Great news!

I just heard from a friend that AB 1634 (the subject of at least a dozen blog posts here) appears to be dead -- at least for the time being:

Legislation to require statewide spaying or neutering of dogs and cats was shelved Wednesday after receiving a chilly reception by a Senate committee.

Assemblyman Lloyd Levine opted not to pursue a vote after it became clear that the Senate Local Government Committee would not accept a last-ditch amendment to narrow the scope of his bill.

Levine vowed to revive Assembly Bill 1634 next year.

"I think we can get to a solution," Levine said. "But the first thing opponents must do is to acknowledge that there's a problem and work with me to solve it."

AB 1634 was a legislative lightning rod that prompted more than 20,000 people to send letters or sign petitions in support or opposition.

Spectators began lining up outside the Capitol about 6 a.m. Wednesday, nearly two hours before the session of the Senate Local Government Committee.

AB 1634 has produced some of the year's most passionate, crowded and contentious legislative hearings, routinely attracting more than 400 supporters and opponents.

Roughly 20,000 people have sent letters or signed petitions to argue their case to members of the Senate Local Government Committee, according to a Senate analysis of AB 1634.

"They've broken my fax machine," said Negrete McLeod, smiling.

The campaign promoting AB 1634 received a blow last week when the California Veterinary Medical Association, a former co-sponsor, switched its position to neutral because of division within its ranks.

In any event, I'm glad that this outrage of nanny statism has been defeated for now. But "Lightbulb Levine" vows he'll be back, and I believe him.