Humane Legislation
We are very interested in humane education endeavors and legislation.
We work with AVRAL (Alabama Voters for Responsible Animal Legislation) and the
HSUS (Humane Shelter of the United States) on animal-related issues.
TAG's Legislative Concerns - 2015 Legislative Session
TAG’s Legislative Concerns - 2014 Legislative Session
NEWS REGARDING HB141
EVERYONE knows how important is it that this bill pass and protect the continued existence of the non profit s/n clinics. But there is a serious problem as we work to get this bill on the calendar- the following Senators,WHO VOTED YES ON THIS ISSUE IN 2012, have indicated that their position is now a big fat NO: Holley, Scofield, Beasley, Brewbaker, Bussman, Dial, Glover, Williams,(D). If you are in their district, please waste no time lighting them up with calls at the statehouse and in the district office if they have one. Be polite but let them know that the issue is of vital importance to you as a voter. MINDY GILBERT
EVERYONE knows how important is it that this bill pass and protect the continued existence of the non profit s/n clinics. But there is a serious problem as we work to get this bill on the calendar- the following Senators,WHO VOTED YES ON THIS ISSUE IN 2012, have indicated that their position is now a big fat NO: Holley, Scofield, Beasley, Brewbaker, Bussman, Dial, Glover, Williams,(D). If you are in their district, please waste no time lighting them up with calls at the statehouse and in the district office if they have one. Be polite but let them know that the issue is of vital importance to you as a voter. MINDY GILBERT
Excerpt from Rants and Raves
– Montgomery Advertiser:
Vet clinic bill meets important need:
RAVE: For passage of a bill in the House of Representatives that would allow veterinarians to work at nonprofit spay/neuter clinics in Alabama that aren’t owned by veterinarians. These clinics provide low-cost sterilization services that fill a critical need in a state with far too many unwanted dogs and cats. These clinics don’t handle the variety of other services offered in veterinarians’ offices, so they shouldn’t be seen as a threat to those care providers.
Getting animals spayed or neutered is essential to curbing the population of unwanted animals, but cost can be a barrier. The nonprofit clinics should be encouraged, not needlessly restricted.
See full article at: http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20140303/OPINION01/303030001/Rants-raves-Brooks-served-cause-justice-well
Vet clinic bill meets important need:
RAVE: For passage of a bill in the House of Representatives that would allow veterinarians to work at nonprofit spay/neuter clinics in Alabama that aren’t owned by veterinarians. These clinics provide low-cost sterilization services that fill a critical need in a state with far too many unwanted dogs and cats. These clinics don’t handle the variety of other services offered in veterinarians’ offices, so they shouldn’t be seen as a threat to those care providers.
Getting animals spayed or neutered is essential to curbing the population of unwanted animals, but cost can be a barrier. The nonprofit clinics should be encouraged, not needlessly restricted.
See full article at: http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20140303/OPINION01/303030001/Rants-raves-Brooks-served-cause-justice-well
House Oks Bill Affecting Spay Neuter Clinics
Animals Deserve Protection
I usually agree with Carl Hess’ frequent letters to the editor, but I
disagree with his position regarding the “Bestiality Law” (HB 343).
Bestiality, or having sex with an animal, is far more common than decent, normal people realize. It is so widespread that there are online forums and chat rooms dedicated to the sexual abuse of animals. I have personally known of such cases.
There is no bestiality law in Alabama and many times cases could not be prosecuted because the animal cruelty statutes do not address this issue. Also — depending on the age and mental state of the perpetrator — investigating agencies may be bound by confidentiality laws.
No living thing should ever be abused. Enacting a law to protect one group of victims should not preclude anyone from searching for a solution to others. Please ask your representative to pass HB 343.
Sandra Tindoll, Union Springs
Bestiality, or having sex with an animal, is far more common than decent, normal people realize. It is so widespread that there are online forums and chat rooms dedicated to the sexual abuse of animals. I have personally known of such cases.
