Thank you for sharing your concerns with me about the proposal to lift restrictions on hold times at animal shelters.  I value your input during these challenging economic times.

As you know, we are in the midst of the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. We now face a budget shortfall that has grown to $24.3 billion.  I have proposed cuts that I would have never proposed except in a worst-case scenario, including eliminating General Fund support for programs like Healthy Families, CalWORKS, Cal Grants and State Parks.  This was not an easy decision for me.  As a dog owner myself, I have always supported animal welfare and have worked to ensure the humane treatment of animals.

Currently, the state requires all shelters to hold stray animals for four to six days and reimburses them for the associated costs.  To address our budget crisis, I have proposed to suspend some Non-Proposition 98 mandates, including the reimbursement funds for these shelters.  To help local shelters deal with the challenges of this difficult budget situation, I have also proposed that the state no longer require the four to six day hold time.  Shelters still have the flexibility to keep the animals for more days, but my proposal avoids placing an unnecessary burden on local communities.

As I work with my partners in the Legislature to find solutions to these problems, know that I will keep your thoughts in mind.  Working together, I believe we can weather this storm and start the slow but steady march back toward prosperity.

Sincerely, 

Arnold Schwarzenegger

While you're at it, Governor, why don't you just kill all the old, ill, and indigent citizens of California?  That would also save some money.  Of course, his solution to this budget mess may well result in the deaths of many people, too.  

If you care anything about the welfare of your animals, ensure that they do not stray from your yard or while in the care of others, or you may not get them back.  

Please give shelter animals a chance to live.  Adopt your next pet from a shelter instead of purchasing it from a breeder.