Washington Humane Lobby Day is an opportunity for animal advocates to meet directly with elected officials about legislation that will directly impact the lives of animals.
On Monday, January 28, animal advocates from Seattle and beyond will assemble at the state capital to show their support of animal protection legislation as they meet with lawmakers to urge them to pass animal protection bills.
Humane Lobby Day is hosted by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and Wolf Haven International.
Humane Lobby Day attendees will urge their legislators to support 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 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 will be legislative efforts to restrict inhumane dog tethering and working to ensure the protection of Washington’s wolves and cougars.
"Shark Finning” involves slicing off a shark’s fins and discarding the animal at sea to drown or bleed to death.
Shark finning is an unsustainable practice; fishing methods such as this have led to population declines of up to 90 percent in some shark populations.
Banning shark fin products is the most effective way to eliminate the demand for shark fins and to eradicate shark finning around the world.
Kevin O’Neill, the state director of ASPCA Government Relations for the Western region, discussed the importance of HB 1186/SB 5102.
"While Washington does not have a mandatory abuse reporting law for veterinarians like other states, the immunity for vets provided for in HB 1186 and SB 5102 is a positive step towards ensuring that those professionals who are likely to encounter signs of animal abuse first can report that abuse without fear of reprisal,” O’Neill stated.
The ASPCA supports the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association in their pursuit of this policy.
"In the past weeks since the Washington Legislature has convened the 2013 session, we have witnessed a flurry of bill introductions - some good, some bad.
"HB 1201, for instance, is a positive measure that will ban the sale of live animals on public parking lots, roadways, swap meets, and a variety of other locations.
Animals sold in this manner are often found to be ill due to the unsanitary and unsafe conditions where they are kept. HB 1201 will have the dual impact of protecting animals from harm as well as consumers from purchasing a potentially sick companion animal.
The ASPCA looks forward to working with our animal advocate friends to pass this measure," O'Neill added.
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
About the Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, the HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.
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, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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