A little language in a big bill can go a long way for animals. Some of the most meaningful victories for animals in Congress can stem from sometimes obscure pieces of legislation tucked into massive “must pass” bills, often with little fanfare.
Last week, the UC Santa Cruz community rose up in response to violent attacks on two of its own, and rightly so. Someone set fire to a porch and a car belonging to two faculty members who conduct animal research.
With all the bad news in the world, and all the crises facing people and animals, it’s especially important to celebrate the good news and honor the people who are using their time and talents to make a difference. A pair of stories struck me today as exemplifying kindness and the very best of the human spirit.
Although the House and Senate have both passed legislation by wide margins intended to stop the slaughter of horses for human consumption overseas, and state legislatures have banned horse slaughter and shuttered the remaining U.S.-based plants, American horses are still being exported to Canada and Mexico to be butchered for their meat. The transport distances are long and the slaughter methods are clumsy and harsh.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday signed 35 bills into law, and not lost among the flurry of action were two major pieces of animal protection legislation—strengthening the state laws regarding pet trusts and downed animals.
The fourth annual Taking Action for Animals conference wrapped up yesterday and was a huge success. Nearly 1,000 animal advocates gathered in Washington, D.C. for the nation’s premier animal advocacy event. You can watch my opening remarks here and see photos of the conference as well as post your own.
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Earlier this week, I wrote about several wildlife protection measures that are moving through Congress. I’m pleased to let you know that the House passed two of them in the last two days, sending the message that wild animals deserve to be shielded from the commercial industries that do them harm.
