Bringing Attention to Bowie's Law: Legislation to Prevent Euthanasia of Healthy Shelter Pets
It all started with one dog, who was euthanized by mistake.
Assembly Bill 595, AKA "Bowies Law" is a piece of proposed legislation that could potentially save the lives of thousands of shelter animals across California. And although the bill is currently awaiting review in the Assembly Rules Committee, it's already opening the door for essential conversations around shelter reform and unnecessary euthanasia.
Bowies Law was crafted by Assemblyman Bill Essayli, who--according to CBS News Sacramento-- first learned about the lack of shelters' public notice requirements after a puppy named Bowie was mistakenly put down. There was a Los Angeles-based rescue that wanted to give the pup a second chance at life, but they were never able to.
As you can see in the video, lawmakers are not the only ones dedicating their lives to saving shelter pets. Animal advocates from all walks of life are anxious to see Bowie's Law take center stage, but no one will benefit as much as the animals.
This new legislation will require all shelters in California to provide 72-hour notice to the public before euthanizing a healthy animal. If they don't, Assemblyman Essayli told CBS News, they will face criminal charges. He believes that "shelters have an obligation to communicate with the public when it comes to adopting and fostering."
Although it's unclear just how the 72-hour rule will affect the number of animals adopted or placed in foster care, the second half of Bowie's Law will have undeniable benefits. This part of the bill will enact a state-wide study of overcrowding in animal shelters--including finding the underlying issues behind it.
"So [we're] looking at some long-term solutions," Essayli said. "Whether we need more vets, vet schools, encouraging more people to become vets or lower the burden or the cost of spay and neuters," (via CBS News)." Though there's no one-size-fits-all solution for overcrowding and unnecessary euthanasia in shelters, the Assemblymember is confident that Bowie's Law can be the pebble that causes ripples of change in shelter reform.
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