Recently the Humane society released a survey that showed West Virginia ranked at the bottom of the heap on laws that protect animals. It seems a daily occurrence that we hear on the news about mistreated horses being seized or neglected dogs and cats.
I spoke with Summer Wyatt. Summer is HSUS's West Virginia State Director, responsible for all legislative and lobbying activities in the state. She is also a former Miss West Virginia, winning that beauty pageant in 2007 and competing in the 2008 Miss America Pageant.
When asked what laws West Virginia needs to put to paper she had this to say:
‘Laws which are needed in WV concerning animals include regulation of exotic animals as pets, regulation of large scale dog breeding facilities (puppy mills), creation of a funding mechanism for spaying and neutering of animals so as to decrease the overpopulation of dogs and cats entering and being euthanized in animal shelters, & the creation of rules and regulations for counties concerning animal control officers, their jurisdiction, and ability to assist with seizure of abused animals and prosecution of those found to be neglecting and abusing animals.’
West Virginia shelters are full and had many of Summers suggested laws all ready been put to paper imagine how many lives could have been saved.
It seems that West Virginia’s biggest problem with seizures comes from horse owners. Horses are expensive to keep and all too often we read horses are seized due to neglect or abuse throughout the state. Back in August seven horses were seized from my home town of Clay. The horses were left in a field without water and food. There is a happy ending for those horses for they were adopted and now have good homes. Sadly some horses aren’t so lucky. Many horses end up in horse rescues that often do not have the horse’s best interests at heart.
If you are considering raising horses please take the time to ensure you can afford to feed them properly especially throughout the cold winter months.
When asked about the laws West Virginia has on the books to protect animal rights Summer shared this:
‘I believe WV has some good “foundation” laws which we can build upon to create more protection for animals. Most of this work to change laws is useless without education of animal owners and law enforcement on the proper care of animals and how our state’s laws can be used to prosecute animal abusers. We as animal lovers need to educate people, report abuse, and do as much as we can to help animals. I would like to see training on animal law and correct animal care for law enforcement and animal control officers be mandatory or at least encouraged throughout WV as well.’
I agree with Summer 100% animal owners need to be educated especially in the care and costs of the pets they call their own. Reporting abuse is so important so remember if you believe an animal is being neglected or abused call your local animal control or Humane Society that phone call could save an animals life.
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