From Kari Johnson

Hi everyone, Thanks to all of you for your help in stopping AB 777, the elephant bill, in the Public Safety Committee. Assemblyman Levine could not even get a motion to vote on the bill. Friday is the deadline for any committee action, that means the bill will not move forward this year. The not so great news is that since there was no vote the bill is only dead for this year. It will most likely re-surface in January. If you've ever participated in the a hearing of this nature you know how frustrating it can be. We listened to Dr. Murray Fowler with 50 years of experience testify that this bill does not help elephants and the reasons he opposes it. There were 23 major associations including the American Humane Association, Elephant Manager's Association, International Elephant Foundation, the Teamsters, film commissions, many zoos and other animal organizations, as well as 34 private individuals registered in opposition. The only registered supporters were Animal Protection Institute (the sponsor), the CA Federation for Animal Legislation and 6 individuals. Even with the facts and testimony and letters from veterinarians and the real elephant experts on our side the bill still got this far and is not completely dead but waiting to be resurrected by the animal rights groups to haunt us again next year. This is my plea; Please don't wait for a bill to come up or problem to arise to take action. Every time you see something positive with an animal, speak up! Take every opportunity to give sponsors who use animals in their advertising or movies positive feedback. Let your legislative representatives know that you support the responsible use of animals in entertainment and that you want to visit them in zoos. When the animal rights groups push any type of legislation aimed at taking animals out of human care or even telling us what to eat and wear, voice your disapproval for that. Let the media, sponsors and the legislature know that the majority of the public does not agree with the animal rights agenda. Complaining to each other doesn't help. Give your opinion where it matters. It was so disappointing to see how hard everyone worked to get out your letters and follow up with phone calls then not have the absolute win that the facts warranted. When we get overwhelmed by all this it helps so much to know how many of you are willing to take time out of your busy lives to stick up for us. Thank you all. ~Kari and Gary Kari Johnson Have Trunk Will Travel, Inc. 951-943-9227 kari@havetrunkwilltravel