There is no bestiality law in Alabama and many times cases could not be prosecuted because the animal cruelty statutes do not address this issue. Also — depending on the age and mental state of the perpetrator — investigating agencies may be bound by confidentiality laws.
No living thing should ever be abused. Enacting a law to protect one group of victims should not preclude anyone from searching for a solution to others. Please ask your representative to pass HB 343.
Sandra Tindoll, Union Springs
IT'S NOW A FEDERAL CRIME FOR YOU TO ATTEND A DOG FIGHT
One piece of good news from the oft-criticized farm bill
"At the first sign of a raid many will blend into the crowd and claim to be spectators to avoid prosecution"
In news that's slipped beneath the radar but deserving of praise, it is now illegal to attend a dog fight, cock fight, or any other cruel pitting of beast against beast in the United States. It was of course already against the law to host such "games." Opposing Views reports on one important component of the recently passed federal farm bill:
Last Friday President Obama signed the Farm Bill into law, [which] includes a provision making it a federal crime to attend or bring a child under the age of 16 to any animal fighting event.
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) is credited with successfully working to pass this important legislation. It will also now be a federal crime to be a spectator at an animal-fighting event.
"Cantwell's legislation will fortify the federal law and help law enforcement, quash illegal dog fighting and cockfighting, and forbid adults from bringing children to these spectacles of violence," said Mark Makarian of the Humane Society. "The spectator admission fees and gambling dollars finance these criminal operations and make dog fighting and cockfighting profitable."
Cantwell's been honored by the Humane Society before. In 2012 she received the organization's "Legislative Leader" award for her work in helping to protect endangered apes.
"We thank Sen. Cantwell for her outstanding work to ensure that our federal laws reflect the core humane values and attitudes of American society," said Makarian at the time.
"At the first sign of a raid many will blend into the crowd and claim to be spectators to avoid prosecution"
In news that's slipped beneath the radar but deserving of praise, it is now illegal to attend a dog fight, cock fight, or any other cruel pitting of beast against beast in the United States. It was of course already against the law to host such "games." Opposing Views reports on one important component of the recently passed federal farm bill:
Last Friday President Obama signed the Farm Bill into law, [which] includes a provision making it a federal crime to attend or bring a child under the age of 16 to any animal fighting event.
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) is credited with successfully working to pass this important legislation. It will also now be a federal crime to be a spectator at an animal-fighting event.
"Cantwell's legislation will fortify the federal law and help law enforcement, quash illegal dog fighting and cockfighting, and forbid adults from bringing children to these spectacles of violence," said Mark Makarian of the Humane Society. "The spectator admission fees and gambling dollars finance these criminal operations and make dog fighting and cockfighting profitable."
Cantwell's been honored by the Humane Society before. In 2012 she received the organization's "Legislative Leader" award for her work in helping to protect endangered apes.
"We thank Sen. Cantwell for her outstanding work to ensure that our federal laws reflect the core humane values and attitudes of American society," said Makarian at the time.
Legislative Update from Mindy Gilbert, HSUS
HB5- repeals existing law prohibiting the sale of
domestic animals between the hours of sunset and sunrise-favorable from
committee, pending House floor vote
HB93- requires shelters and humane societies to provide monthly statistical and financial reporting, exempts animal rescues-passed House, assigned to Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee
HB141- s/n clinic protection act- favoravle from House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee, pending House floor vote
HB204- provides protection for service dogs of disabled persons, establishes criminal penalties-passed House judiciary committee
HB388- requires tag identification on fur bearing animals traps- assigned to House AG&F HB419-Amends 3-8-1 to include big cats and primates- assigned to House AG&F HB420-amends 9-11-324 and 9-11-328, to allow Commissioner of Conservation to establish fees for wildlife exhibition permits-assigned to House AG&F HB343-defines bestiality as a crime- assigned to House Judiciary Committee SB151-defines bestiality as a crime, passed Senate, assigned to House Judiciary committee
As you can see, there are many bills alive that relate to animals. To read and track bills, Visit the Alabama Legislative Information Online Services,
http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/ACASLoginIE.asp?SESSION=1062
Session is moving fast, so if you have comments or concerns about ANY bills, contact your legislator, or forever hold your peace!!!
