November 4: What’s in it for the Four-Leggeds?

November 4: What’s in it for the Four-Leggeds?

So how did the animals fare on Election Day? Pretty darn well, and on both coasts, too! You dudes and dudettes in California passed Proposition 2, the Standards for Confining Farm Animals Act! And the masses in Massachusetts passed a ban on dog racing!

One particular pooch is going be barking with pride as new “First Dog” in the White House. President Elect Obama, along with his family, will consider making pet adoption his first option! Speaking of super cool head honchos, our very own Ed Sayres, ASPCA President & CEO, is delighted about the PR Obama is giving pups, and encourages the First Family to “head to their local animal shelter or rescue group, where there are many extraordinary animals just waiting for a forever home.” Who, oh who, will the lucky canine be? Big props to the new prez’s daughters, Malia and Sasha, who have dad wrapped around their fingers. Way to get a dog from dad, girls!



One of our dogs, Suka, wouldn’t mind a seat in the White House. Of course, she’d be gunning for the Oval Office throne. Doesn’t she look positively stately?

This Sunday, Get The Real Truth About The Michael Vick Case

“I want to apologize.”
“I take full responsibility for my actions.”
“Those things just didn’t have to happen.”

—Michael Vick, former football star sentenced to 23 months in federal prison on charges in connection with a dog fighting operation on his property in Virginia

The sentence may have been handed down, but the concern and questions still remain. What happened to the dogs seized in the case? How did Vick get involved in this underworld?

Many of these questions will be answered this Sunday night during “Animal Witness: The Michael Vick Case," the premiere episode of Animal Planet’s new series on animal forensics. The one-hour show offers an in-depth look at Vick and exposes the hidden world of dog fighting—and for the first time on national television, lead investigator Bill Brinkman talks about the inner workings of the case.

The episode will also feature interviews with Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Forensic Veterinarian, and Officer Annemarie Lucas, Supervisory Special Investigator, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. As reported in ASPCA News Alert, the ASPCA worked closely with federal authorities at every step of the case, first assisting in forensic examinations and later leading behavior evaluations of the seized dogs.

“Animal Witness: The Michael Vick Case" airs at 10:00 P.M. EST this Sunday, August 24; please note, the episode does feature footage from underground dog fighting videos—viewer discretion is advised.

ASPCA to Speak at Conference on Michael Vick Case

The 2007 dog fighting scandal and resulting federal case against former football star Michael Vick and his codefendants dominated the press for months and generated overwhelming public concern. On Friday, September 19, the American Bar Association (ABA) and the National Canine Research Council will host “Prosecuting and Representing Animal Abusers and Caring for the Victims—the Michael Vick Case and Its Impact on Cruelty Cases” at DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, IL. The purpose of the event is to learn from the proceedings of the federal case and discuss its impact on future cruelty cases.

The program will feature the ASPCA’s own Dr. Melinda Merck, the lead forensic veterinarian on the Vick case, who will present “Forensic Veterinary Medicine at Work: Case Histories.” Additionally, Dr. Pamela J. Reid, Vice President, ASPCA Animal Behavior Center, will be a featured panelist in a discussion called “Evaluating and Caring for the Victims: Where They Are Now.” Ledy VanKavage, ASPCA Senior Director of Legal Training & Legislation, is the conference’s program chair.

“This was an extremely important case that warrants some ‘post-game’ review,” says VanKavage. “As horrific as it was, the Vick case taught society to reexamine how we investigate, prosecute and care for the victims of animal fighting.”

For more information, please visit the ABA online.

Save America’s Horses from Slaughter Overseas

Unfortunately, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503), the anti-slaughter bill we have advocated for in the past, has stalled in Congress due to political maneuvering. Similar to H.R. 503, the newly introduced Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 6598) would prohibit the possession, shipment, transport, purchase, sale, delivery or receipt via interstate commerce of any horse intended for slaughter for human consumption. Unlike the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, this bill has the potential to move quickly in the House of Representatives.

