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The California Wildlife Coexistence Act (SB 1135) has passed the Senate and is now headed for a critical vote in the Assembly. This bill would establish statewide programs to prevent deadly conflicts with wild animals by prioritizing proactive, science-based, nonlethal solutions.

However, a troubling new amendment would allow dogs guarding livestock or crops to pursue wolves under specified circumstances. Urge your state Assemblymember to support SB 1135 while removing this dangerous provision!

The state-sanctioned killing of Blondie, a beloved black bear in Monrovia, highlighted the devastating consequences that can occur when conflicts between people and wild animals escalate instead of being prevented.

SB 1135 would require the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to establish a Wildlife Coexistence Program, provide resources to coexistence partners, and strengthen efforts to prevent conflicts through humane, nonlethal methods.

The bill would also establish the California Wolf-Livestock Coexistence and Compensation Program to support proactive measures that reduce conflicts with wolves without killing them.

Unfortunately, a recent amendment would allow certain dogs guarding livestock or crops to pursue wolves. California's wolves are protected under state law, and coexistence legislation should strengthen protections for them — not create new risks.

SB 1135 is now awaiting a vote in the Assembly. Please urge your Assemblymember to support the California Wildlife Coexistence Act while removing the wolf-pursuit provision.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Decision makers: California State Assembly members

Subject: Support the California Wildlife Coexistence Act (SB 1135), but Protect Wolves

As your constituent concerned with wild animals and conservation, I’m writing to urge you to support the California Wildlife Coexistence Act (SB 1135) while removing the recently added provision allowing dogs guarding livestock or crops to pursue wolves.

California urgently needs a statewide program that prevents conflicts between people and wild animals before they escalate. Too often, animals pay with their lives when proactive, nonlethal solutions could prevent conflict.

SB 1135 would establish a Wildlife Coexistence Program within the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, provide resources to coexistence partners, and strengthen efforts to resolve conflicts using humane, nonlethal methods.

The bill would also establish the California Wolf-Livestock Coexistence and Compensation Program to support proactive measures that reduce conflicts with wolves without killing them.

However, the recent amendment allowing certain dogs to pursue wolves is inconsistent with the goal of promoting coexistence. Wolves are protected under California law and should not face additional risks under legislation intended to prevent conflict.

Please support SB 1135 while working to remove this troubling provision. California can lead the way in protecting wild animals through prevention, science, and humane coexistence.

Thank you for your consideration of this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.