In Dog We Trust
As I looked around and noticed leashes, collars and doggie toys, it dawned on me that perhaps this was not a furniture store after all. (And people say I’m slow on the uptake). It was a pet supply store.
Read the rest of the article from theSanta Monica Daily Press.
Animal Wellness Centers VIP Grand Opening Party
Check out Wire Image’s gallery from the Animal Wellness Centers VIP Grand Opening Party.
Annie Harvilicz at In Defense Of Animals Benefit
Check out Celebrity Photo’s picture gallery of Annie Harvilicz at the In Defense Of Animals Benefit.
Animal Wellness Centers Urges Support for Missouri Animal Protection Law
Dr. Annie, HSUS and ASPCA Join Forces to Help Stop Puppy Mill AbusesSANTA MONICA – This November, voters in Missouri – the nation’s number-one puppy mill state – will vote on a measure that will stop puppy mill abuses. It’s called Proposition B, and it would establish common sense standards for the care of dogs.
Dr. Annie and Animal Wellness Centers has joined with The HSUS and The ASPCA to support this common sense legislation.
Last week, the puppy mill industry launched its campaign against Prop B with robo-calls to households across the state spreading lies about this measure.
Missouri is home to approximately 3,000 puppy mills, about 30 percent of all the puppy mills in the country. This massive industry is going to fight to keep business as usual, so they can continue to cram dogs into small and filthy cages, deny them veterinary care, expose them to extremes of heat and cold, and give them no exercise or human affection.
These puppy mills are cruel and the way these dogs are treated is wrong. This dirty business affects all of us, because Missouri’s puppy mill dogs are shipped all over the country, sold to pet stores and directly to consumers over the Internet. In fact, as you read this, there is very likely a puppy from a Missouri mill staring out from a cage at a pet store near you.
Please consider making your voice heard – learn more at http://yesonpropb.com/.
“Animal Wellness Centers, the HSUS and ASPCA are dedicated to strengthening the unique human-animal bond. At the core of this bond is our duty to champion the humane treatment of animals. Please consider getting involved to voice your support for this important animal protection legislation,” noted Dr. Annie.
ABOUT ANIMAL WELLNESS CENTERS
Animal Wellness Centers LLC is a fast-growing companion-animal healthcare firm headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Its core business is veterinary services with a focus on comprehensive animal wellness designed to strengthen the human-animal bond. It is the exclusive retailer of Dr. Annie’sTM brand products. Its flagship Center in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park neighborhood is the world’s first non-anthropomorphic companion-animal center offering full array of pet products, an education center, preventative care clinics and a social networking arena.
Annie Harvilicz, DVM, CVA (“Dr. Annie”) is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AWC. She brings experience at leading centers for animal care throughout the world including extensive work on endangered species such as giant pandas, black rhinos, cheetahs, and elephants. She has appeared on the Discovery Channel’s Animal Precinct television program during her tenure at the ASPCA’s Animal Hospital in New York City. Her private practice has spanned across the country with high-profile clientele from New York to Los Angeles. She completed her DVM degree at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where she served as President of the school’s chapter of the AVMA. She is also the recipient of various awards and distinctions including, among others, the Sherrie Clark Compassion and Caring Award and the Tobey Award for special compassion for lost, abandoned, or homeless dogs. She is licensed to practice in California, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland, is certified in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, and serves on the Leadership Council of the Veterinary Arm of The HSUS. Dr. Annie lives in Santa Monica with her rescued companions Lucy and Charlotte.
ABOUT THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES (HSUS)
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Our mission: Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (ASPCA)
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first humane society to be established in North America and is, today, one of the largest in the world. Our organization was founded by Henry Bergh in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans, and must be protected under the law. Headquartered in New York City, the ASPCA maintains a strong local presence, and with programs that extend our anti-cruelty mission across the country, we are recognized as a national animal welfare organization. We are a privately funded 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, and proud to boast more than 1 million supporters across the country.
Animal Wellness Centers Supports Best Friends Animal Society
Sponsors Event to Promote a World of No More Homeless PetsLOS ANGELES, September 19, 2010 – Animal Wellness Centers is pleased to support Best Friends Animal Society and Much Love by sponsoring “Strut Your Mutt,” a nationwide fundraising event organized by Best Friends Animal Society. Local rescue groups and fellow animal lovers can take a leisurely, scenic morning walk to raise money and support the mission to achieve a world of No More Homeless Pets®. There will also be a doggie-themed festival for pets and their people that includes free massages and pampering for your pooches, training demonstrations, doggie yoga, the hottest products and accessories, free treats, music, food, and contests.