HB93- requires shelters and humane societies to provide monthly statistical and financial reporting, exempts animal rescues-passed House, assigned to Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee
HB141- s/n clinic protection act- favoravle from House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee, pending House floor vote
HB204- provides protection for service dogs of disabled persons, establishes criminal penalties-passed House judiciary committee
HB388- requires tag identification on fur bearing animals traps- assigned to House AG&F HB419-Amends 3-8-1 to include big cats and primates- assigned to House AG&F HB420-amends 9-11-324 and 9-11-328, to allow Commissioner of Conservation to establish fees for wildlife exhibition permits-assigned to House AG&F HB343-defines bestiality as a crime- assigned to House Judiciary Committee SB151-defines bestiality as a crime, passed Senate, assigned to House Judiciary committee
As you can see, there are many bills alive that relate to animals. To read and track bills, Visit the Alabama Legislative Information Online Services,
http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/ACASLoginIE.asp?SESSION=1062
Session is moving fast, so if you have comments or concerns about ANY bills, contact your legislator, or forever hold your peace!!!
Thank you from TAG co-director Sandra Tindoll...
A huge shout out to the many supporters of HB141 who showed up prepared
to speak at the public hearing. I want to assure you that your presence was
important even though you weren't granted the opportunity to talk. The sign-up
sheet was apparently accidentally picked up at the podium and the committee
chair did not receive it. By the time it was brought to his attention, there
was no time, because committee members were scheduled elsewhere. Many thanks to
Chairman Sanderford and Vice Chairman Roberts for getting this bill out of
Committee against vicious opposition. And of course, kudos to the valiant
sponsor Representative Todd!!!
HB141, the spay neuter clinic protection act, is
scheduled for public hearing Feb 5, 10:30 a.m. In room 428 of the statehouse. It
is VITAL that supporters show up and speak!
Alabama: Keep Your Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics Open!
AL HB. 141—Spay/Neuter Clinic Protection Act
Sponsor: Rep. Patricia Todd
ASPCA Position: Support
Action Needed: Call the Alabama state representatives listed below and ask them to support H.B. 141 when it is brought before the House Boards, Associations and Commissions Committee and to vote yes! Please take action today—this bill will be heard on Thursday, January 30.
Alabama, we need your help to keep low-cost spay/neuter clinics operating in your state. Please support Alabama House Bill 141, the Spay/Neuter Clinic Protection Act!
Currently, four spay/neuter clinics, which are designated as 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable institutions, provide low-cost, high-volume and high-quality spay/neuter services across the state of Alabama. For four years these clinics have assisted in humanely combating over-crowded shelters, reducing pet overpopulation and euthanasia. Their dedicated veterinarians have performed nearly 80,000 sterilization surgeries for humane shelters and qualifying low-income pet owners!
Introduced by Rep. Patricia Todd, the Spay/Neuter Clinic Protection Act (H.B. 141) is legislation that will address inadequacies in current state law related to the practice of veterinary medicine and the employment of veterinarians. This legislation will ensure that veterinarians are able to legally be employed by and perform services for non-profit, charitable institutions. Passage of this bill is vitally needed to protect the right of veterinarians to practice where they choose, allowing those providing services at these non-profit clinics to continue their critical work of reducing pet over-population.
Although it’s hard to see why anyone would oppose this legislation, opposition does exist. Some veterinarians in Alabama would like to see these clinics eliminated. They view the clinics as competitors and feel that the availability of low-cost spay/neuter services to humane shelters and qualifying low-income pet owners will negatively impact their bottom lines.
