Activism & Opinions
by Ollie Davidson
Here are a couple activism opportunities that Tree House feels strongly about. Please take a moment to read over these bills and help urge congress to pass these important measures for companion animal safety. There will undoubtedly be more legislation proposed in the future, so please keep on eye on this site for more information as it comes. Also, if you know of a bill or measure that you are passionate about, please let us know so we can include it. You can email us at programs@treehouseanimals.org.
Here are a couple activism opportunities that Tree House feels strongly about. Please take a moment to read over these bills and help urge congress to pass these important measures for companion animal safety. There will undoubtedly be more legislation proposed in the future, so please keep on eye on this site for more information as it comes. Also, if you know of a bill or measure that you are passionate about, please let us know so we can include it. You can email us at programs@treehouseanimals.org.
HR 137/S 261
(The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007)
HR 137/S 261 has been introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. The Act seeks to increase the penalties for cockfighting and dog fighting. Similar bills introduced in 2006 were never voted on, so they died when Congress recessed for the year.
The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act would properly penalize and hopefully deter people from engaging in these brutal “blood sports.” Dogs used in dog fighting often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion and infection. Some trainers train their dogs to fight using smaller animals, such as cats, rabbits or smaller dogs as bait. The presence of animal fighting in communities has been known to lead to other crimes, such as illegal gambling, carrying of illegal weapons and drug sales.
Please sign this ASPCA web-letter, which will be sent to your senators and representative urging them to support the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007.
Please sign this ASPCA web-letter, which will be sent to your senators and representative urging them to support the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007.
Illinois: HB 9
Lets Judges Protect Pets in Domestic Violence Disputes
Update 2/08/07: HB 9 passed the Judiciary-Criminal Law committee and now goes to the Floor for a vote.
HB 9 specifically allows a judge to include animals in an order of protection. Like children, pets are often used as pawns in domestic violence. Without provisions to adequately protect their pets, victims of interpersonal violence may feel compelled to remain in abusive situations. This bill provides that if a judge finds reason to include a companion animal in the order of protection, the petitioner is given exclusive custody, care and control over the animal. The judge can order the respondent to stay away from the animal and forbid the respondent to take, transfer, encumber, conceal, harm or otherwise dispose of the animal.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Activism Opportunities
