Update 4/26/2022:
Great news: California’s declaw ban passed the first committee! Thank you to all who spoke out and showed up in support of this lifesaving bill so far. We’ll keep you updated on next steps as California stays on track to become the third U.S. state to outlaw declawing.
Original Post:
As the California bill to outlaw declawing starts its path toward becoming law, Alley Cat Allies is rallying Californians to personally attend the ban’s first committee hearing in Sacramento on Tuesday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m. PDT.
We need to show lawmakers that we are serious about ending this cruel, inhumane procedure. If you can’t be there in person, there are more details below on how you can still show your support.
Opponents of the bill are already fighting it in the state capital. We need as many people as possible to attend this hearing as a show of force in support of the banning declawing and saving cats’ lives statewide.
For those in areas of the state that are too far from Sacramento, we recognize that you may not be able to attend in person. However, virtual engagement is also important, and you can advocate for the bill by following the hearing online. Instructions are below.
Here is everything you need to know for Tuesday:
What: California State Assembly Business and Professions Committee
When: 9:30 a.m. PDT on Tuesday, April 26.
Please note that the committee will discuss many items on this day, and the hearing could continue for several hours. Your persistence and patience during the hearing will make a difference for cats in the long run!
How to Dress: Business casual or better. Please wear blue as a visual sign of unified support.
Where: Sacramento, California, at 1021 O Street, Room 1100.
This is one block south of the domed California state capitol building. Parking is available on the street and in local garages, but the city will be busy, so you will need to allow time to park.
What to Say:Only two people, who have already been designated by the bill authors, will be allowed to offer extended testimony. However, others will be allowed to briefly state support for the bill. When prompted by the committee, simply say your name and that you support A-2606 to end the declawing of cats in California.
If You Can’t Go:If you cannot attend in person, please monitor the online stream of the hearing. On Tuesday, go to this link https://www.assembly.ca.gov/todaysevents and click on the Business and Professions Committee.
This is our chance to show legislators the overwhelming support this bill has in California. Please attend, engage, and help us to make a show of force on behalf of cats!
Please share this with your friends and family in California! We need as many people as possible to participate in the legislative process and protect cats from this cruel, crippling surgery.