Arnold Schwarzenegger - The Governor of California Responds

Angel Thompkins wrote the governor and this was his response.


Thank you for sharing your concerns with me about the proposal to lift
restrictions on hold times at animal shelters. I value your input during these challenging economic times.

As you know, we are in the midst of the greatest economic crisis since
the Great Depression. We now face a budget shortfall that has grown to
$24.3 billion. I have proposed cuts that I would have never proposed except in a worst-case scenario, including eliminating General Fund support for programs like Healthy Families, CalWORKs, Cal Grants and State Parks.
This was not an easy decision for me. As a dog owner myself, I have always supported animal welfare and have worked to ensure the humane treatment of animals.

Currently, the state requires all shelters to hold stray animals for
four or six days and reimburses them for the associated costs. To address our budget crisis, I have proposed to suspend some Non-Proposition 98 mandates, including the reimbursement funds for these shelters. To help local shelters deal with the challenges of this difficult budget situation, I have also proposed that the state no longer require the four or six day hold time. Shelters still have the flexibility to keep the animals for more days, but my proposal avoids placing an unnecessary burden on local communities.

As I work with my partners in the Legislature to find solutions to
these problems, know that I will keep your thoughts in mind. Working together, I believe we can weather this storm and start the slow but steady march back toward prosperity.

Sincerely,
Arnold Schwarzenegger