California Responsible
Pet Owners' Coalition
Who are the members of CaRPOC?
As the name implies, CaRPOC is a coalition of people.
We come from various backgrounds and came together shortly after California Assembly Bill 1634 was introduced during
the winter of 2007 to combine our abilities. We are pet owners, rescue volunteers, working dog owners, service
and therapy animal owners, trainers, as well as show cat and dog breeders, sportsmen and enthusiasts. We are also
people with many years of past legislative experience. A few people gathered a few more trusted people to work
together seriously on legislative issues that affect our animals, and to work our hearts out, and CaRPOC was born.
Q:Are my donations tax deductible?
A: Unfortunately, no they are not. Donations will be used to combat legislation now and in the future that impacts
our choices for our animals. Had we chosen Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)3 status, which is for a tax deductible
charitable nonprofit, tax laws would have prohibited us from using the lion's share of the monies received to influence
the political causes that are crucial to our struggle.
Q: Who are the officers of the corporation?
President: Florence Blecher, Vice-President: Stormy Hope, Secretary/Treasurer: Peri Norman.
Q: Who are other people in the coalition?
A: A few others who are in the forefront of this battle are Marion Bradshaw, Brat Zinsmaster, Tom and Vivian Brown,
Jane Jensen and Dana Johnson. Doc Zoe is CaRPOC's Webmistress. Please let her know of any problems and suggestions for the website
Many others are helping, networking and advising.
Q: Regarding Los Angeles City Ordinance and possible law suit:
A: Greenberg Traurig, LLP, the law firm that we selected, thoroughly researched and analyzed the adopted ordinance
and determined that there were not sufficient grounds to proceed at this time. Since those grounds were not there,
CaRPOC reluctantly suspended the process.
Q:The Louisville ordinance
If the Louisville, KY ordinance is being challenged in Federal Courts, why is the City of Los Angeles ordinance
different?
Isn't our problem in Los Angeles and other places the same? Wouldn't a Louisville Federal Court ruling encompass
us too?
A: A judgment has been rendered in Louisville partially reversing that
ordinance. That said, there are enough differences between the two
ordinances, and the circumstances under which they were drawn, to require
that they be analyzed and treated completely separately in their
respective jurisdictions. CaRPOC has been in contact with the Louisville
advocates regarding their case. Our attorneys reviewed the relevant
documents from Louisville for reference and comparison.
Q: There are different groups working on the various mandatory spay/
neuter and breeder legislation. Why aren't all the groups working
together? What makes you different from these groups?
A: We all support the battle against the draconian legislation facing us.
At this time, CaRPOC's approach is somewhat different from that of the
other groups. Because each group is unique in its direction and focus,
many fronts are being addressed from varying perspectives. Hopefully all
these approaches will be cumulatively successful.
Q: For what are donations used?
A: Donations are always welcome. A few individuals advanced the bulk of
the initial attorneysâ' fees for the analysis of the Los Angeles
ordinance. Donations went to pay for the balance of the charges incurred.
Other small administrative costs have also come up. As our group grows,
donations will be welcomed and used to underwrite various projects as
they arise. Proceeds from any revenue-generating projects like The Naked
Truth calendar, will go back to fund relevant future projects. Our
treasurer, Peri Norman, will be responsible for the treasury and
accounting activities of the CaRPOC. Jack Bradshaw also reviews our
donations and expenditures..
A: How will I get updates from your group?
Initially, an announcement-only Yahoo site has been established and periodically, information will be sent out
to those to those subscribers who provide us with their email addresses. More information will be forthcoming.