Americans do not eat horse meat. However, tens of thousands of our horses are cruelly slaughtered every year to satisfy the markets for horsemeat in Europe and Asia. Since the last horse slaughter plants in the U.S. were closed in 2007, thousands of horses have been shipped to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. These overseas plants are not subject to U.S. oversight or regulation. Due to overcrowded transport conditions, many horses are injured even before reaching their final destination. Some are shipped for more than 24 hours at a time without food, water or rest, and the methods used to kill these horses once they arrive at the plant can be exceptionally inhumane.

Horses have been our trusted companions and are a historically significant part of American culture. They deserve a more dignified end to their lives than to be slaughtered and served for dinner. H.R. 6598 would put an end to this practice by prohibiting the transport of America’s horses to foreign countries for slaughter.

What You Can Do
Please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to email a letter to your representative now and urge him or her to support and cosponsor H.R. 6598!

Thank you for taking action for America's animals.

Foreclosures Can Be Bad News For Pets

Stories of families who have lost their homes and find themselves no longer able to keep their pets continue to pour in from around the United States. In New Haven, CT, where foreclosures have gone up 80 percent in the past year, local animal shelters receive an average of a call per day from someone who wants to surrender a pet. In Michigan, the Anti-Cruelty Society shelter has seen a 30-percent intake increase over the same period. And last week, the City of Los Angeles, CA, issued a press release revealing that LA Animal Service’s intake of pets rose 16 percent in the first four months of 2008.

California—arguably one the of states hit hardest by the subprime mortgage market collapse—is leading the way in the creation of new legislation that attempts to address this issue. The California State Legislature is now considering Assembly Bill 2949, which would allow bank representatives to immediately seek potentially life-saving help for animals abandoned at foreclosed properties. The bill was introduced by Assemblyman Mark DeSaulnier, and is cosponsored by the ASPCA and the California Animal Association.

“The ASPCA urges pet parents faced with foreclosure to bring their pets to a proper animal shelter if unable to place them with friends or family,” says Californian Jill Buckley, ASPCA Senior Director of Legislative Services. “With the increasing numbers of property abandonments, more and more animals are being left behind to fend for themselves. This bill will help these animals obtain the proper care and attention they need.”

AB 2949 will be heard by the full California Assembly as soon as this week, and will then move to the Senate for consideration. Please visit our pressroom to read more about California AB 2949.

Time to Rally in Harrisburg

Attention, Pennsylvania animal advocates! Please attend a special rally, organized by the Governor’s Office and the Department of Agriculture, in support of the new puppy mill legislation. Bring your voice—and your dogs—to the Capitol Steps in Harrisburg.

Rally for Puppy Mill Reform
Date: Wednesday, May 14.
Time: 10:30 A.M.
Place: Main steps of the Capitol at Third and State streets in Harrisburg

Can't make it to the rally? You can still contact your PA state representative to ask for support of Rep. Casorio and Rep. Caltagirone's proposed bills. Please visit our website's Lobby for Animals section to read up on the bills and learn how to contact your legislator.

Take Action, America: Protect Downed Animals!

Action Needed: Send a letter to your representative and senators now and urge them to support the Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act!

The Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act, S. 394/H.R. 661, would prohibit USDA inspectors at slaughterhouses from approving meat from “downed” (unable to stand or walk) cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules and other equines. The bills would also require immediate humane euthanasia for any downed animal.

Click here to learn more about the Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act, and to send a letter to your representative and senators urging them to support and cosponsor S. 394 and H.R. 661!

Good News, New Mexico--Cockfighting Banned at Last!

The cockfighting bill passed the floor vote of the House and was quickly signed by New Mexico's Governor Richardson on Monday! New Mexico now joins 48 other states in outlawing this cruel “blood sport” (Louisiana is the sole remaining holdout). New Mexico residents, please take a moment to thank Governor Richardson for signing this important bill.

Click here to thank Governor Richardson for signing SB10 into law!

