On Monday, January 28, animal advocates from Seattle and beyond assembled at the state capital to show their support of animal protection legislation as they met with lawmakers to urge them to pass animal protection bills.
Every year, Washington Humane Lobby Day provides an opportunity for animal advocates to meet directly with elected officials about legislation that will directly impact the lives of animals.
Kevin O’Neill, state director of ASPCA Government Relations of the Western region, discussed this important day.
"Washington's Humane Lobby Day came at such a critical time in this year's legislative process, with committees scheduled to hear testimony on important issues like banning roadside sales of animals, strengthening animal cruelty laws, and protecting wolves in the days immediately following the gathering.”
Humane Lobby Day attendees discussed the following bills:
- Bill to ban the routine docking of dairy cows’ tails.
- HB 1186/SB 5102 – Guarantees veterinarians criminal and civil immunity for reporting suspected animal cruelty.HB 1201/SB 5203 - Prohibits selling, bartering, or auctioning of animals upon certain public property or upon certain private property open to the public.
- HB 1201/SB 5203 - Prohibits selling, bartering, or auctioning of animals upon certain public property or upon certain private property open to the public.
- HB 1202/SB 5204 - Modifies animal cruelty provisions relating to the crimes of animal cruelty in the first and second degree, animal fighting, and leaving and/or confining an animal in a motor vehicle or certain enclosed spaces.
- SB 5081 – Strengthens state ban on shark fins and derivative products.
Also on the docket for 2013 were legislative efforts to restrict inhumane dog tethering and working to ensure the protection of Washington’s wolves and cougars.
"We were thrilled to have about 50 attendees take time out of their busy schedules to make the trip to Olympia to learn how to be effective citizen lobbyists and hear presentations on important legislative efforts like establishing a spay/neuter fund, banning the cruel practice of tail docking and enhancing protections against animal cruelty," stated O'Neill.
"The reports we got back from these citizen lobbyists from their meetings with legislators and their staff were very encouraging.
It is clear that animal welfare issues continue to be important to so many people and that legislators are taking note."
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org.
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