Strut Your Mutt will take place in Los Angeles and New York City. The LA event will be at the Santa Monica Pier on Sunday, September 19th (1-mile) from 8:30am to 1:00pm.
“We are proud to support Best Friends, Much Love and the local rescue partners through our sponsorship of Strut Your Mutt. I hope as many people and pooches as possible will join me and my four rescue dogs to help move us closer to a world of no more homeless pets,” said Dr. Annie, the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Animal Wellness Centers.
Animal Wellness Centers has made significant financial contributions to organizations dedicated to helping animals of all types, including the Humane Society of the United States, Kitten Rescue and Westside Food Bank, which provides food to homeless persons throughout Los Angeles.
ABOUT BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY
At the very core of all the work of Best Friends Animal Society is the dream that one day kindness will replace cruelty, and animals will no longer be destroyed because they are unwanted or imperfect. Spaying and neutering will become commonplace, and adoption will be the first choice for everyone.
Shelters will have the knowledge and resources to help rehabilitate special-needs animals and find the right family for every animal. Making this dream a reality is the mission we call No More Homeless Pets®.
Funds raised by Strut Your Mutt participants will go directly to our participating local rescue groups (Best Friends Network Charities) and to Best Friends local programs in New York and Los Angeles that support our mission.
As part of the Best Friends Network Charities program and its mission of supporting local groups to achieve No More Homeless Pets, Best Friends has opened up this fundraising opportunity to our local area Network Charities groups. All participating Network Charities groups are 501(c)3 organizations that are working toward achieving a world of No More Homeless Pets. When you join one of our participating Network Charities teams and help raise money for them, they will receive 100% of all money raised (after transaction fees).
All involvement and support of Best Friends local programs will help fund lifesaving adoption and spay/neuter programs, help rescue at-risk animals and find new homes for them, and help save animals from the misery of life in puppy mills. More than five million beautiful, healthy animals are euthanized in shelters every year. Participating in Strut Your Mutt is one way you can help to change that tragic reality.
ABOUT ANIMAL WELLNESS CENTERS
Animal Wellness Centers LLC is a fast-growing companion-animal healthcare firm headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Its core business is veterinary services with a focus on comprehensive animal wellness designed to strengthen the human-animal bond. It is the exclusive retailer of Dr. Annie’sTM brand products. Its flagship Center in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park neighborhood is the world’s first non-anthropomorphic companion-animal center offering full array of pet products, an education center, preventative care clinics and a social networking arena.
Annie Harvilicz, DVM, CVA (“Dr. Annie”) is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AWC. She brings experience at leading centers for animal care throughout the world including extensive work on endangered species such as giant pandas, black rhinos, cheetahs, and elephants. She has appeared on the Discovery Channel’s Animal Precinct television program during her tenure at the ASPCA’s Animal Hospital in New York City. Her private practice has spanned across the country with high-profile clientele from New York to Los Angeles. She completed her DVM degree at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where she served as President of the school’s chapter of the AVMA. She is also the recipient of various awards and distinctions including, among others, the Sherrie Clark Compassion and Caring Award and the Tobey Award for special compassion for lost, abandoned, or homeless dogs. She is licensed to practice in California, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland and is certified in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
Animal Wellness Centers Urges Support for California Animal Protection Law
Dr. Annie and HSVMA Help Bill Pass in State Senate Now Urge Governor to Sign into LawSANTA MONICA – Assembly Bill 2743 passed 21-12 by the California Senate several days ago. AB 2743 will impose a civil fine of $2500 for each instance of declawing or devocalization as a result of a landlord-tenant agreement. Also, landlords will not be to able give preferential treatment to tenants with declawed or debarked animals or advertise in a manner designed to discourage applicants with animals that have not been declawed or devocalized.
A search of rental listings throughout California shows a number of properties with landlords and managers requiring that potential owners will be considered only with declawed cats, according to an article posted online by Daphne Reid of Pet Peoples Place.
