State Fair Animal Welfare Policies - 6/25/05 Update

June 25, 2005

The pro-animal turnout at yesterday hearings was disappointing, in light of the many alerts sent out. Only six stalwarts showed up, but we carried the day nonetheless. Many thanks to Virginia Handley (HSUS/Fund), Emilie Clermont (API), Karen Raasch (California Federation for Animal Legislation), Dave Middlesworth (ALAN, PETA), environmental activist Marilyn Jasper and myself. We need to make a better showing next time, people! Please mark your calendars NOW and be at CalExpo on Friday, July 22, 1:00 p.m., for the final vote. YOUR PRESENCE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE ANIMALS NOW AND WELL INTO THE FUTURE.

By mutual agreement, yesterday's 11:00 a.m.subcommittee hearing on this matter was waived in the interest of time, and the animal policies were discussed before the full Board at 1:00 p.m. I gave the 11 Board members a two-page cover letter with 12 pages of attachments in support of our proposals (available upon request). CEO Norbert Bartosik noted that the Board had received "hundreds" of letters and calls on this matter, but failed to mention that nearly 100% were in support of our proposed changes. I made that clear during my 4-minute presentation, naming some of the organizations, legislators and individuals who had submitted support letters. I also stated that it was not the "CalExpo State Fair," but rather the "CALIFORNIA State Fair," and that they would do well to heed public opinion on this. I think they took our testimony to heart.

In a welcome move (after hearing our testimony), the Board appointed Board member John Growney (Growney Bros. Rodeo Co.) to the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC). I'm pleased, as John is a personal friend. They instructed John to meet with us before the July 22 meeting, and come up with some mutually-agreeable recommendations for the Board to consider. John met with us for a few minutes after the hearing, and was most gracious and encouraging. We're cautiously optimistic that something good will come of this. (It didn't hurt that the Chairman of the Board, Rex Hime, is a friend and neighbor of animal advocate Marilyn Jasper - and Marilyn did a great job at the podium, as did all our speakers.)

Although I sent out about 50 Media Alerts (twice), only Sacramento's Channel 13 (KOVR) showed up. They interviewed me and John Growney. On camera John stated that he had given up hunting out of concerns for animal welfare, and also expressed reservations about elephant rides. This, too, is hopeful for our cause. I'm thinking the Board may follow John's lead on this, with our help.

Again, thanks to all who wrote and/or testified on this. Those letters/calls/e-mails really DO make a difference. Bodies even more so. Do mark your calendars for the July 22 hearing, and plan to be there. I'D REALLY LIKE TO SEE A FEW MORE REPRESENTATIVES FROM SOME OF THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ORGANIZATIONS. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY NOT TO BE SQUANDERED. I'll be sending out another alert prior to that date. Contact me with any questions.