I want to explore : Legislative Issues
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A Message from the CEO:
I want to share my perspective with you about Bills that are being considered and ask that you contact your Senator and Representative to share your thoughts with them about these bills. You can contact your Senator and Representative through this link: http://www1.leg.wa.gov/legislature
SB 5329 / HB 2406
Seattle Humane Supports Spay/Neuter
The Seattle Humane Society supports spaying and neutering. We have been at the forefront of the spay and neuter movement and alter every animal BEFORE it is placed in the adoption areas. We spay and neuter dogs before they are transferred to other rescues or we have a guarantee that those dogs will be altered.
We do not oppose spaying and neutering. We oppose the UNFAIRNESS of this particular bill, SB 5329/HB 2406. The parts of this bill that we disagree with are:
1. Shelters and rescue groups must heavily subsidize the surgeries while private veterinarians can charge retail fees and even make a profit.
2. Shelters and rescue groups must do income verification for clients and veterinarians are not required to do income verification.
3. When large funding agencies like PetSmart Charities® and Maddie’s Fund® sponsor spay and neuter programs in communities, they have ceilings set on the fees that can be charged so that the most possible surgeries can be accomplished. This bill does not offer that fairness factor. This bill, if passed, will not maximize the number of animals who can be altered.
Shelters purchase large amounts of pet food – the same shelters that underwrite low-fee spay/neuter surgeries – that would likely incur the cost for the lion share of the pet food tax.
Rather than pass this unfair bill now, Seattle Humane wants to work with the shelters and rescue groups who provide direct services for animals to develop a fairer statewide spay/neuter bill for next year.
SB 5402 / HB 1968
SUPPORT
It is important that Washington State law RCW 16.52 be strengthened to make the law consistent with other states that impose a similar permanent ban on owning animals. HB 1968 (SB 5402) will impose a permanent ban for a first conviction of animal cruelty in the 1st degree, and a permanent ban for a second conviction of animal cruelty in the 2nd degree. It's only fair to protect innocent animals from the perpetrators.
It is true that recent egregious and high profile animal cruelty cases including physical torture, extreme neglect, and starvation have brought this issue to the forefront and caused public outrage. There is also an important truth that animal cruelty often progresses to crimes against people with children as the primary victims.
This bill will give our state law enforcement officers the additional help they need to protect animals and people.
Thank you for your consideration.