Assembly Member Santiago and Dog and Cat Bill of Rights Supporters Celebrate National Pet Day

AB 1881 promotes the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of dogs and cats by informing potential adopters of the animal’s needs before they adopt. This bill would require a public animal control agency or shelter to post a copy of the Dog and Cat Bill of Rights accessible to public view. This bill will help improve the overall wellbeing of adoptive cats and dogs and is expected to be heard in Assembly Business and Professions Committee on April 26th, 2022.

(Sacramento, CA) – On National Pet Day, Assembly Member Santiago and supporters of the bill AB 1881 (the Dog and Cat Bill of Rights) are highlighting the importance of respecting our pets. Today is a reminder of how our pets help us and how we need to support them. Current and potential pet owners are responsible for maintaining and caring for their pets and AB 1881 will help inform dog and cat owners of the best ways to care for their animals.

“Today we are reminded to appreciate our furry friends. That’s why I authored AB 1881 to elevate the conversation around standards of care for cats and dogs because they deserve to be cared for properly” said Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, lead author of this bill. “To prevent the mistreatment of these animals, potential pet owners must be aware of the responsibilities they have prior to adopting. AB 1881 will move us closer to having all dogs and cats loved and respected.”

“As we celebrate National Pet Day, we are so appreciative of Assemblymember Santiago for recognizing the need to uplift the conversation around the rights our dogs and cats deserve every day of the year,” said Judie Mancuso, Founder and President of Social Compassion in Legislation. “Those rights go beyond just food, water, and shelter. As stated in the bill, dogs and cats have the right to be respected as sentient beings that experience complex feelings that are common among living animals while being unique to each individual.”

Assembly Member Miguel Santiago is the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization and Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Los Angeles County Homelessness. He also sits on the Assembly Committees on Public Safety, Health, Higher Education and Utilities and Energy. He represents the 53rd District composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Huntington Park, and Vernon.