TX, TN, WA Residents: Take Action to Help Animals Now!

Texas: Don't Legalize Horse Slaughter for Human Consumption!
Last week, the Federal Court of Appeals (5th Circuit) agreed with the District Court’s ruling that the only two slaughterhouses in Texas were violating state law by slaughtering horses for human consumption. Unfortunately, allies of the horse slaughter industry have introduced legislation (HB 2476 and companion bill SB 1742) to repeal the state's existing ban on this barbaric practice. Please email a letter to your state representative and senator asking them to oppose these bills.

Tennessee: Help Pass Tougher Penalties for Animal Fighting
HB 2142 and companion bill SB 1733 will make the penalty for animal fighting uniform, regardless of the type of animal involved. Animal fighting is a felony under state law. However, cockfighting is only a misdemeanor, and misdemeanor penalties are ineffective for deterring animal fighting ventures. Please contact members of the Tennessee House and Senate Judiciary Committees and ask them to support HB 2142/SB 1733.

Washington: Help Us Move Insurance Discrimination Bill Toward a House Vote!
Rep. Tom Campbell has introduced ASPCA-supported House Bill 1105, which will prohibit discrimination against insurance applicants due to their breed of dog. Many insurance companies that provide homeowners’ and renters’ policies are refusing to write coverage for people who own certain breeds of dogs. Even longtime policy holders have suddenly been informed by their insurance company that they will no longer be covered, even though no claim has ever been made. These companies are basing their decisions solely upon the determination that certain breeds or breed mixes are “dangerous” or “vicious.” Please urge House and Rules Committee leadership to vote on HB 1105.

Virginia and Illinois Residents, Help Animals Right Now!

Please take action on these Advocacy Alerts today!

Illinois, End Dog Breed Discrimination by Insurers—Support SB 1279
Sponsored by Senator Don Harmon, SB 1279 would prohibit discrimination against insurance applicants based on their breed of dog. Currently, dog owners who have had coverage for years may suddenly be informed by their insurance companies that they will no longer be covered, even though no claim has ever been made. These decisions are often based solely upon the determination that certain breeds or breed mixes are “dangerous.” All dogs are individuals, and responsible guardianship, early training and socialization are factors that should be considered when assessing a dog’s level of aggression. Please ask your state senator and representative to support SB 1279! TAKE ACTION NOW

Virginia, Make Sure Your Pets Are Safe During an Emergency—Support SB 787
SB 787 is legislation that will require that an emergency response plan be developed to address the needs of agricultural and companion animals in Virginia during times of disaster and evacuation. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, several states have already passed legislation similar to SB 787. If you want Virginia to be next, let your representative know that you care! TAKE ACTION NOW

Help Reinstate Protection for Wild Horses and Burros!

Last year, the Burns Amendment to the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act opened the door to the slaughter of thousands of wild horses. This amendment was inserted in a must-pass appropriations bill, and forced the Bureau of Land Management to allow individuals and corporations to buy these animals and resell them for slaughter. Selling and transferring wild horses and burros for processing into commercial products was illegal for 33 years before passage of the Burns Amendment—but now, these historically significant creatures may be slaughtered so their meat can be offered on foreign menus.

Please send a letter urging your representative to stop the needless slaughter of wild horses and burros by supporting and cosponsoring H.R. 249.

Send a letter to your representatives today.

Urge Your Legislators to Support the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act!

Send a letter to your senators and representative now and urge them to support the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act!
Last year, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. Unfortunately, Congress recessed for the year before the Senate had a chance to vote on the measure. As a result, the bill died and had to be reintroduced in both houses of Congress this year. The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA), H.R. 503/S. 311, has now been reintroduced by the 110th Congress! The bill would prohibit the transport, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of any horse to be slaughtered for human consumption.

Learn more about this bill and send a letter to your senators and representatives.

Help Animals Now By Supporting Humane Legislation!

