CALIFORNIA’S AB 1282 AKA “LENNON’S LAW”

CALIFORNIA’S AB 1282 AKA “LENNON’S LAW”

Because of your support, California just passed Beagle Freedom Project’s legislative initiative AB 1282 into law.

AB 1282 aka “Lennon’s Law,” phases out “Closed Colony” blood banks. These are places that keep dogs in cages for months or years at a time, in order to bleed them for blood and blood component, finally putting an end to the horrific captive lives these dogs (mostly greyhounds) endure. After these dogs are used in the racing arena for profit, they are then sold into the blood trade and kept in cages. Their lives languish in the most unethical ways. AB 1282 puts California on a path to end to this.

Existing California law required animal blood banks to collect blood exclusively from “closed colonies” which confines animals to cages and kennels for months or years. California was the only state that required this. By contrast, other states allow blood banks to collect animal blood in a community-based, voluntary setting, similar to what we do with people. These voluntary programs are more ethical, safer and lead to greater access and reduced waiting times, which can be critical in emergency situations.

There is no fear that AB 1282 could interfere with blood production because this bill ensures that once the community based model is producing as much blood or exceeding the production of blood from the closed colonies for four consecutive quarters, the closed colony blood banks will be required to close once and for all.

BFP will be stepping in to ensure the adoption of all of the animals still in the closed colonies and looking forward to our bright future where animals are no longer caged for blood!

We are eternally grateful to Assemblymember Richard Bloom, Governor Gavin Newsom, as well as other stakeholders for not letting go until the right bill was put forward. Your support has saved countless lives and will save so many more, and finally, put an end to blood slavery.

On behalf of Lennon and Dante, rescued from the horrors of Hemopet and who are now in loving homes, we thank you!

Please help us now in our campaign to get volunteer blood banks up and running! Email us at info@BFP.org for more info and donate to assist.

For Immediate Release – With stroke of Governor’s pen, the days of California’s dogs being tortured for blood are numbered

Contact: Shannon Keith

October 9th, 2021 – Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a life-saving bill that charts a path to end closed-colony blood banks for dogs and ensure that when dogs need life-saving care, they are not denied it because of a lack of blood.

Assembly Bill 1282 – authored by State Assemblymember Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) – will phase out these closed colonies, finally putting an end to the horrific captive lives these dogs (mostly greyhounds) endure. After these dogs are used in the racing arena for profit, they are then sold into the blood trade and kept in cages. Their lives languish in the most unethical ways. AB 1282 puts California on a path to end to this.

Existing California law requires animal blood banks to collect blood exclusively from “closed colonies” which confine animals to cages and kennels for months or years. By contrast, other states allow blood banks to collect animal blood in a community-based, voluntary setting, similar to what we do with people. These voluntary programs are safer and lead to greater access and reduced waiting times, which can be critical in emergency situations.

California’s pet blood banking system is outdated and inhumane. Every other state in the U.S. utilizes this volunteer model which has proven not only successful, but efficient, and a wonderful way to enhance the human-animal bond.

There is no fear that AB 1282 could interfere with blood production because this bill ensures that once the community-based model is producing as much blood or exceeding the production of blood from the closed colonies for four consecutive quarters, the closed colony blood banks will be required close once and for all.

“Thanks to Governor Newsom’s signature, Assemblymember Bloom’s leadership, and the broad support of the state legislature, California can once again showcase its ethical and humane treatment of animals by allowing community-based animal blood donations and freeing dogs who are held captive in cages,” said Shannon Keith, California attorney and President of Beagle Freedom Project, “We are proud to have spearheaded this critical piece of legislation that will help animals in so many ways.”

“A three-year animal welfare reform effort will now be implemented. I am elated that we are finally on the verge of replacing a long-standing inhumane practice and with a model program that will ensure the proper treatment of animal blood donors in California.” said Assemblymember Bloom.

In The Press:

• New California law will free ‘blood slave’ donor dogs by Pasadena Star-News
• Caged dogs used to be sole source of canine blood supply in California. That’s about to change by Los Angeles Times