A group of California state legislators have joined to form the state’s Animal Protection Caucus, one of the nation’s first legislative caucuses exclusively focused on animal welfare. The purpose of the caucus is to streamline the dissemination of important animal welfare information between state legislators. It will also track the progress of animal legislation and sponsor nonpartisan forums and briefings. The caucus has received bipartisan support, and is co-chaired by Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter; Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Thousand Oaks; and Assemblymembers Cameron Smyth, R-Santa Clarita; and Pedro Nava, D-Santa Barbara.