Truth4Dogs

The history of this bill is that the California Senate passed this version of SB898:
1. Exempt the sale of animal blood and related products from sales tax
2. Directed the BOE to cancel its current assessment

Then, a dramatic turn of events occurred. The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation passed the bill with amendments that will allow the state to collect approximately $81,000 of prior sales taxes from Hemopet.

Hemopet would like the original version restored.

What Dodds Is Doing Behind the Scenes
After our first efforts to restore the bill to its original language, some compromise changes were offered, which could be acceptable.

However, as of Friday, August 12th, things seemed to slip backwards with indications that the Governor may not even sign any bill.

During a conference call with the governor’s office and other officials, we emphasized that if Hemopet closes, dogs will die as a result of the loss of 40 percent of North America’s canine blood supply. There is no substitute for replacing this lifeline, which saves sick and injured dogs every day, but also wounded police dogs, dogs used in security at airports, government patrols…the list is endless.

Both the California Veterinary Medical Association and the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association have publicly sided with Hemopet, joining us in discussions with lawmakers in Sacramento to prevent a tragic health crisis among dogs. The public has responded as well, with more than 800 letters and emails sent on Hemopet’s behalf.

But the voices of Californians, concerned dog owners and veterinary professionals are falling on deaf ears. 

Against all reason, officials of the state of California made clear that they are prepared to put the lives of these animals at risk.

It is an irresponsible, incomprehensible action, but with only 3 weeks left to get a bill out of the legislature, it now seems almost inevitable.

CALLING
If you would like to call the governor, assemblymembers and senators on our behalf, Hemopet needs you to state the following language specifically:
I support Senate Bill 898 and want it restored to the original that passed the state senate.

LETTERS
Since we are now in crisis mode, Hemopet would love it if you e-mailed Governor Brown directly and copied a few people on it.

We have the letter phrased exactly as we need it and have the email addresses in it. All we need you to do is download, add the date, your name and email it just once. (Don’t want to make Gov. Brown too angry.)

If you have had a dog or cat saved by blood or if a blood transfusion was a part of the treatment protocol, please do not hesitate to include their story and photo if you’d like.

Please click here for the letter.

Most importantly, thank you thank you THANK YOU for supporting Hemopet! We have been completely bowled over by your generosity! Our greyhounds and the lives they have saved with their blood donations give you virtual hugs and doggy kisses!

Thank you! – Jean, The Lifesaving Greyhounds & Team Hemopet