How Lobbying In Person Can Save Animals

If you wondering what you can do to save the most animals without an animal welfare background –I have your answer. Average citizens, like yourself, can play a big role in the lives of companion animals at this year’s Humane Lobby Day in Lansing on April 17^th, 2012 by speaking face-to-face with your elected officials.

Great laws don’t get passed because someone drafted up a law. Our law makers need to know you are an animal lover who is expecting change. They do keep track of letters, emails and phone calls (pro and opposed) to each introduced bill. They need to know you care.

No experience is required. We will give you a one page fact sheet on each pending bill. No worries, you may have other constituents with you. If not, you can always write down all their questions and someone else will follow up with them. The most important part is that you are there and are supporting these bills IN PERSON!

Taking a day off of work sends a big message – animal issues are a priority. You can plan on telling your senator and representatives why each of the following are so important:

1) The Puppy Protection Act (HB 5230 and 5231, SB 891 and 892)

These bills would regulate large-scale breeders to ensure that animals in their care receive proper treatment, including adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care. Currently, Michigan has no regulations in place on large-scale breeders. The Puppy Protection Act will ensure that these animals are treated humanely, crack down on irresponsible breeders, and prevent puppy mills – mass breeders who keep animals in deplorable, unimaginable conditions – from setting up shop here in Michigan.

2) Pet Lemon Law Act (SB 574)

This bill is also referred to as the Pet Warranty Law or Pet Consumer Protection Act. It will offer consumer protections for purchasers of dogs and cats.  People who purchase sick or diseased animals from pet shops, breeders or dealers would have specific recourse against the sellers offering options for the purchaser: returning the animal for a full refund or, replacement, if available or, recovery of veterinary expenses. Eighteen other states have Pet Lemon Laws in place.

3) Antifreeze Bill (SB 421)

This bill will prevent poisonings by bittering antifreeze. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that is attractive to animals and children, but less than a teaspoon can be fatal. The bill would require the addition of a bitter-tasting chemical to antifreeze to render it unpalatable. 15 states have now passed similar laws requiring the bittering of antifreeze, including Midwestern states like Wisconsin and Illinois.

4) Ending Gas Chambers (SB 423 and 424)
“Grant’s Bills” requires euthanasia by injection in animal shelters and by Class B dealers. No Michigan shelter pet is safe until this practice is banned. There is no excuse to gas animals—a more humane and less expensive euthanasia method is readily available. The vast majority of Michigan shelters already use the more humane method of euthanasia by injection. Nineteen states have passed laws prohibiting the gassing of shelter pets …most recently, Alabama. If they can do it, so can Michigan!

You can RSVP here