Pawareness Podcast # 69 | The PET Act | Senator Scott Wiener of California

In this special episode of the Pawareness Podcast, we are honored to welcome Senator Scott Wiener of the California State Senate. Sen. Scott represents District 11, which covers the scope of San Francisco and its southern areas, as well as Broadmoor, Colma and Daly City. In his work as a government official, Sen. Scott has advocated for solutions to address housing problems, mental health issues and food security. He champions the LGBTQ+ and civil rights. Among these advocacies, he also campaigns for animal rights and welfare.

This year, Sen. Scott reintroduces the Senate Bill 879, also known as the Prohibiting Extraneous Testing (PET) Act. The bill will put an end to activities that involve testing household animals such as cats and dogs to determine the effectiveness of chemical-induced products. Some of these products include pesticides, food additives, and medications.

Sen. Scott also explains how San Francisco has been partnering with the humane society to address animal issues in their community. By phasing out pet stores that sell pets and closing down puppy mills, the government encourages people to adopt rescues from shelters. Providing homes for animals in need of care is one of the priorities in San Francisco.

Sen. Scott also encourages communities to collaborate with local advocacy organizations to campaign for certain legislations that need to be implemented in their locality. He points out that people’s engagements matter during a bill’s legislation process and a certain bill would have more possibility of being passed once people express their support for it.

“When people call their representatives and register their support or opposition to a particular piece of legislation, that has an impact.” - Sen. Scott Wiener

Tune in to find out how you can express support or opposition to your local government when it comes to the policies involving animal rights and welfare!

Check out Senator Scott Wiener’s programs today: https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/

Check out Pawareness!

Visit our website: www.pawareness.org

Where to find the Pawareness Podcast: www.linktr.ee/pawareness

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/pawareness_official

Submit for Pet of the Week: www.pawareness.org/pet-of-the-week

Episode Timeline

0:00 Introduction

1:20 Introducing Senator Scott Wiener of California

2:00 Senate Bill 252

4:10 The Obstacles of Passing a Law

6:17 Prioritizing Animal Rescues

8:11 The No-Kill Shelter in California

9:10 San Francisco’s Approach for Animal Rescues

10:03 Euthanasia Rates in the States

11:40 Stance on Spay-Neuter Policies

13:49 Can people really make a difference?

14:09 Engagement Works Everywhere

17:26 Restrictions on Dogs during the Pandemic

18:11 Common Issues about Animal Rescues