Today, HB 71, the Companion Animal Protection Act, was introduced in Florida. HB 71 would make it illegal for shelters to kill animals if there are empty cages or kennels, if animals can share a cage or kennel with another animal, if a foster home is available, if a rescue group is willing to take the animal, if an animal can be transferred to another shelter, if the animal can be sterilized and released, and more. Similar laws in other states save nearly 50,000 animals a year, have reduced killing statewide by 78%, have led to save rates of 94% and higher, and have cut millions of dollars in wasteful spending.
Such a law is not only necessary, reasonable and an effective means of saving lives, its passage would also bring Florida’s sheltering procedures more in line with the humane, progressive values of the American public. But I need your help in getting it passed.
The Florida Animal Control Association is run by people whose shelters, in the words of one, see their jobs as “herding” (and then killing) animals. In other words, a slaughterhouse. For shelter directors accustomed to operating their facilities with little to no oversight, no lifesaving expectations, and virtually unfettered discretion to avoid doing what is in the best interests of sheltered animals, laws like HB 71 are deeply threatening. And they will fight legislation that gives the animals a chance at life. Instead of ending up in landfills or turned into ash, these animals could be chasing balls, sleeping in the sun, curling up on laps, loving and being loved in return. If it is to have any chance at passing, we need a lot of people to demand it.
If you live in Florida, please contact your local legislator and ask them to cosponsor and support HB 71.
If you live outside of Florida, please share with those who do. You can also bring CAPA to your state.
Here is a copy of the model law: http://goo.gl/inpD68
Here is a free guide on how to get it introduced in your state: http://goo.gl/NRbCIQ
Photo: Orphaned animals should be fostered, not killed.
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