U.S. Senate Passes Farm Bill With Important Companion Animal Provision

Last Chance for Animals Applauds Senate for Making Pet Theft a Federal Issue


LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - December 14, 2007) - Your companion animal will be safer if the final version of the Farm Bill includes the Pet Safety & Protection Act (PSPA) provision passed today by the Senate during consideration of its version of the sweeping agriculture bill. The amendment would phase out the use in research of random source dogs and cats obtained through unscrupulous Class B dealers. These animals are often pets, stolen from yards, dishonestly "adopted" from shelters, purchased at flea markets, or obtained from "free to good home" ads.

"The Senate passing the Farm Bill with the PSPA attached is terrific news for companion animals and Last Chance for Animals (LCA). We have been investigating and busting Class B dealers for over 20 years. This legislation is greatly needed. Last year, HBO released 'Dealing Dogs,' LCA's undercover investigation into pet theft and subsequent bust of the nation's most notorious Class B dealer, C.C. Baird. 'Dealing Dogs' was seen by millions and LCA is thankful that Congress is paying attention to the pet theft issue. We look forward to the passage of the Farm Bill," said LCA Founder & President Chris DeRose. "The countless animals that have been stolen and/or abused at the hands of B dealers deserve this Bill."

LCA would like to thank the Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) for supporting the PSPA and special thanks to Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) who advocated for the PSPA.

"Dealing Dogs," HBO's shocking documentary about pet theft, was nominated for two Emmy Awards: Best Cable Documentary & Outstanding Investigative Journalism - Long Form, and won the prestigious Genesis Award for Outstanding Cable Documentary.

Last Chance for Animals (LCA), a national animal rights organization based in Los Angeles, was founded in 1984 by animal expert, author, and actor Chris DeRose. LCA fights for the rights of animals by conducting undercover investigations that expose animal cruelty. For more information on LCA, "Dealing Dogs," the C.C. Baird criminal case, and pet theft, visit www.DealingDogs.com and www.LCAnimal.org.

For more information and or to interview Chris DeRose, please contact Eileen Koch @ Eileen Koch & Company, 310.441.1000 or e-mail at Eileen@eileenkoch.com. Please visit www.eileenkoch.com.

Contact Information: Contact: Eileen Koch Eileen Koch & Company 310.441.1000