Take Action for Animals

Animal Care Sanctuary participated in the Humane Society of the United States’ Take Action for Animals Conference in Washington D.C. in July.  This four day conference is the leading and largest national conference in the animal advocacy movement.   ACS was an exhibitor, attended the workshops and participated in Lobby Day on Capitol Hill.

Being an exhibitor at the event offered the opportunity to share our mission and network with leaders and advocates from across the country.  ACS offered literature on three animal welfare topics; Save a Paw Don’t Declaw promotes training your cat rather than subjecting them to the painful surgery of declawing.   Breaking the Chain educates people on the detrimental effects of tethering a dog.  Finally, we offered information on the many benefits of adopting a senior pet.  Knowledge is power!  Be an animal advocate by sharing these brochures with your community.  They are available for download on our website.

The workshops offered information on a variety of topics that provide current strategies on addressing pet population, increasing humane attitudes in children, combating factory farming, promoting compassionate consumerism, and animal advocacy at the state, local and federal levels.

After the workshops, we were well prepared for our day on Capitol Hill.  We met with our state Representatives and Senators on a number of animal welfare bills.  We are very pleased to announce the leadership shown by Pennsylvania Representatives Thomas Marino and Jim Gerlach.

Representative Marino introduced The Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act.  This bill will prohibit knowing attendance at animal fights and bringing minors to such events.  Since it is illegal in 49 states to be a knowing spectator at an animal fight, this bill will better align federal law with the states, and assist federal law enforcement in their complementary efforts with state and local officials to crack down on this abhorrent activity.

Representative Gerlach introduced the PUPS-Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act which would ensure more humane treatment of dogs by requiring all breeders who sell 50 or more dogs directly to the public or via the internet to be federally licensed and inspected by the USDA.

The other legislation that was on the table included the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act which would allow the tax-payers a $30 million savings by retiring the 500 federally owned chimpanzees who are no longer used for research to suitable sanctuaries.  This would not only save tax-payer dollars, but would allow these social animals to live together rather than being warehoused in individual cages in laboratories.

Finally, we discussed the Horse Transportation Act which would prohibit the use of double-deck trailers for interstate transport of horses for slaughter in Mexico and Canada.  Six states including PA, MA, NY, MD, RI, & VT have already banned their use.  Therefore, only a federal law can prevent this cruel means of transport.

If you are interested in becoming an advocate for animals, contact ACS for tips.