BLOG: Protecting Our Pets - SB 969

Several years ago in West Hollywood, a local business that that featured pet grooming services was the subject of a lot of scrutiny from members of the animal welfare community, the news media, the City of West Hollywood and the County of Los Angeles.

Following the death of two dogs, an ensuing investigation and government action led to the closing of the business. However, what was most revealing about this episode was how little regulation existed to protect the animal companions left in the care of such businesses.

It was clear at that time that government needed more authority to regulate those businesses that provided services to live animals to ensure that personnel were properly trained to provide safe services and care to the animal companions left in their care.

The City of West Hollywood, at the time, urged the State to enact legislation that would ensure that those entrusted to care for our animal companions were properly trained, certified and regulated.

While it has taken a long time, there is finally a bill, Senate Bill 969 (SB 969), working its way through the legislature.

Unfortunately, it doesn't go far enough, merely establishing a "voluntary certification" program. Groomers will have to complete 900 hours of training to be deemed State certified. However, incremental change is better than no change at all, and for the health and safety of all animal companions in California, SB 969 should be adopted and signed into law by Governor Brown.

Mayor Jeffrey Prang