Illinois: HB 9 Lets Judges Protect Pets in Domestic Violence Disputes

Indiana: Support Counseling Sentences for Animal Abusers

Missouri: Dog Breed Bans Are Discriminatory and Ineffective. Please Ask Your Reps To Oppose HB 226

Missouri: SB 73 Allows State Courts to Stop Animal Neglect Before Tragedy Occurs

Nebraska Residents: Say Yes to More Inspections of Kennels and Pet Stores!

Washington Residents, Help Stop Breed Discrimination by Insurance Companies!

Nebraska Residents: Say Yes to More Inspections of Kennels and Pet Stores!

Nebraska has only one inspector to serve the more than 700 kennels, pet stores, shelters and humane societies in the state. Senator Mick Mines has introduced LB 12 to remedy this. This key piece of legislation will provide for four additional inspectors, a veterinarian field officer and legal help for the inspectors. The additional inspectors will allow for pre-license inspections as well as annual inspections

If passed by Nebraska, LB 12 could improve animal protection and enforcement efforts.
Cornhusker State residents, we need your help immediately:

- Please call or email the members of the Agriculture Committee today and ask them to support LB 12. Urge their support of LB 12 and thank them for their consideration of your request. Click here for contact information.

- If possible, please attend next week’s hearing of the Agriculture Committee at the State Capitol on Tuesday, January 16, at 1:30 P.M.

Needed: 10 Million Signatures!

Join the ASPCA in supporting the Animals Matter to Me campaign, which seeks to achieve global recognition that animals are sentient beings, capable of feeling pain and suffering. If you haven't already, please add your name to WSPA’s petition to let governments of the world know that we are serious about achieving a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations.
The Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare maintains that:

1. The welfare of animals shall be a common objective for all nations;

2. The standards of animal welfare attained by each nation shall be promoted, recognized and observed by improved measures, nationally and internationally, respecting social and economic considerations and religious and cultural traditions;

3. All appropriate steps shall be taken by nations to prevent cruelty to animals and to reduce their suffering;

4. Appropriate standards on the welfare of animals be further developed and elaborated such as, but not limited to, those governing the use and management of farm animals, companion animals, animals in scientific research, draught animals, wildlife animals and animals in recreation.

Please lend your support—and your signature—today!

Attention, California Residents!

Thanks to your efforts, SB 1806, a bill that would make it unlawful to leave a companion animal unattended in a motor vehicle under conditions that could endanger the health of the animal, has now passed the California Senate and Assembly and moves to the Governor for approval! Please Take Action Today! Contact Governor Schwarzenegger and Urge Him to Sign This Humane Bill.

Another important piece of animal welfare legislation, AB 2862, which addresses gaps and weaknesses in state law governing the care of animals in pet stores, passed the California Senate on August 23, 2006. It is now on its way back to the Assembly for a concurrence vote. Contact your Assemblymember Today and Urge Him/Her to Support AB 2862.

Both of these measures will ensure a safer environment for California's pets. Please let the Governor and your assemblymember know that these bills are important to you.

New York State Residents: Help Pass Humane Laws!

S.6913-A/A.9292-A, Pet Evacuation Bill, Passes Both Houses
The New York Legislature has passed a bill that will require the government to utilize and coordinate “programs to assist individuals with household pets and service animals following a disaster, with particular attention to means of evacuation, shelter and transportation options.” Click here to contact Governor Pataki and urge him to sign S.6913-A/A.9292-A into law.

Legislature Passes S.7213-A/A.9576-A to Close Loophole in Pet Dealer Licensing Law
S.7213-A/A.9576-A will close a loophole in existing law to help the state do a better job at enforcing the pet dealer licensing law. Because it is especially difficult to determine whether a breeder has sold the requisite number of puppies per year, this bill would change the definition of “pet dealer” to include those businesses that “offer for sale” the statutory set number of dogs or cats. This change will enable the Department of Agriculture and Markets to identify, license and inspect many more pet dealers, thereby better protecting consumers who purchase pets-- and providing the oversight of this industry contemplated by the pet dealer law when it first passed in 2000.
Click here to contact Governor Pataki and ask him to sign this important animal welfare and consumer protection measure into law.

