California to free captive donor dogs, to set up a new model for animal blood

California Governor
Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law on Monday that makes major changes in the
way life-saving animal blood is collected in the state. The law aims to
eventually free “blood slave” donor dogs from captivity.

California
is the only state in the United States that keeps blood donor animals in
captivity in closed colonies. The dogs are bled every couple of weeks to save
the lives of other animals while ensuring an income for their keepers. Those
who support the model argue that it ensures a reliable blood supply and keeps
it free from disease.

For those
who oppose the model, it is inhumane, cruel, and barbaric. Most of the donor
dogs are Greyhounds who already face a lot of abuse in the racing industry, critics
argue. Most of the critics want a human-style blood donation type of system.

 Newsom signed the bipartisan California Pet
Blood Bank Modernization Act, which was backed by Democratic Assemblyman Richard
Bloom, and Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk.

“I am
elated that we are finally on the verge of replacing a long-standing inhumane
practice and with a model program that will ensure the proper treatment of
animal blood donors in California,” Bloom said was quoted as saying by local
Californian media.

“This is a
long overdue and needed reform for commercial animal blood banks. I am glad to
see this change, that will save pets’ lives, finally become law,” Wilk said.

The new
system will come into effect on New Year’s Day. Veterinarians can apply to
start community blood banks on January 1. The Department of Food and
Agriculture of California will be giving out licenses and collecting data on
how much blood is produced by the blood banks.

Healthy
neighbourhood dogs and cats will step in to be blood donors, then go home with
a packet of treats.