Dr. Annie, in her capacity as Chief Medical Officer of Animal Wellness Centers and as a member of the Leadership Council of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA), lobbied State Senator Fran Pavley (D-23rd Dist.) to vote in favor of the bill. Eight local governments in California have recently banned the practice of cat declawing (Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Culver City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Monica, West Hollywood), recognizing the practice as inhumane.
Please Call Governor Schwarzenegger at 916-445-2841 – Urge Him to Sign A.B. 2743
“Animal Wellness Centers and the HSVMA are dedicated to strengthening the unique human- animal bond. At the core of this bond is our duty to champion the humane treatment of animals. Please consider calling the Governor to voice your support for this important animal protection legislation,” noted Dr. Annie.
In contrast to Animal Wellness Centers and the HSVMA, the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) opposes the bill. The CVMA states that it objects to several sections of the current version of the bill, including their claim that declawing cats does not affect their behavior and therefore poses no public safety concern. Since the CVMA can be very influential, Governor Schwarzenegger needs to hear from concerned voters and pro-animal groups to help push him to what we believe to be the right outcome for felines across the state and the nation.
ABOUT ANIMAL WELLNESS CENTERS
Animal Wellness Centers LLC is a fast-growing companion-animal healthcare firm headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Its core business is veterinary services with a focus on comprehensive animal wellness designed to strengthen the human-animal bond. It is the exclusive retailer of Dr. Annie’sTM brand products. Its flagship Center in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park neighborhood is the world’s first non-anthropomorphic companion-animal center offering full array of pet products, an education center, preventative care clinics and a social networking arena.
Annie Harvilicz, DVM, CVA (“Dr. Annie”) is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AWC. She brings experience at leading centers for animal care throughout the world including extensive work on endangered species such as giant pandas, black rhinos, cheetahs, and elephants. She has appeared on the Discovery Channel’s Animal Precinct television program during her tenure at the ASPCA’s Animal Hospital in New York City. Her private practice has spanned across the country with high-profile clientele from New York to Los Angeles. She completed her DVM degree at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where she served as President of the school’s chapter of the AVMA. She is also the recipient of various awards and distinctions including, among others, the Sherrie Clark Compassion and Caring Award and the Tobey Award for special compassion for lost, abandoned, or homeless dogs. She is licensed to practice in California, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland and is certified in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
ABOUT THE HUMANE SOCIETY VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA) was formed as a home for veterinary professionals who want to engage in direct care programs for animals in need and educate the public and others in the profession about animal welfare issues. HSVMA Field Services, formerly known as RAVS, is our primary direct care program. We are also actively involved in advocating for better public policies for animals and advancing humane alternatives in veterinary education. Our Mission: To protect and advocate for animals while providing leadership and service opportunities that support a humane veterinary profession.
ABOUT THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Our mission: Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty.
Animal Wellness Centers Proud to Support Kitten Rescue and Kitten Rescue Volunteer and AWC Manager Chantelle Moffatt-Blue
Chantelle and Dr. Annie Harvilicz “Dr. Annie” represented Animal Wellness Centers at Kitten Rescue’s Annual Fundraiser “Fur Ball at the Skirball” on September 11, 2010 at the Skirball Cultural Center.LOS ANGELES, September 11, 2010 – Animal Wellness Centers is proud to support its own Chantelle Moffatt-Blue, Manager of AWC Santa Monica and adoption medical coordinator for Kitten Rescue. Chantelle and Dr. Annie Harvilicz “Dr. Annie” represented Animal Wellness Centers at Kitten Rescue’s Annual Fundraiser “Fur Ball at the Skirball” on September 11, 2010 at the Skirball Cultural Center.
Kitten Rescue was founded in the spring of 1997 and has grown to become of the largest and most respected animal welfare groups in Los Angeles. They are a non-profit, totally volunteer run organization devoted to finding loving new homes for unwanted cats and kittens. Kitten Rescue volunteers place approximately 1,000 cats and kittens into new homes every year. Since its inception, Kitten Rescue has rescued and placed over 10,000 cats into loving homes.
In March 2006, Kitten Rescue realized one of its long-standing dreams when it acquired its very own private, no-kill shelter in Los Angeles. The Kitten Rescue Sanctuary is a shelter and boarding facility that can house up to 150 cats. The Sanctuary has a full-time staff as well as numerous volunteers who provide care, love and socialization for the cats housed there.
