Hello everyone, We've decided that AB 409 must be fought in the Senate Natural Resources Committee and fought hard. What this terrible bill would do is replace each use of the word wild in section 2116 with the word restricted (clearly enlarging the mandate of the Fish and Game Commission). It would give the Fish and Game Commission the authority to regulate a domesticated species (it specifies "any domesticated or captive-bred species" and it is aimed 90% at the ferret enthusiasts. It would also allow the Commission the authority to delist or legalize an animal (something they already have the right to do), but only if it can be shown that there would be no impact on the environment, people or agriculture. Few if any domesticated species meets that criteria though the ferret comes closest, certainly closer than dogs and cats. Fight this bill Californians or it will cut off your opportunity to see a legislative solution to this problem. All of you (Californians) should write to the Chairman of the Committee, Tom Hayden: His address and tel number is: (916) 445-1353 Senator Tom Hayden, Chair Senate Natural Resources Committee State Capitol, Room 2082 Sacramento, CA 95814 Be polite and only contact them once-- have friends and family contact the office as well. These are the other members of the Committee. If you are in their district you must contact them and get as much opposition to the bill as possible from friends and family. Our webmaster, Scott Beisner, will post information that helps you know the areas that these Senators cover. To write to the Senators simply print their name and room number accompanied by the following: Senator_______ State Capitol Room number_____ Sacramento, CA 94814 Here are the other Senators on the Committee and their room numbers: Senator Dede Alpert, Room 2187 Senator Maurice Johannessen, Room 5061 Senator Tim Leslie, Room 4081 Senator Dick Monteith, Room 2048 Senator Jack O'Connell, Room 5035 Senator Byron Sher, Room 2054 Senator Mike Thompson, Room 3056 Please write to Senator Hayden only if you are a Californian, and write to the other Senators only if you are in their districts. Our webmaster will post information on the coverage of those districts. THE HEARING IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR JULY 1st, so your prompt attention is required. I will be out of the office Thursday and Friday so if you have specific questions please ask our webmaster, at [log in to unmask] Jeanne Carley Californians for Ferret Legalization (CFL) 410 Mountain Home Road Woodside, CA 94062 (650) 851-3750 <[log in to unmask]> http://www.ferretnews.org-- CFL Website CALIFORNIANS, YOU CAN FIND OUT YOUR STATE SENATOR BY VISITING THIS SITE!! CALL AND WRITE YOUR SENATOR AND GOV. WILSON--DON'T LET OUR BILL DIE! [Posted in FML issue 2350]