Washington Humane Lobby Day is an opportunity for animal advocates throughout the state to meet directly with elected officials about legislation that will impact the lives of animals.
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the Humane Society of the United States, and Wolf Haven International invite their members and supporters to participate in the Washington Humane Lobby Day in Olympia.
"Humane Lobby Days are a great forum for both veteran citizen-lobbyists with years of advocacy under their belts and rookie lobbyists looking to advocate for animals in Olympia for the first time to learn about the pressing matters currently under consideration by the Legislature," stated Kevin ONeill, state legislative director of ASPCA Government Relations for the western region.
"Lobby Days provide a user-friendly way to become familiar with critical animal welfare legislation and to effectively take that information straight to their representatives.
"Representatives take note when their constituents take the time out of their hectic schedules to visit them in the Capitol."
As animal advocates look forward to this year's Humane Lobby Day, ONeill reflects upon all that was accomplished during the 2012 session in Washington.
"The Washington Legislature considered and passed several animal welfare related bills in 2012, with wildlife management the major theme of most legislation," he stated.
"Bills to promote non-lethal beaver management, increase crimes for the trafficking and/or taking of protected bird species and the addition of penalties for harming or killing a police dog were all added to the Washington statutes in 2012."
ONeill manages the organization’s legislative efforts in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington State. He works closely with lawmakers, their staff, and other animal advocates to pass legislation that improve and strengthen animal welfare laws, while working to defeat policies that would lessen protections for animals.
The agenda for Humane Lobby Day 2013 continues to include important issues.
"On the docket for 2013 will be legislative efforts to restrict inhumane dog tethering, ending the cruel practice of tail-docking dairy cows, continuing work on creating a spay/neuter assistance fund and fighting to ensure the protection of Washington’s wolves and cougars," ONeill stated.
"I hope that we will effectively build on past successes by continuing to educate legislators about the importance of humane legislation and working to pass tethering regulations, ending tail docking and working to create the spay/neuter fund.
"I am also hopeful that we will be able to build on the good news out of Snohomish County and potentially take the recent ban on horse slaughter the county enacted and apply it statewide."
Would you like to be a part of this important day?
RSVP today to lend your voice for animals and make a difference in Washington!
Monday, January 28, 2013
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
210 11th Avenue Southwest
Olympia, WA 98504
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