The majority of Kitten Rescue’s animals live in volunteer foster homes until they are adopted. Their volunteers care for orphaned or abandoned kittens that need to be bottle fed, moms with litters, cats that need socialization and sick and injured animals. Mrs. Moffatt-Blue helps Kitten Rescue take care of all of its rescued cats’ medical needs. Prior to adoption, every cat is spayed/neutered, tested for leukemia and FIV, vaccinated, dewormed, treated for fleas and microchipped.
Kitten Rescue also offer education and assistance to the public regarding all aspects of responsible pet ownership, care of kittens and cats, the importance of spaying and neutering, and the proper maintenance and care of feral cat colonies. During “kitten season”, volunteers teach bottle feeding classes for people who want to care for unweaned kittens. Kitten Rescue also distributes City of Los Angeles spay/neuter coupons to members of the public.
“Kitten Rescue is a fantastic organization, and I look forward to working with them going forward. I am so proud of the work that Chantelle does for KR – she embodies the AWC spirit of focus on the animal,” said AWC Founder Dr. Annie.
ABOUT ANIMAL WELLNESS CENTERS
Animal Wellness Centers LLC is a fast-growing companion-animal healthcare firm headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Its core business is veterinary services with a focus on comprehensive
animal wellness designed to strengthen the human-animal bond. It is the exclusive retailer of Dr. Annie’sTM brand products. Its flagship Center in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park neighborhood is the world’s first non-anthropomorphic companion-animal center offering full array of pet products, an education center, preventative care clinics and a social networking arena.
Annie Harvilicz, DVM, CVA (“Dr. Annie”) is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AWC. She brings experience at leading centers for animal care throughout the world including extensive work on endangered species such as giant pandas, black rhinos, cheetahs, and elephants. She has appeared on the Discovery Channel’s Animal Precinct television program during her tenure at the ASPCA’s Animal Hospital in New York City. Her private practice has spanned across the country with high-profile clientele from New York to Los Angeles. She completed her DVM degree at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where she served as President of the school’s chapter of the AVMA. She is also the recipient of various awards and distinctions including, among others, the Sherrie Clark Compassion and Caring Award and the Tobey Award for special compassion for lost, abandoned, or homeless dogs. She is licensed to practice in California, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland and is certified in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Annie Joins National HSVMA Leadership Council
Veterinary Arm of the Humane Society of the United States Committed to Protecting and Advocating for AnimalsSANTA MONICA – Dr. Annie Harvilicz, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Animal Wellness Centers, has been appointed to the Leadership Council of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA). The group heads the veterinary medicine arm of The Humane Society of the United States.
The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA) was formed as a home for veterinary professionals who want to engage in direct care programs for animals in need and educate the public and others in the profession about animal welfare issues. HSVMA Field Services, formerly known as RAVS, is our primary direct care program. We are also actively involved in advocating for better public policies for animals and advancing humane alternatives in veterinary education. Our Mission: To protect and advocate for animals while providing leadership and service opportunities that support a humane veterinary profession.
Annie Harvilicz, DVM, CVA (“Dr. Annie”) brings experience at leading centers for animal care throughout the world including extensive work on endangered species such as giant pandas, black rhinos, cheetahs, and elephants. She has appeared on the Discovery Channel’s Animal Precinct television program during her tenure at the ASPCA’s Animal Hospital in New York City. Her private practice has spanned across the country with high-profile clientele from New York to Los Angeles. She completed her DVM degree at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where she served as President of the school’s chapter of the AVMA. She is also the recipient of various awards and distinctions including, among others, the Sherrie Clark Compassion and Caring Award and the Tobey Award for special compassion for lost, abandoned, or homeless dogs. She is licensed to practice in California, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland and is certified in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
“I am excited to join the Leadership Council of the HSVMA and look forward to taking an active role in helping shape the national and global debate on humane practices in veterinary medicine. This organization fits perfectly with my company’s mission to strengthen the unique human-animal bond,” Dr. Annie noted.
HSUS CEO and President Wayne Pacelle said, “We need more veterinarians like Dr. Annie who put the well-being of animals above all else. I am very impressed by her approach to veterinary medicine. I look forward to Dr. Annie’s continued involvement in the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA). And I look forward to building a strong partnership with AWC going forward.” Melissa Rubin, HSVMA Vice President, said “We are all very excited to have Dr. Annie join the Leadership Council.”
