In biz world, there's a popular phrase - "you can't get a project done without drowning a few puppies".   Basically, there are times when you've gotta be a tad ruthless - perceptions be damned - and trimming budgetary fat is one of those times.

Schwarzenegger, whose term as governor I've been happily following is quite literally doing this -

SACRAMENTO, California (AP) -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to repeal a state law that requires animal shelters to hold stray dogs and cats for up to six days before killing them.

Instead, there would be a three-day requirement for strays. Other animals, including birds, hamsters, potbellied pigs, rabbits, snakes and turtles, could be killed immediately.

Schwarzenegger has told the state Legislature that the changes could save local governments that operate shelters up to $14 million.

Talk about an issue a typical politician - Republican or Democrat - wouldn't touch with a 10ft pole!  We're literally talking about killing puppies.   And, of course, there's an opposition -

"Cats and dogs are like mom and apple pie," she said. "Don't mess with the pets. Most people prefer them to other people."

The 1998 law is named for former state Sen. Tom Hayden, who said the governor's proposal "will inflict heartbreak on a lot of owners and people in the animal adoption world."

Schwarz has some choice words for his opposition -

Asked to describe his governing philosophy seven months after toppling Gray Davis in California's recall election, he said, "Crush your enemies, see them driven before you and hear the lamentations of their women."

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UPDATE:  Doh. Spoke too soon.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, in the doghouse with animal-welfare advocates for proposing that shelters be allowed to kill stray animals more quickly to save money, said Friday that his budget recommendation was a mistake. 

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