Dear Readers,
Do you know how when your cat kept trying to sleep on your head at night and you kept gently removing him and trying to persuade him to sleep on the nice fluffy pillow at the bottom of the bed?
And the upshot is that he’s been sleeping on your head for years now?
Or when you give your dog just one treat and tell her no more but she keeps staring at you with those wistful pleading, even melancholy eyes?
And now she’s a wee bit chunky?
Our point is this. Persistence pays off.
Where it really pays off is when you, as animal advocates make your voice heard about local and federal legislation that either benefits or harms animals.
We saw that with the important animal protections built into the Omnibus Budget Act passed in December of 2015 and signed into law by President Obama.
The budget act contained a number of important animal welfare provisions.
It continues to prevent the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from using taxpayer dollars to inspect horse slaughter facilities.
That has the effect of prohibiting such facilities in the United States in the coming fiscal year.
The federal budget act also requires the USDA to improve animal welfare policies at federally-run agricultural facilities including the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) – a Nebraska facility where animals were subjected to abusive research to help meat producers find more effective and cheaper ways to produce meat and make money.
Other included measures help protect wild horses from slaughter and ensure proper oversight and enforcement of laws cracking down on puppy mills.
In New York, a bill was introduced last year by Assemblyman Bill Magee and Senator Patty Ritchie that requires the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services to provide training and educational materials on animal cruelty laws for police and district attorneys.
It was passed unanimously by both houses of the Legislature.
A coalition including the New York State Humane Association, the NYS Farm Bureau, HSUS, and representatives from law enforcement, joined together to help raise awareness and promote passage of this very critical measure.
Kudos to our very own Senator Ritchie!
There is, of course, a lot more to be done.
But we hope that you agree with us that it can be done and we can do it!
We will continue to let yon now about upcoming legislation and ask for your support.
In fact, just recently our own Representative John Katko introduced the HEART Act, legislation intended to help abused animals seized by federal authorities in animal cruelty prosecutions.
If he is your Congressman, let him, know how much you appreciate his efforts.
If not, contact your own federal congressional representative and let him or her know how important this bill is to you.
Let’s keep moving forward.
But it can’t be all work and no play!
Come to the Fools for Fur Balls Party on April 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Bridie Manor, 1 Bridie Square, Oswego.
Music, snacks, contests, prizes, cash bar.
Admission $20.
A benefit for the fur balls of the Humane Society.
The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County.
Located at 110 W. Second St., Oswego, NY.
Phone: (315) 207-1070.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oswegohumane.org
Because People and Pets Are Good for Each Other.
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