Jen is headed to Tallahassee today for Humane Lobby Day in Florida. How fitting that they’re going on the birthday of the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals! Happy birthday ASPCA!
What issues are they addressing?
House Bill 851 would make it possible for a person accused of multiple animal cruelty acts to be charged with a separate offense for each act. It would also make animal fighting punishable under Florida’s anti-racketeering (RICO) law.
HB 1257 would require that puppy sellers, both in stores and on the internet, post the location of origin for that puppy. It also would ban the roadside sale of dogs and cats.
HB 1121, “The Community Cat Act,” protects caregivers of feral cat colonies as well as veterinarians who participate in TNR programs. This is of particular importance because of who opposes this law: The Florida Veterinary Medical Association, The Audubon Society, and PETA.
Another topic of interest that is not yet a bill is Greyhound Decoupling. In a nutshell, current laws require racetracks with card rooms to hold a certain number of dog races to retain the gambling privilege. A bill was allowed to die last year, but there is hope the issue will be taken up again this year. Greyhound racing is a financial loser, and this would certainly be a win-win for animal welfare advocates as well as the gambling industry.
Some people think that it’s only important to support animal rescues and shelters, but I believe that it’s also important to support legislation that impacts animals.
Do you know what legislation affecting animals is being discussed in your state legislature this year?
Dogpaddling Through Life 
Wishing you all the best for Humane Lobby Day. Sounds like some really good bills on the cards there. Here’s hoping they get passed and the lives of these animals can be improved substantially.
I hope so too!
Yay for Jen! Rumpy you look so concerned in that second photo. x
Puppy mills are no joke!
No, they are not! I meant it more that I wanted to kiss your furrowed brow because I hate to see you so worried.
Awwwww….. *blush*
Jen I so wish I could have joined you in Tally today…I wish you the best and thank you for speaking up for me
There’s plenty of other ways to get your voice heard. Call, write, or email your elected officials and let them know where you stand on these issues!
Good luck!
Thank you!
I agree with you – it’s important to try to improve things! Wishing you all the best today.
There is so much at stake for animals all over the country and IT’S ALL JUST COMMON SENSE AND HUMANITY!!!! When will people come to their senses! Thanks for advocating!
I am tired of all the anti animal legislations, this is a sad world we are living in. I am glad you and your human are on top of things. I always love reading up on your world. btw thanks for the fun Easter comment on my bloggy.
Have a great day! Thanks for what you do!
Good luck Jen! We all hate puppy mills because it is one of the main reason why poor animals are born….I agree with you to support legislation as it is the closest way to stop puppy mills.
Oh! By the way, Happy Birthday ASPCA!
I agree with you. If I can go to NY’s rally, I will.
Go Rumpy! Huge dog fighting bust yesterday. Rescued dogs. Men from all over charged. If it’s not one thing, it’s another.
Thanks for taking action and encouraging others to do the same – it does make a difference
You are so right Rumpy! Good luck to mom!
My neighbor rescued a racing greyhound. It should be outlawed, they do such awful things to these dogs!
Good Bills. I sure hope they go through.
Good work and safe travels!
Me too – I think it is important to lobby for legislation. I just don’t have your energy but thank god for people like you!
Most lobbying doesn’t happen in person. You can be just as effective by calling or emailing your elected officials.