A.10767-A/S.7691-A Passes Both Houses and Authorizes Orders of Protection in Favor of Family Pets
The Legislature has passed a measure that would expressly authorize family and criminal court judges to issue orders of protection to safeguard family pets from abuse in a variety of family and criminal court proceedings, including juvenile delinquency, child custody, child support, child abuse and neglect, paternity, family offense and PINS cases. This law will give the court an additional tool to ensure protection of all family members, including the companion animals in the home. In addition to bringing animal cruelty charges when a pet is unlawfully injured or killed, violation of an order of protection carries with it separate penalties, including a possible six-month jail term.
Click here to ask Governor Pataki to sign S.7691-A/A.10767-A into law.

Big Apple Residents: Help Make NYC More Pet-Friendly!

As many of our loyal activists know, the ASPCA, along with other humane organizations, has been working for some time to pass legislation that would protect a tenant who wishes to keep his or her pet and to get another pet when the previous one has died. This is due to a court decision that held once a tenant gets a new pet, the three-month process required to waive the no-pet provision in renter’s leases must begin again. After many meetings and discussions, the legislation, now referred to as Int. 13, would protect pet owners already covered under the “3 month law” to get a “replacement” pet of the same species; the proposed legislation would cover the same number of animals the person has or had when he/she became covered under the law.
Unfortunately, Int. 13 is being vigorously opposed by the real estate industry. To help protect New York City pets and ensure that this legslation is passed, it is crucial that you contact your councilmember and urge him/her to support and co-sponsor this bill.

Click here to learn how you can help.

Urge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Save the Sheldon Range Wild Horses!

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has been engineering a plan to eradicate the Sheldon Range wild horses in Nevada. USFWS claims that the Sheldon horses are non-indigenous and feral, and therefore not protected by law. The reasons given for their removal are to protect the water resources and to enhance the populations of pronghorn antelope and sage grouse, two species that bring in revenue from special hunting permits. However, a paper published by USFWS found that wild horses, in reasonable numbers, have no demonstrable adverse affect on these species.

USFWS’s plan, if implemented, would make it impossible for rescues and individuals to directly adopt small numbers of Sheldon horses, as has been done in the past. The “more efficient” plan allows for only mass adoptions of horses to three “carefully screened” agents. The agents will be paid $300 per horse to take them by the truckload. There is no doubt that many of these horses will end up at auction, and ultimately at slaughter. In fact, 40 Sheldon horses bought by one of the agents were recently “bought back” from a slaughter plant by the agent who had previously “adopted” them from USFWS.

Also disturbing, USFWS has announced that they are planning another gather of Sheldon wild horses in June—in the middle of foaling season! A gather at this time represents a cruel assault on the pregnant mares, who may abort their foals, as well as risks to the new-born foals, including foals being separated from their mothers, trampled to death, or run to exhaustion. USFWS has offered no explanation for the unusual timing for the upcoming gather.

Please contact the US Fish and Wildlife Service directly and ask them to put a halt to their plan to eradicate the SheldonRange wild horses! Go to http://www.congress.org/congressorg/mail/?agencyindid=790&type=AN and write a letter to The Honorable H. Dale Hall, Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Use the sample letter to Congress as a guide.

Also, please contact your senators and representatives today and ask them to urge USFWS to put a halt to the plan to eradicate the Sheldon Range wild horses until the proper environmental studies have been conducted, and until the safety of any captured horses can be ensured! Take Action Now!

It is urgent that both Congress and the Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service hear from you immediately! Thank you for your support on this issue.

ASPCA Advocacy Alerts

LOUISIANA: COCKFIGHTING LEGISLATION FAILS
SB 652, legislation that would prohibit the cruel and barbaric bloodsport of cockfighting, failed to be reported favorably out of the House Agriculture Committee last week. Although the bill made history by passing favorably out of two Senate Committees and achieving victory and successful passage on the floor of the Senate, the bill was deferred in the House Agriculture Committee by a vote of 9 to 4.

