On Tuesday, February 12, the House Judiciary Committee discussed several bills that could have a direct impact on animals in Washington State.
The Washington House Judiciary Committee did not take action on House Bill 1201, but they did take action on House Bill 1202. House Bill 1229 is scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources on Thursday, February 14 at 1:30 PM.
House Bill 1201 / Senate Bill 5203 pertains to prohibiting the sale or auction of animals on public property and is an act relating to the prevention of animal cruelty; it adds a new section to chapter 16.52 RCW and prescribes penalties.
House Bill 1202 / Senate Bill 5204 pertains to animal cruelty in the second degree and provides modifying provisions.
House Bill 1229 / Senate Bill 5202 pertains to low-income owner assistance through companion animal safety, population control, and a spay and neuter assistance program.
Representative Roberts proposed a substitute bill for HB 1202 with significant changes to the proposed bill. The substitute bill was passed out of committee with a vote of 8 yeas and 5 nays.
The substitute animal cruelty bill has several distinct changes, including retaining a section on leaving animals in vehicles. It also adds "injury" and "food and water" to the 2nd degree animal cruelty statutes.
The substitute bill also changes the animal fighting statutes, making it apply to all species of animals.
House Bill 1229 / Senate Bill 5202 could significantly decrease the pet overpopulation problem in Washington State. Currently, 60-70,000 healthy pets are euthanized every year in Washington shelters. The spay and neuter bills could potentially save the lives of tens of thousands of Washington pets.
HB 1229 has received far-reaching support from animal advocates who support spay and neuter initiatives. In each hearing, the supporters (e.g., Washington Alliance for Humane Legislation, ASPCA, Spay to Save, PAWS, PAWS of Bainbridge Island and Northern Kitsap, Pasado's Safe Haven, and a least one testifying veterinarian) far exceeded the opponents (e.g., Pet Food Institute, Washington Retail Association, and the Northwest Grocery Association).
Updates to the legislative session will be posted as they occur.
If you would like to let your representatives know how you feel about these bills, the Washington Alliance for Humane Legislation advises the following:
If you Cannot Attend the Hearings
1. Identify your district and your senator/representatives, then call and/or email them to let them know you support these bills. Helpful Hint: to avoid forms, use the legislator email directory.
2. If your senator or representatives are on the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee or the Senate Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development Committee it is especially important that you submit a letter/email or come to the hearing (where that legislator is a member) to testify.
Questions? Contact Save Washington Pets at info@savewashingtonpets.org.
Your support could help ensure the passage of these bills that will advance and preserve the humane treatment of animals.
For more information from the Washington Alliance for Humane Legislation/Save Washington Pets, visit their website at www.savewashingtonpets.org.
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