The ASPCA is looking for animal lovers, who would like to lobby for animals. If you are 18 or over, an American citizen, have a computer with an Internet connection, and about 15-30 minutes a week to volunteer, the ASPCA needs you. You can make a difference in animal cruelty laws on the state and federal level.
If you are interested in fighting animal cruelty, it takes only a moment to sign up here at the ASPCA website. At that point, you will be able to see all the state and federal legislation involving animal welfare from the ASPCA website, plus you will receive email alerts. You can lobby for animals by sending letters to your state representives. The ASPCA makes it easy by providing a pre-written letter for each issue on their website. In addition, they automatically enter in your state representive and personal information. As an option, you may personalize the message, and in a few clicks, it is automatically sent to the appropriate party.
As an added benefit, you will receive an education about the legal issues pertaining to animal welfare. I would recommend reading each letter, and forming your own opinion. You can make up your own mind, and pick and choose the issues that you care about the most. In other words, you are under no obligation to send a campaign letter on an issue that you do not feel strongly about, just because the ASPCA does. As an example, one bill I did not send a letter for is the bill that would ban the roadside sale of animals, HB 2485. Violators would face a Class 2 misdemeanor penalty for selling dogs along the roadside, excluding rescue groups, animal control and humane societies. I'm just kind of middle of the road on this, and don't necessarily want to take on this fight.
An example of a legislation that I do feel strongly about, is the Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act.
H.R. 891— Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act
Sponsor(s): Rep. James Moran (D-VA)
ASPCA Position: Support
Action Needed: Send a letter to your U.S. representative asking for support and co-sponsorship of the Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act.
The Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act, H.R. 891, is important legislation that will protect American consumers’ right to know exactly what they are buying.
If passed, the Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act would:
- Prohibit the sale of any apparel containing fur from raccoon dogs, members of the dog family native to China killed in large numbers for their fur. The definition of “dog” in current U.S. law, which already bans the sale of cat and dog fur, will be expanded to include raccoon dogs.
- Require that all apparel containing any quantity of fur is accurately labeled, regardless of the fur’s monetary value.
Current law requires that fur garments be labeled with the name of the species used, the manufacturer and country of origin. However, there is a big loophole in the labeling law—products containing small quantities or values of fur can be made and sold without accurate labels. The Federal Trade Commission defines an item as having “a small value or quantity of fur” if the fur on that item is worth no more than $150. This unreasonably high figure allows products such as coats, sweaters, vests and accessories with fur trim to be sold without truthful labeling. Consumers may unknowingly purchase these products, believing the fur to be faux since it is not labeled.
In order to make informed purchases, consumers must know what they are buying! The Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act would protect this right, and also ban completely the sale of fur from raccoon dogs.
Contact your representative now and urge him or her to support and cosponsor H.R. 891!
Consider getting involved in the ASPCA letter writing campaigns, tell your friends and family, and help to make a difference in existing and upcoming laws that protect animals.
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