ABOUT ANIMAL WELLNESS CENTERS
Animal Wellness Centers LLC is a fast-growing companion-animal healthcare firm headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Its core business is veterinary services with a focus on comprehensive animal wellness designed to strengthen the human-animal bond. It is the exclusive retailer of Dr. Annie’sTM brand products. Its flagship Center in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park neighborhood is the world’s first non-anthropomorphic companion-animal center offering full array of pet products, an education center, preventative care clinics and a social networking arena.
ABOUT THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Our mission: Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty.
Animal Wellness Centers Announces Support for the California Spay and Neuter License Plate Fund
LOS ANGELES, June 8, 2010 – Dr. Annie Harvilicz “Dr. Annie” represented Animal Wellness Centers at the launch today of the California Spay and Neuter License Plate Fund. The fund is designed to provide funding for free and low-cost spay and neuter surgery programs across California. The plates will feature original artwork created and donated by distinguished actor and artist Pierce Brosnan. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Mr. Brosnan, Councilman Paul Koretz, Councilman Richard Alarcón, Dr. Annie and other special guests appeared Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 11 a.m. at the West L.A. Animal Shelter in celebration of this special program.
“Each year a half million dogs and cats are euthanized in our state. If you stop and think, this is a travesty. This Spay and Neuter License Plate Program will help advance the ball on helping homeless animals in California and will serve as model for other states,” noted AWC Founder Dr. Annie.
The California Spay and Neuter License Plate Program will help raise awareness about the overwhelming number of homeless and unwanted dogs and cats in California and the importance of spaying and neutering pets to save animal lives. The program will fund spay and neuter surgeries through local animal care and control agency voucher programs and through in-house or local veterinary clinics. Animal lovers and supporters can pre-order the special license plates online at www.CASpayPlate.com. According to the latest figures available from the California Department of Public Health, the total number of dogs and cats euthanized (killed) in public shelters rose from 378,445 in 2004 to 432,512 in 2008. When the State’s private shelters are included, it is estimated that one million pets enter California’s shelters each year, with over half (500,000) of them euthanized.
The increase in animals entering shelters and the resulting euthanasia rates are caused by several factors, including people abandoning their pets due to the mortgage and unemployment crisis, accidental litters from unaltered pets, over- breeding of dogs and cats, and stray dogs and cats reproducing. Initiatives such as the California Spay and Neuter License Plate Program can have a positive impact and significantly reduce pet overpopulation through increased spay and neuter. The new specialty plates will be produced and issued once an initial 7,500 prepaid applications have been collected per the Special Interest License Plate Program requirements. Net proceeds from the sale and annual renewal of these plates will fund spay and neuter surgeries, not shelter overhead costs.
The program will be managed and administered by the California Spay and Neuter License Plate Fund, a 501(c)(3).
ABOUT ANIMAL WELLNESS CENTERS
Animal Wellness Centers LLC is a fast-growing companion-animal healthcare firm headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Its core business is veterinary services with a focus on comprehensive animal wellness designed to strengthen the human-animal bond. It is the exclusive retailer of Dr. Annie’sTM brand products. Its flagship Center in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park neighborhood is the world’s first non-anthropomorphic companion-animal center offering full array of pet products, an education center, preventative care clinics and a social networking arena.
Annie Harvilicz, DVM, CVA (“Dr. Annie”) is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AWC. She brings experience at leading centers for animal care throughout the world including extensive work on endangered species such as giant pandas, black rhinos, cheetahs, and elephants. She has appeared on the Discovery Channel’s Animal Precinct television program during her tenure at the ASPCA’s Animal Hospital in New York City. Her private practice has spanned across the country with high-profile clientele from New York to Los Angeles. She completed her DVM degree at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where she served as President of the school’s chapter of the AVMA. She is also the recipient of various awards and distinctions including, among others, the Sherrie Clark Compassion and Caring Award and the Tobey Award for special compassion for lost, abandoned, or homeless dogs. She is licensed to practice in California, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland and is certified in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
Animal Wellness Centers Announces Support for California Animal Protection Laws
“Dr. Annie” Lobbies Lawmakers in SacramentoSACRAMENTO – Dr. Annie Harvilicz “Dr. Annie” traveled to Sacramento today to meet with state legislators on behalf of Animal Wellness Centers to support several animal protection laws and issues. The effort was coordinated by AWC friends The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®).
