceration as a potential punishment
for offenders that smuggle wireless communication devices into our
state prisons.

For these reasons, I am unable to sign this bill.

Sincerely,



Arnold Schwarzenegger