CONNECTICUT: LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM ESTABLISHED!
Wonderful news! Last Friday, June 2, Governor Rell signed HB 5795, legislation that will help both people and animals. Connecticut residents, please thank the Governor today.

NEW YORK: URGE SENATE TO PASS “TAX CHECK-OFF” TO FUND LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER
New York residents, please urge the Senate to pass A.3651-A/S.8070. This legislation will infuse much-needed funding into the Animal Population Control Program, which provides low-cost spay/neuter services to New York pet owners.

Governor Blagojevich Signs 3 Bills Spearheaded by the ASPCA

Wonderful news! Governor Blagojevich has signed three public safety measures into law aimed at protecting the public from all breeds of vicious and dangerous dogs. HB 2946 will prevent convicted felons from owning unsterilized dogs. Studies have shown that unneutered and unspayed dogs are involved in the majority of severe bite cases. HB 4711 increases penalties for dog fighting. HB 4238 increases penalties for owners of vicious and dangerous dogs who fail to comply with the restrictions imposed on those dogs.

Please click here to send a letter thanking Senator Don Harmon, Senator William Haine, Senator Iris Martinez, Representative Linda Chapa LaVia, Representative Jerry Mitchell, and Representative Mike Boland for rejecting canine profiling and sponsoring good breed neutral public safety legislation.

Related press release:

Illinois becomes first state in the nation to ban felons from owning or possessing unaltered dogs that could be used as weapons
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed new laws toughening the penalties for owners of vicious and dangerous dogs if their pets attack someone. The laws also include the nation’s first restrictions banning convicted drug dealers and violent offenders from using dogs as weapons, and increased penalties for dog fighting.

Read the rest of the press release...

North Carolina Residents: Help Prohibit Hog-Dog Rodeos!

SB 1554/HB 2098 amends the current dog fighting law by not only prohibiting the fighting of dogs versus dogs, but expands the law to prohibit dogs fighting any animal. This is important legislation as it will prohibit the cruel sport of "hog-dog rodeos." The bond provision of the dog fighting law, which requires defendants in dog fighting cases to pay for the costs and care of the dogs involved in the case, will also be expanded to cover the cost and care of all animals involved in fighting cases, not just dogs.

Please click here to contact members of the Senate Judiciary II Committee and House Agriculture Committee and ask them to support SB 1554/HB 2098.

California Residents: Help Chained Dogs!

This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and we need you to show your support for SB 1578 at a news conference to be held on Wednesday, May 24, at 10:00 A.M. in Sacramento on the State Capitol North Steps (facing L Street).

SB 1578, the Anti-Chaining Bill, would prohibit chaining or tethering a dog to a stationary object as a primary means of confinement. Research has shown that chained dogs are nearly three times as likely to bite as dogs who are not chained.

Speakers include the bill’s author, Senator Alan Lowenthal; co-author Assemblymember Paul Koretz; Sacramento City Animal Care Services Director Hector Cazares; and Barbara Hodges, DVM. A dog who was rescued off a chain will also attend with his caregiver.

Louisiana Residents: Urge Your Senator to Prohibit Cockfighting!

Great news! SB 652, prohibiting cockfighting, has passed out of both of its Senate committee assignment and was sent to the floor of the Senate for a vote. This vote is historical as this is the first time in 20 years that a bill prohibiting cockfighting has advanced to the Senate floor for a vote.

SB 652 will prohibit cockfighting as well as the acts of transporting fighting birds, organizing, promoting, conducting, and/or financially or materially supporting a cockfight.

Please contact your Senator today and ask him/her to do everything they can to protect the citizens of Louisiana by voting YES on SB 652 and prohibiting cockfighting!

