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Governor Eyes Repeal Of Waiting Period To Euthanize Shelter Animals

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Governor Jerry Brown is planning to repeal a law designed to protect shelter animals from unnecessary euthanization, but there's a mounting effort to stop the governor.

Word that Brown wants to repeal a law mandating a four to six day waiting period before shelter animals can be euthanized isn't sitting well with former state senator and political activist Tom Hayden.

"It is a humane issue," said Hayden, who authored the bill in 1998, in a YouTube video posted this week.

"I urge you to look at your dog before you allow this to allow this," said Hayden, referring to Brown's dog Sutter.

KCBS' Anna Duckworth Reports:

Hayden said that the wait period gives people more time to find their lost pets, and for the adoption of animals.

Rebecca Kat with San Francisco Animal Care and Control is concerned a repeal will mean faster euthanizations at some of the state's high volume shelters.

"The financial incentive was something that did encourage shelters to look for ways to save more lives," said Kat.

Shelters recoup the cost of caring for animals during the wait period. It's estimated a repeal could save $46 million per year.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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