Assembly passes bill on animal welfare

The Assembly has approved amendments to AB 1614 requiring that Mexican rodeos have a veterinarian on call. This requirement is already in place for traditional American rodeos.

The bill was sponsored by Action for Animals and the Humane Society of the United States, co-written by Assemblymember Audra Strickland (R-Westlake Village) and Assemblymember Joe Coto (D-San Jose).

"When animals are placed at risk of injury solely for entertainment sake, it is highly appropriate that we require a veterinarian to be on call," said Strickland. "AB 1614 is a simple bill that ensures a modest amount of humane treatment for animals used in rodeos."

The bill, already approved by the state Senate, passed the Assembly on a 63 to 8 vote. It will now be sent to Gov. Schwarzenegger for his signature. Strickland's 37th Assembly District includes Camarillo, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.