Dr. Annie, the firm’s Chief Medical Officer, stated: “On behalf of Animal Wellness Centers, I am urging the California legislature to support stronger penalties for animal neglect, to require accurate labeling of fur garments, to protect California horses from slaughter, and to oppose an expansion of the state’s trophy hunt of bears.”
OPPOSE: PROPOSED EXPANSION OF BEAR TROPHY HUNT
AWC opposes a proposal by the California Department of Fish and Game to expand the state’s trophy hunting of bears. The department’s ill‐advised proposal would expand trophy hunting in additional counties and allow more bears to be killed each season. It would also expand high‐ tech hound hunting of bears in the state, including authorizing the unsportsmanlike use of GPS collars that allow trophy hunters to track bears remotely, and “tip switches” that notify trophy hunters from afar when a bear has been treed.
SUPPORT: AB 1656 ACCURATE FUR LABELING
Assemblymembers Fiona Ma, D‐San Francisco, and Ted Lieu, D‐Torrance, proposed AB 1656 to protect consumers by requiring that all garments made with animal fur be accurately labeled. Recent investigations in the Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento areas found unlabeled fur jackets for sale at well‐known stores, in several instances being described by the salespeople as fake fur.
Although a federal law governs labeling of fur apparel, a loophole allows those garments trimmed with fur valued at $150 or less to remain unlabeled, often leaving consumers in the dark as to whether many fur‐trimmed jackets and coats contain animal fur. AWC asks the legislature to pass AB 1656 and make California the sixth state to require fur labeling.
SUPPORT: PENALTIES FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY AND NEGLECT
AWC supports AB 2012, a bill introduced by Assemblymember Ted Lieu to increase penalties for animal neglect. While this crime currently is only punishable with a fine of up to $20,000 and up to six months in jail, AB 2012 adds the possibility of one year of jail time in egregious neglect cases.
SUPPORT: HORSE SLAUGHTER RESOLUTION
AWC supports a resolution aimed at protecting California horses from slaughter for human consumption. Sen. Dean Florez, D‐Shafter, has proposed a joint legislative resolution asking the U.S. Congress to pass the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 503/S. 727), bills that would prohibit the possession, transport, purchase and sale of horses in interstate or foreign commerce for slaughter for human consumption.
According to the HSUS, last year states across the country enacted 121 new laws for animals. During 2009, California legislators passed landmark bipartisan legislation, including upgrading penalties for dogfighting; protecting La Jolla’s harbor seal habitat; prohibiting the cruel and unnecessary docking of cow’s tails; and increasing fines on those who poach our state’s wildlife. This year, a new California Animal Protection legislative caucus was formed and already boasts 25 members from both parties.
ABOUT ANIMAL WELLNESS CENTERS
Animal Wellness Centers LLC is a fast‐growing companion‐animal healthcare firm headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Its core business is veterinary services with a focus on comprehensive animal wellness designed to strengthen the human‐animal bond. It is the exclusive retailer of Dr. Annie’sTM brand products. Its flagship Center in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park neighborhood is the world’s first non‐anthropomorphic companion‐animal center offering full array of pet products, an education center, preventative care clinics and a social networking arena.
Annie Harvilicz, DVM, CVA (“Dr. Annie”) is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AWC. She brings experience at leading centers for animal care throughout the world including extensive work on endangered species such as giant pandas, black rhinos, cheetahs, and elephants. She has appeared on the Discovery Channel’s Animal Precinct television program during her tenure at the ASPCA’s Animal Hospital in New York City. Her private practice has spanned across the country with high‐profile clientele from New York to Los Angeles. She completed her DVM degree at the Virginia‐Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where she served as President of the school’s chapter of the AVMA. She is also the recipient of various awards and distinctions including, among others, the Sherrie Clark Compassion and Caring Award and the Tobey Award for special compassion for lost, abandoned, or homeless dogs. She is licensed to practice in California, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland and is certified in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
ABOUT THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half‐century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands‐on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty.
ABOUT THE ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501[c][3] not‐for‐profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti‐cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit.