New Mexico Bans Gas Chambers for Animals!

Gas chambers cause horrific, painful and slow deaths.  They are used for the convenience of animal control workers, with no compassion for the animals.  They are often terrified and crammed into the chamber with other terrified animals.  Those animals scratch, fight, and try to claw their way out of this "death box".  They vomit, defecate and urinate on themselves and the other animals in there with them. If we were a no kill nation, this wouldn't be happening, ever.  For more on the concept of no kill, please click here .  Click here to read a first hand account of killing animals in a gas chamber-the language may be considered graphic by some.


H.B. 265, a bill introduced by Rep. W. Ken Martinez, which previously passed the New Mexico House of Representatives by a vote of 62-3, has now been approved unanimously by the state Senate with a vote of 38-0.  The bill would ban use of gas chambers to euthanize dogs and cats. Currently, four localities, Portales, Tucumcari, Jal and Clovis use gas chambers. All other shelters use lethal injection.  The bill now goes to the House again for approval of Senate amendments which basically clarified that a supervising veterinarian is not required to be on the premises for a euthanasia and a euthanasia instructor need not be certified. 

There is similar bill to ban the usage of gas chambers in Georgia.

To read the text of the bill in Georgia, click here.



The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a ban on the use of gas chambers by public animal shelters. An amendment would limit the ban to apply only to new gas chambers, allowing use of existing chambers to continue.  I guess it's a start...
Click here to read the text of the bill.


Only thirteen states currently ban the use of carbon monoxide to euthanize animals, according to the Humane Society of the United States. 


Sources:
http://www.animallawcoalition.com/gas-chambers/article/710

http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=sb501%20intr.htm&yr=2009&sesstype=RS&i=501

http://alleycatrescue.blogspot.com/2009/03/more-states-to-vote-on-bills-to-stop.html

Obama permanently bans slaughter of sick, diseased cows (so you don't eat them!)

The government on Saturday permanently banned the slaughter of cows too sick or weak to stand on their own, seeking to further minimize the chance that mad cow disease could enter the food supply.

The Agriculture Department proposed the ban last year after the biggest beef recall in U.S. history. The recall involved a Chino, Calif., slaughterhouse and "downer" cows. The Obama administration finalized the ban on Saturday.

"As part of our commitment to public health, our Agriculture Department is closing a loophole in the system to ensure that diseased cows don't find their way into the food supply," President Barack Obama said in his weekly radio and video address.

Obama called the country's food inspection system "a hazard to public health," citing outbreaks of deadlyfood poisoning in peanuts this year, peppers and possibly tomatoes last year and spinach in 2006.

There have been three confirmed cases of BSE in the United states, in a Canadian-born cow in 2003 in Washington state, in 2005 in Texas and in 2006 in Alabama. The Bush administration in 2006 dramatically scaled back testing for mad cow disease.


I am so glad to see this! I haven't eaten chicken since 2003 and I haven't eaten any other meat since I was 12! I tend to look down on people who still eat meat. It has to be known by now that these animals are abused until they die horrific deaths. If you can know that information and think that because you aren't actually killing the animal that you are not causing their deaths, you are in denial. I am so happy that some animal is finally getting the protection that they *all* deserve! This is an awesome first step!

Know how to Lobby for animals?

Lobbying Tips Workshop to be held in Springfield, Mo.

On Saturday, January 17, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation will be holding a Lobbying Tips Seminar in Springfield, Mo.

Get tips on how to lobby in the state legislature, learn more about the Alliance's legislative agenda for 2009, sign up to participate in Lobby Day in Jefferson City, and learn about upcoming Alliance events in Springfield!

The event will be held
in Meeting Room B, noon to 1:30 p.m., Main Library Center, 4653 South Campbell, Springfield, Missouri 65810. Phone: (417) 882-0714.

This event will be hosted by the Alliance's Springfield coordinator, Kris Hegle.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact the Alliance at mail@maal.org or Kris Hegle at kahegle@aol.com.

Proposition 2 Passes in California!

The agribusiness industry spent $9 million in California to discourage and scare voters. Prop 2 passed by wide margins not just in the urban centers, but in 46 out of 58 counties—including solid majorities in rural counties with a large agricultural presence. Proposition 2, passed with 63.1%, or 6,592,694 votes, but doesn't take effect until 2015.


The measure bans confining crates and cages for hens, pregnant pigs and veal calves that don't allow the animals to turn around, lie down and extend their limbs. According to Daniel Sumner, from the UC Davis Agricultural Issues Center, "There is no reason to expect any significant change in the price of any eggs. That applies to eggs from cage-free hens too."


Egg farmers said it would be too costly to retrofit their farms. Sumner, a professor of agricultural economics, agrees. This confuses me since he also said, "There is no reason to expect any significant change in the price of any eggs". I guess we will see. I am willing to pay extra, I already spend three times as much to buy cage free eggs, what is another dollar to ensure that animals are being treated humanely. Violation of the law would result in a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, by imprisonment in the county jail of up to 180 days, or both imprisonment and fine.

The prohibition would not apply during scientific or agricultural research, veterinary testing and treatment, exhibitions, transportation or slaughter. It would also not apply to pregnant pigs during the seven-day period before the expected date of giving birth.

Source: latimes.com, Humane Society Legislative Fund, League of Women Voters of California

Pet Photograhy in St. Louis 11.15

On Saturday, November 15 the Alliance will be hosting a private photo shoot with professional photographer, Marian Brickner.

Ms. Brickner recently photographed puppy mill survivor stories for our "Misery in Missouri" exhibit. These stories will be featured on their web page and in upcoming marketing materials.

Supporters are invited to have their pet photos taken beginning at 8:30 AM at the Alliance office (5340 Delmar, 63112). Appointments are necessary and can be scheduled by calling the Alliance office at 314.361.3944.

Each photography session will be $30 and will last approximately 15 minutes. Each session includes one 5 x 7 photograph. Half of all proceeds goes to the Alliance. Disc with additional poses will be available for purchase.

Click here for a map and directions

Federal Puppy Mill Bill Introduced!!

Legislation Seeks to Close Loophole in Animal Welfare Act that Allows Internet Breeders to Sell Puppies without Federal Oversight

WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund commend federal lawmakers for introducing bills that will crack down on abusive "puppy mills" in the United States — where breeding dogs are often stacked in wire cages for years to produce litter after litter. The legislation will close a loophole in the Animal Welfare Act that currently allows large, commercial breeders who sell puppies online and directly to the public to escape licensing and regulation.

The legislation — known as the "Puppy Uniform Protection Statute" (PUPS), or "Baby's Bill" in honor of rescued puppy mill survivor Baby who is the subject of Jana Kohl's new book A Rare Breed of Love — was introduced in the House of Representatives yesterday as H.R. 6949 by Reps. Sam Farr (D-Calif.), Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.), Lois Capps (D-Calif.) and Terry Everett (R-Ala.). A companion bill, S. 3519, was also introduced in the Senate by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.).

The bills also require that dogs used for breeding be removed from their cages for exercise every day. Female breeding dogs in puppy mills are typically forced to live their entire lives in small cages with no opportunity for exercise, no socialization, and little human interaction.

"Dogs are not livestock, and they shouldn't be treated like a cash crop," said Michael Markarian, executive vice president of The Humane Society of the United States and president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. "We are grateful to federal lawmakers for introducing this legislation to curb the worst abuses in the puppy mill industry. It's a much-needed upgrade to our nation's laws that protect man's best friend from cruelty and harm."

Facilities that breed dogs for commercial resale through pet stores are required to be licensed and inspected under the federal Animal Welfare Act. But thanks to a gaping exception in the law, puppy mills that sell directly to the public are exempt from any federal oversight whatsoever. Unregulated Internet sellers and other direct sales facilities sell thousands of puppies a year to unsuspecting consumers. Due to improper care, their puppies are often sick, leaving outraged consumers with frail, sometimes dying puppies and high vet bills. Meanwhile, the breeding dogs at these facilities often spend their entire lives in constant confinement and deprivation.

"Sadly, finding your puppy online may well increase the chance that you'll be buying from a puppy mill," said Sen. Durbin. "Our bill simply requires that breeders obtain a license from the USDA if they raise more than 50 dogs in a 12-month period and sell directly to the public and sets forth reasonable standards of care for commercial breeders. Responsible dog breeders are not the target of this legislation, but hopefully it will put the puppy mills out of business."

"My work supporting puppy mill regulation goes back to my time in the California Assembly where I championed California's puppy mill law," Rep. Farr said. "I think it's very important that Congress take the time to address issues like animal welfare. These are the kinds of issues that really demonstrate who we are as a society."

"I'm proud to join with Congressman Farr and representatives of The Humane Society of the United States today as we continue our efforts to ensure that commercial dog breeders are appropriately regulated," added Rep. Gerlach. "Our bill, the PUPS Act, will close a loophole in current law that allows large breeding operations avoid any and all oversight. I am confident that this bill will not hinder the operation of reputable and responsible breeders. Instead, it is aimed at protecting dogs and making individuals who are motivated by profit over the fair and humane treatment of dogs accountable for their actions."

The legislation will close the loophole in the AWA that allows thousands of commercial breeders to go unregulated. It will require the following changes to the AWA:

* All dog breeders who sell more than 50 puppies per year directly to the public will be federally licensed and inspected; and
* Dogs at commercial breeding facilities must be given the opportunity to exercise for 60 minutes a day.
* The bill will not affect small breeders and hobby breeders who sell fewer than 50 dogs per year directly to the public, but is crafted to cover only the largest commercial breeding facilities.

Public concern about the inhumane conditions typical in puppy mills is at an all-time high, due to coverage on national television and several large-scale cruelty investigations and rescues from puppy mills this summer that The HSUS and local shelters spearheaded. Earlier this year, the Farm Bill passed by Congress included a new provision to ban the importation of puppies under six months old from puppy mills in China, Russia, Mexico and other foreign countries

Sign petition for humane treatment of poultry. I did!

Since the 1950s, federal law has required that all livestock be rendered "insensible to pain" before slaughter. Seems like such a modest requirement reflecting our society's belief that animals should not suffer unnecessarily, right? Yet this most basic requirement does not extend to more than 95 percent of the farm animals slaughtered for food in this country - 9 billion a year - simply because the law does not explicitly mention poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other birds).

Poultry deserve the same basic protections that cows, pigs, lambs, and other livestock have. Join thousands of Americans in urging Congress to amend the law by signing the petition here.

Click here for more information.

Illinois: Let Animal Rescuers Do Their Jobs Without Fear

IL HB 5076—Good Samaritan Bill
Sponsor(s): Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, Senator John Cullerton
ASPCA Position: Support
Action Needed: Please email the letter below to your senator in the Illinois State General Assembly.

Update, 4/03/08—Good news: the Good Samaritan Bill has passed the Illinois House unanimously! It now moves to the Senate for consideration, so please use the letter below to email your state senator.

Update, 3/06/08—HB 5076 has made it out of committee and now goes to the House Floor for a vote. Please don't wait—email your representative today!

Illinois House Bill 5076 contains “Good Samaritan” provisions for individuals who rescue or provide care for injured animals in emergencies or disasters. The bill also clarifies the statute of limitations for violations of the Humane Care for Animals Act.

The need for legislation like HB 5076 was seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and 18 states already have Good Samaritan provisions that protect individuals who rescue or help animals during emergencies or disasters. The Land of Lincoln should encourage these generous actions by protecting animal rescuers from lawsuits.

Please personalize and send the email below to your senator, requesting a favorable vote on HB 5076.

Click here to be taken to the ASPCA site to send your email.

Missouri, Say Yes to Senate Crackdown on Dog Fighting

Missouri, Say Yes to Senate Crackdown on Dog Fighting

SB 819—Increases Penalties for Dog Fighting
Sponsor(s): Senator Scott Rupp
ASPCA Position: Support
Action Needed: Call your Missouri state senator TODAY to urge support for this bill.

SB 819 would give the Show Me State stiffer laws against dog fighting. The bill would add dog fighting to the list of offenses that are subject to the Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act. It would increase the penalty for being a spectator at a dog fighting event, and allow law enforcement officers making a lawful seizure to take possession of dogs and property used in the violation.

The bill has passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and has been placed on the Senate calendar. Although there is strong bipartisan support for this bill in both chambers of the Missouri General Assembly, a group called the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners has been actively working to defeat the bill.

Time is running out to pass this important piece of animal welfare legislation. Please call your state senator as soon as you can to urge support for SB 819. You can look up your senator’s phone number here (make sure you call your state senator in the Missouri General Assembly, not your federal senator in the U.S. Congress). When you call, please remember to thank your legislator for taking your views into consideration.

In addition, please take a moment to add your comments to the following letter of support and submit it to your state senator. It is very important that you personalize the letter so it will stand out.

(Sponsor) Senator Scott Rupp
State Capitol Building
Room 426
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
(573) 751-1282
FAX: (573) 526-4766

Click here to be taken to the ASPCA site to send your email.

Prevent Inhumane Euthanasia in Maryland (they currently cannot sedate animals prior to euthanasia!!)

While Maryland animal shelters do have access to drugs used to euthanize animals, they currently are unable to obtain drugs needed to sedate animals prior to euthanasia. This is critical to prevent suffering during the euthanasia process.

Fortunately, legislation (H.B. 1481) has been introduced that will allow animal shelters access to drugs used to sedate animals prior to euthanasia. H.B. 1481 has just passed the House and now must make its way through the Senate before the session ends.
More...

South Carolina: Protect Dogs From Cruel Chaining and Tethering

Dogs who are kept chained in one spot for long periods of time suffers immense psychological damage, and can become neurotic, unhappy, anxious, and often very aggressive. In many cases, the necks of chained dogs become rubbed raw and covered with sores, the result of improperly fitted collars and the dogs' constant yanking and straining in desperate attempts to escape confinement.

You can help change this. New legislation (S.B. 833) has been introduced that will place restrictions on the tethering of dogs in South Carolina.

TAKE ACTION:
Please make a brief, polite phone call your state senator and ask him or her to support this legislation. Click here to look up your state senator and the phone number.

After you make your call, fill in and submit the form at the right to automatically send a follow-up email to your legislator. Remember to personalize the email message by expressing your opinion in your own words; it's much more effective.

Click here to go to a page to send an email

Alaska: Support Felony Penalties for Animal Cruelty

Alaska is one of just seven states in the entire country with no felony-level penalties for the most egregious acts of intentional animal cruelty, such as burning, poisoning, and torture.

Legislation (S.B. 273) has been introduced in the Alaska Senate to make it a felony to torture or poison an animal. This bill also increases the penalties for being a spectator at an animal fight. Stronger animal cruelty laws are essential to protect animals and our communities. It is critical that legislators hear from their constituents who support this bill!

TAKE ACTION
Please make a brief, polite call to your state senator and urge support for S.B. 273 to strengthen Alaska's animal cruelty law. Click here to look up your state senator and the phone number.

After you make your phone call, fill out and submit the form on the right to automatically send an email to your senator. Remember to personalize the text below so that your message will stand out and have a greater impact.

Help protect pets and shelter animals from being used in research (in Michigan only)

Michigan is considering a bill that would strictly regulate how cats and dogs used for research are obtained.

Under current Michigan law, research facilities and Class B dealers are allowed to obtain cats and dogs from animal shelters. Class B dealers are brokers licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture who obtain animals from “random sources,” such as backyards, auctions, flea markets and animal shelters, and resell them to research facilities.

People bring stray animals to a shelter in the hope of reuniting the pet with its family, and report animal cruelty in the hope that the animal will be rescued and safely sheltered. When an animal shelter sells a cat or dog for research, it is a betrayal of public trust.

Introduced by Rep. Coleman A. Young II (D-District 4), House Bill 5263 would amend sections of the Michigan Dog Law of 1919 to regulate the purchase and sale of random source cats and dogs. The bill prohibits any person, including Class B dealers, research facilities and “bunchers” (unlicensed individuals who collect and sell random source animals), from purchasing, acquiring, selling or making available a random source cat or dog for research or experimentation. The bill specifically eliminates Michigan’s animal control, animal protection shelters, and public animal auctions from releasing a dog or cat for research or experimentation.

The bill will not inhibit medical research, as research facilities will still be able to obtain cats and dogs from licensed dealers or breeders who breed animals for research. However, it is an important step in protecting companion animals and homeless or abused shelter animals by establishing safeguards on how research animals are obtained.

Despite advances that have reduced the use of animals for research, many research facilities continue to conduct experiments and test products on animals. American Humane opposes the surrender of animals by animal shelters and animal control agencies to labs, science and research facilities, or pharmaceutical and educational institutions. All animals in the possession of a shelter or animal control agency should be returned to their rightful owners, placed in suitable homes or humanely euthanized.

Please support this important initiative by contacting your representative!

This action alert is for residents of the following states only: Michigan

Support Massachusetts’ Anti-Breed-Specific Legislation!

Breed-specific legislation (BSL) generally refers to any type of regulation, legislation or municipal ordinance that designates certain dog breed types as dangerous or illegal. Breed-specific legislation is designed to restrict or regulate the ownership of certain breeds of dogs.

Many states, counties and municipal governments look to BSL as an answer to reduce dog attacks. Some states, such as Ohio, classify certain breeds as inherently dangerous in their state codes. The statutes often place severe restrictions on dog owners of a particular breed or ban the breed outright.

However, studies have shown that it is not the breeds themselves that are dangerous, but situations that are creating dangerous dogs. Dogs that have attacked or bitten humans generally are:

• Dogs that have been obtained for negative functions, such as fighting or guarding
• Dogs that owners have failed to humanely care for, control and properly train
• Dogs that are left unsupervised with children
• Dogs that have not been spayed/neutered

Instead of unfairly penalizing a specific breed, this bill:

• Affirmatively states that any dog, regardless of breed or type, may be classified as a dangerous dog
• Establishes clear guidelines for when dogs are classified as “dangerous” based on quantifiable past actions
• Creates clear exemptions for dogs who attack a person in response to a willful trespass or other injury, have been teased, tormented or abused by a person, or have responded to a person committing or attempting to commit a crime
• Provides a system for a potentially dangerous dog to have the designation removed

Please join American Humane in supporting this important bill by contacting your representative and senators!

This action alert is for residents of the following states only: Massachusetts

Ban Unfair Insurance Practices Targeting Certain Dog Breeds in Illinois

Insurance companies have been re-evaluating their coverage for homeowners who have dogs such as “pit bulls,” rottweilers, German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, Akitas and chow chows.

One-third of all liability claims against homeowners are dog-bite-related, and insurers claim dog bites cost them $351.4 million in 2006. Consequently, some insurance companies are declining, terminating or limiting the amount or type of insurance coverage a property owner can have, as well as imposing increased premiums under a homeowner’s insurance policy based on the type or specific breed of dog living at the residence.

Insurance discrimination is another form of breed-specific legislation (BSL). BSL generally refers to legislation, regulations or municipal ordinances that restrict the ownership of certain dog breeds, sometimes designating certain breeds as dangerous or illegal.

However, studies have shown that it is not the breeds themselves that are dangerous, but unfavorable situations that are creating dangerous dogs. Dogs that have attacked or bitten humans generally are:

• Dogs that have been obtained for negative functions such as fighting or guarding.
• Dogs that the owners have failed to humanely care for, control and properly train.
• Dogs that are left unsupervised with children.
• Dogs that have not been spayed or neutered.

The consequences of insurance discrimination are wide-ranging. Penalizing certain dog owners not only causes financial challenges for them, but also results in a greater number of dogs surrendered to shelters.

Assembly Bill 1279 would prevent insurance companies from unfairly discriminating against consumers based on the breed of dog at their residences. It stops insurance companies from declining, terminating or limiting the amount or type of insurance coverage a property owner can have if a certain breed lives on the property. The bill also prevents companies from imposing higher premiums under a homeowner’s insurance policy on the basis of the type or specific breed of dog living at the residence.

Please support this important bill along with American Humane by contacting your legislators!

Legislation to end the use of steel-jawed leghold traps on animals in the United States

Legislation to end the use of steel-jawed leghold traps on animals in the United States

Steel-jawed leghold traps are commonly used by commercial trappers in North America to “harvest” fur-bearing animals. Causing excruciating pain and suffering, the barbaric traps have been banned in 88 countries worldwide. The Inhumane Trapping Prevention Act will end the use of conventional steel-jawed leghold traps on animals in the United States.

H.R. 1691 - Sponsors: Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY), Representative Christopher Shays (R-CT)


Click here to contact your representatives

South Carolina considers chaining ban to protect dogs

A Senate panel is considering a bill that would fine dog owners and possibly send them to jail if they keep their pets chained outside for too long.

The bill currently says anyone tethering a dog to a stationary object for more than three hours could be fined up to $500 and sent to jail for up to 60 days. A third offense would be up to two years in prison and a $2,000 fine.

But the Senate committee is considering changing the bill to allow owners to chain dogs for up to eight hours. Senator John Hawkins is pushing for the bill. The Spartanburg Republican says Attorney General Henry McMaster should use existinganimal cruelty laws to crackdown on the practice until the bill passes.

Puppy Mill bill dies in House. WHY?

How is it that the state and national legislatures can be so caring of one thing which is fairly inconsequential and let another important bill die?

House Bill 3192 was created to put a stop to puppy mills in Oklahoma.

A puppy mill is considered a dirty, trashy place where one or several breeds of dogs are kept in deplorable conditions with little or no medical care that ensures puppies are always available.

The Humane Society of the United States considers a puppy mill a breeding facility that produces purebred puppies in large numbers with problems like overbreeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of human socialization, overcrowded cages and the killing of unwanted animals.

HB 3192 would have targeted breeders that raise dogs in these conditions.

The problem is that no one would second the motion, so it has been killed for the year.

Oklahoma has more than 600 breeders registered with the Department of Agriculture. The only state with more is Missouri.

This bill would ensured that breeding facilities are kept at an acceptable standard by having veterinarians grade them. If the facility did not pass inspection, the breeder would be unable to sell the animals.

Since 2000, more than 10 breeders have had their operations shut down. This is 10 out of 600. How many more puppy mill-like conditions exist in the 590 others?

The public cannot know until we have licensed inspectors to view them all. Meanwhile, state health inspectors have more important things to do than drive out to the ‘boonies’ to check them out.

Allowing veterinarians to be licensed and to do it would make it a more plausible idea.

Of course, they can only inspect registered dog breeders, and many breeders sell their animals to pet shops without having to show any sort of “clean bill of health.”

While there are problems with any bill introduced or law enacted, this one could have at least been given more of a chance to develop before being shot down.

The real problem I have with the legislature is that it is ready and willing to pass laws to allow Burns Hargis to become president early and move into his house months before he was supposed to — but a bill like this, which is meant to actually protect not only the animals in this state, but also the responsible breeders and owners who love them — is allowed to languish.

Is it really so important that Hargis takes office early?

I understand that it will allow him to weigh in on the budget, but to make something like that such a priority when those same legislatures don’t give a damn about the welfare of our animals is not only sad, but despicable.

I am in no way stating that the bill introduced to help elect Hargis is not useful or does not have the good of OSU at its heart, but surely people can see the fallacy shown by brushing off another important issue so easily.

Perhaps if animal rights supporters had more money to throw around, much like the way a college brings in revenue for the state, this would be a different story.

Unfortunately, those who support animal rights have more important things to spend money on than lobbying their legislature — like their animals.

H.R. 767 Passes House — feral cats will be KILLED! If passes in Senate may become law! Action Alert!

H.R. 767: Refuge Ecology Protection, Assistance, and Immediate Response Act

To protect, conserve, and restore native fish, wildlife, and their natural habitats at national wildlife refuges through cooperative, incentive-based grants to control, mitigate, and eradicate harmful nonnative species, and for other purposes.

We need to write, call or email our reps! (A bill must be passed by both the House and Senate and then be signed by the President before it becomes law.)
Click here to find your senator







Alley Cat Allies has sent a letter, also signed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Humane Society of the United States, urging Senator Barbara Boxer to oppose proposed bill H.R. 767. As we informed Senator Boxer, H.R. 767, officially titled the Refuge Ecology Protection, Assistance, and Immediate Response Act, seeks to eradicate “harmful nonnative species” in federal wildlife refuges and adjacent private lands. Although the word “cat” does not appear anywhere in the proposed bill, the broad definition of “harmful nonnative species” could leave hundreds of species open to target—cats among them. As a result, many wildlife and animal groups are concerned that this bill, if enacted, could lead to the wholesale slaughter of numerous species, subsidized by citizen tax dollars.

Senator Boxer is generally favorable to animal issues, and her office was apparently concerned to learn that this bill, which on its face does not seem to apply to cats, could have such a devastating impact on them. The witnesses who testified in support of H.R. 767 focused mainly on the negative impacts of invasive plants; there was virtually no mention of mammalian species, and none of cats.

Alley Cat Allies has spoken with Senate staff members, who report that the Committee on Environment and Public Works will take no action on this bill before the winter recess at the end of December. For now, we aren’t calling for any citizen action, but we will do so if the bill progresses any further.

Action Alert: Bill that will prevent BSL is scheduled for hearing in Missouri! Contact your state Senator today, as them to support this bill!!

SB886, a bill to prevent ordinances to restrict any specific breed, regardless of temperament of each specific dog within the breed, is set for a hearing in the Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Local Government committee.

The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 20 at 2:00 pm. The committee chairperson is Senator Griesheimer.

The Alliance supports this bill for the following reasons:

· Criminology studies show that it is the inhuman acts of human dog owners, as opposed to canine genetics, that are generally to blame for dog attacks. Almost any dog can be trained to be mean and aggressive. Almost any dog may be raised to be a gentle family pet.

· 84.4% of Pit Bull breeds pass a temperament test, compared to an average of 81.5% for all breeds of dog.

· Although the media currently hypes any story about "pit bulls" (even when another breed is actually involved), while ignoring the fact that most attacks are not by pit bulls.

· Throughout history, one breed after another has been unfairly scapegoated by popular myth. In the 19^th Century, it was the Bloodhound. During the 20^th Century, the Doberman, the German Shepherd, and the Rottweiler each had its turn as the focus of media hysteria.

· Denver, Colorado's BSL ordinance has lead to considerable hardship and sorrow for families who owned a dog that was believed to be from a banned breed. However, the ordinance has not protected the public from dog attacks. Identifying the lineage of certain mixed breed dogs has proven difficult and controversial. Protracted litigation has followed this issue for years.

· A more positive response to dog attacks is to develop a system of procedures for identifying and controlling individual dogs that have shown dangerous or aggressive tendencies. Cities and counties should be encouraged to focus on ways to protect the public from individual dogs that exhibit specific behaviors.