December 4, 2009
It’s Been a Banner Year for Humane Legislation—Thank You!
Although it has been a somewhat tough year for animal-friendly legislation, hard work by legislators, the ASPCA and animal advocates like you brought several vital state-level bills over the finish line! During this season of reflection and review, the ASPCA wants you to know that every email you sent, every phone call you made, and every dollar you contributed toward the cause of humane legislation made a difference. As 2009 winds down, let’s take a moment to celebrate some of our achievements around the country. We truly could not have done it without you!
Out West
The country’s number-one dairy state is leading the way for humane farming reform! California has become the first state in the nation to ban the docking of dairy cows’ tails (SB 135). Thanks are due to the California members of the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, whose swift response to our three email alerts on this bill helped propel it to victory and secure the governor’s signature.
Down South
The success of the Tennessee Commercial Breeder Act (HB 386/SB 258) struck a blow in the battle against puppy mills. Effective January 1, 2010, this law will protect consumers as well as put in place safeguards—including yearly inspection and licensing—to ensure that dogs and cats in the state’s large commercial breeding facilities are cared for humanely.
In the Northeast
2009 saw the ASPCA score major victories for companion animals in both Connecticut and New York State! On July 8, Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell approved the Puppy Lemon Law and Trace Back Bill (SB 499). The new law helps people who have inadvertently purchased a sick animal by raising the amount of money they’re entitled to claim from the seller for veterinary expenses. The law also requires pet shops to reveal the identities of the dog breeders and dealers they use—and if CT pet shops sell cats and dogs from out-of-state kennels, those kennels must be licensed by the USDA and the appropriate state agency.
And this fall, New York State finally passed its Humane Euthanasia bill (A. 999B) for stray and shelter animals. Effective next October, the new law bans the euthanasia of these animals by gassing, requiring that they instead be humanely euthanized via lethal injection by a certified euthanasia technician, licensed veterinary technician, or licensed veterinarian. It also prohibits intracardiac euthanasia—a painful injection right into the heart—on unsedated shelter animals.
See what we’re currently working on, ask us questions and find tools for animal advocates by dropping by the Lobby for Animals section of ASPCA.org. And if you’re not already a member of the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, what are you waiting for? Become a part of the action and help enact laws that help animals—join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade today!