Our dumber than a sack of dirty underwear Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger has recommended broadening the Sales and Use Tax in California to include certain “luxury” services like golf and furniture repair. When reading all the information about the proposed tax, it would add approximately 9% to the cost of veterinary care. It is very telling about this administration that they lump veterinary medical services for companion animals in with appliance and furniture repair. Why should pets suffer because the state of California can’t get it’s financial problems solved. If you have a second, please contact the individuals below and let them know that the health of your pet is not a “luxury service.”

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Tara, who is off gallivanting around St. Croix instead of sending me her bio for this site, just forwarded this horrible video about an undercover investigation which happened at a California egg farm. Of course, it’s filled with graphic footage, as if that is a shock:

You can find more out about the undercover investigation on the Mercy for Animals website here.

It’s that time of year – that’s right, elections are quickly approaching. And while this may possibly be one of the most important Presidential elections in most of our lifetimes I am here to remind you all that these elections are vital for another reason. All of us here in California will be voting on a proposition that has the potential to improve the lives of millions of farm animals. Prop 2, also known as the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, is a modest measure that would allow some of the most ill treated animals in our society the simple freedom to turn around, stand up & extend their wings. This Act would ban the use of gestation crates, veal crates & battery cages in the state of California.

Regardless on your views of animal rights and welfare, I hope we can all agree that the intensive confinement of calves, pigs & egg-laying hens is inhumane. As a veterinary student I have seen these intensive farming operations & I can tell you first hand that these methods are cruel & the animals do suffer. But if you don’t want to take my word for it, take a look at who else endorses this Act. To name just a few supporters of Prop 2: the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), the Sierra Club, more than 700 California veterinarians & more than 100 California farmers.

To learn more visit www.humanecalifornia.org.

Also be sure to check this out:

http://uncaged.yesonprop2.com/

This November 4th, make your vote count – and for those of you in California, make sure you vote YES for PROP 2.