Send a Message of Support to Governor Rendell

Last Friday, May 12, Pennsylvania's Governor Edward G. Rendell dismissed members of the Pennsylvania Dog Law Advisory Board in an initial step toward cracking down on the inhumane conditions at the state's commercial kennels known as puppy mills. Please click here to thank Governor Rendell for taking this important step—and for recognizing the need to transform this industry.

In the News
Philadelphia Inquirer: Rendell dismisses dog-law advisers
Members of the Pennsylvania Dog Law Advisory Board have received pink slips from Governor Rendell, in what he called the first step toward addressing inhumane conditions at the growing number of commercial dog breeding operations.

California Residents: Help Improve Pet Store Laws!

AB 2862 would strengthen existing law by setting specific standards of care, filling gaps in the law, and providing tools for improved enforcement of pet store laws. The standards set out in this legislation will result in better care for animals and improved consumer protection.

If passed, AB 2862 would:
- require that veterinary care be provided to cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, reptiles, and other animals who become sick or injured;
- set measurable standards for the cages in which pet store animals are housed;
- establish specific, reasonable sanitation measures to ensure the comfort of the animals and help protect against bacterial, fungal and viral illnesses; and
- require that pet store operators provide enrichment (toys, nest boxes, exercise wheels, etc.).

AB 2862 recently received passed out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee and now will move to the entire Assembly Floor for debate and approval. It is critical that your Assemblymember hear from you on this issue! Please click here to write to your Assemblymember and urge him/her to support this humane bill.

Louisiana Residents: Urge the Senate to Prohibit Cockfighting!

SB 652, prohibiting cockfighting, passed out of its first committee assignment but was recommitted to the Senate Agriculture Committee on the floor of the Senate by a vote of 21-16. SB 652 will prohibit cockfighting, as well as the acts of transporting fighting birds, organizing, promoting, conducting, and/or financially or materially supporting a cockfight.

Cockfighting has been identified by international health organizations as a major contributor of the spread of avian flu throughout large parts of Asia. It has been found that handlers of fighting birds have contracted “bird flu” from their infected birds and died. According to World Health Organization officials, infected fighting cocks have caused at least eight confirmed human cases of “bird flu” in the past 24 months, including the death of a 13-year-old Vietnamese boy who frequented cockfights and often held the birds before the bouts.

Please contact the Senate Agriculture Committee today and ask that they do everything they can to protect the citizens of Louisiana by voting YES on SB 652 and prohibiting cockfighting!

Iowa Residents: Help Protect Puppies!

HF 2797 would classify "canines from licensed facilities" as a farm product. The bill would also expand the definition of "agricultural production" to include "canines from licensed facilities." Puppies are not products to be farmed and auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Please call, email, and fax Governor Vilsack today and ask him to use his line item veto powers to protect man’s best friend.

http://www.governor.state.ia.us/comments/index.html

Protect Pets in Emergencies!

Urge Your Senators to Protect Pets in Emergencies! Support S. 2548.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, it has become overwhelmingly apparent that provisions need to be made for our trusted companions in major disaster and emergency situations. The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS) would amend a federal law called the Stafford Act. It would require the director of FEMA, in approving standards for state and local disaster preparedness plans, to ensure that the plans take into account the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals. The bill would also allow the director of FEMA to make financial contributions to state and local authorities for animal emergency preparedness purposes, including establishing shelters to accommodate people with pets and service animals.

Many Katrina evacuees and disaster victims were forced to leave their pets behind when they evacuated their homes, because no provisions had been made to evacuate companion animals along with their families. The emotional trauma of those forced to leave their pets behind and the suffering of tens of thousands of animals was compounded by the health and safety risks that resulted from so many abandoned animals in one area. Conversely, many pet owners, knowing their companion animals could not accompany them, chose to stay in their homes with their pets, further complicating human rescue efforts. The PETS bill would help ensure that this situation does not repeat itself if another major disaster strikes!

Take action now! Write to your senators and urge them to support and cosponsor S. 2548!