What You Can Do
H.B. 141 has been assigned for consideration to the House Boards, Associations and Commissions Committee. Please be the voice for the animals of your state and call the state reps listed below, urging them to vote yes on H.B. 141.
Howard Sanderford – Madison [email protected]
(334) 242-4368
David Standridge – Blount, Jefferson [email protected]
(334) 242-7475
Thomas Jackson – Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Marengo, Monroe [email protected]
(334) 242-7738
Mac Buttram – Cullman [email protected]
(334) 242-7775
Allen Farley – Jefferson [email protected]
(334) 242-7767
Todd Greeson – DeKalb [email protected]
(334) 242-7743
Joe Hubbard – Montgomery [email protected]
(334) 242-7707
A.J. McCampbell – Greene, Marengo, Sumter, Tuscaloosa [email protected]
(334) 242-7747
Darrio Melton – Dallas [email protected]
(334) 242-7540
Joseph Mitchell – Mobile [email protected]
(334) 242-7735
Bill Roberts – Walker [email protected]
(334) 242-7694
Jack Williams – Jefferson [email protected]
(334) 242-7779
Thank you for your help, Alabama!
AL HB. 141—Spay/Neuter Clinic Protection Act
Sponsor: Rep. Patricia Todd
ASPCA Position: Support
Action Needed: Call the Alabama state representatives listed below and ask them to support H.B. 141 when it is brought before the House Boards, Associations and Commissions Committee and to vote yes! Please take action today—this bill will be heard on Thursday, January 30.
Alabama, we need your help to keep low-cost spay/neuter clinics operating in your state. Please support Alabama House Bill 141, the Spay/Neuter Clinic Protection Act!
Currently, four spay/neuter clinics, which are designated as 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable institutions, provide low-cost, high-volume and high-quality spay/neuter services across the state of Alabama. For four years these clinics have assisted in humanely combating over-crowded shelters, reducing pet overpopulation and euthanasia. Their dedicated veterinarians have performed nearly 80,000 sterilization surgeries for humane shelters and qualifying low-income pet owners!
Introduced by Rep. Patricia Todd, the Spay/Neuter Clinic Protection Act (H.B. 141) is legislation that will address inadequacies in current state law related to the practice of veterinary medicine and the employment of veterinarians. This legislation will ensure that veterinarians are able to legally be employed by and perform services for non-profit, charitable institutions. Passage of this bill is vitally needed to protect the right of veterinarians to practice where they choose, allowing those providing services at these non-profit clinics to continue their critical work of reducing pet over-population.
Although it’s hard to see why anyone would oppose this legislation, opposition does exist. Some veterinarians in Alabama would like to see these clinics eliminated. They view the clinics as competitors and feel that the availability of low-cost spay/neuter services to humane shelters and qualifying low-income pet owners will negatively impact their bottom lines.
What You Can Do
H.B. 141 has been assigned for consideration to the House Boards, Associations and Commissions Committee. Please be the voice for the animals of your state and call the state reps listed below, urging them to vote yes on H.B. 141.
Howard Sanderford – Madison [email protected]
(334) 242-4368
David Standridge – Blount, Jefferson [email protected]
(334) 242-7475
Thomas Jackson – Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Marengo, Monroe [email protected]
(334) 242-7738
Mac Buttram – Cullman [email protected]
(334) 242-7775
Allen Farley – Jefferson [email protected]
(334) 242-7767
Todd Greeson – DeKalb [email protected]
(334) 242-7743
Joe Hubbard – Montgomery [email protected]
(334) 242-7707
A.J. McCampbell – Greene, Marengo, Sumter, Tuscaloosa [email protected]
(334) 242-7747
Darrio Melton – Dallas [email protected]
(334) 242-7540
Joseph Mitchell – Mobile [email protected]
(334) 242-7735
Bill Roberts – Walker [email protected]
(334) 242-7694
Jack Williams – Jefferson [email protected]
(334) 242-7779
Thank you for your help, Alabama!