Important bills for the animals are going to be discussed today in the Washington legislature. According to the Washington Alliance For Humane Legislation, your support could help these bills become life-changing laws.
House Bill 1201 - 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.
HB 1201 is scheduled for the executive session in the House Committee on Judiciary at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 12.
Animal advocates are asking the House Judiciary Committee to vote this bill out of the Committee during its executive session.
House Bill 1202 - pertains to cruelty to animals in the second degree and provides modifying provisions.
HB 1201 is scheduled for the executive session in the House Committee on Judiciary at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 12.
Animal advocates are asking the House Judiciary Committee to vote this bill out of the Committee during its executive session.
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.
SB 5202 / HB 1229 was heard before the Senate & House Agriculture Committees last week.
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).
Animal advocates are hopeful for the executive session on February 12.
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.
House Bill 1186 / Senate Bill 5102 - pertains to veterinarian liability protections when reporting poetential animal cruelty. This bill passed the Senate last week and is headed for a second reading in the House.
House Bill 1010 - pertains to antifreeze and coolant storage and sale. The House Business & Financial Services Committee sent this bill to the House Rules Committee for a second reading.
Even if you cannot attend these hearings, your voice can still be heard. Call your representatives and tell them if you support these bills.
"It just can't be overstated enough to voice your opinion," stated Lindsey S., Pasado's Safe Haven Cruelty Investigator.
"Speaking up for the animals really can make a difference. This is a grassroots effort. The biggest force is the people - people just like you and me. Numbers matter. Our greatest strength is to be a strong unified base."
Washington Alliance for Humane Legislation has taken a lead role in preparing and advocating for passage of the Spay and Neuter Assistance Bill (HB 1229 / SB 5202), HB 1202 / SB 5204, and HB 1201 / SB 5203.
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.
Save Washington Pets is a registered trade name of Washington Alliance for Humane Legislation, a 504(c)(4) organization.
Updates to this story will be posted as they occur.
"Like" this column to help share it with others!
If you would like to continue to receive important information, features, and news related to pets in Seattle and beyond, please click the "Subscribe" icon located at the top of this column. It's free, convenient, and anonymous!
You can also find the Seattle Pets Examiner on Facebook!
Comments