Necessary Demands for Animal Protection in 2010!

I always enjoy reading Michael Markarian's blog, "Animals and Politics". His blog appears on the American Society Legislative Fund's Website, and always has some very interesting political news that is pertinent to all animals. Two weeks ago, Michael blogged about an issue which is of great importance; change. He reminded us that when the former Senator from Illinois, Barack Obama, was campaigning for election for the office of the Presidency, his overall platform revolved around "change". And change is exactly what is needed in legislations regarding not only our house pets, but all domesticated animals. It is time that we get involved so that these essential needed changes come to the attention of our legislators. Remember that fascinating case that the Supreme Court heard in October 2009 which concerned our first amendment right of freedom of speech? It was the first of its kind in fifteen years. But does freedom of speech trump the rights of animals when cruelty may be involved? While a decision has not yet been reached, let's remain hopeful that the highest court in our country will take the rights of animals to heart and vote in favor of their protection. New causes are coming into the limelight such as the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, and the words of Ben Byrom and Cheryl Woodcock who are passionate animal advocates. It goes without saying that closing puppy and kitten mills is a high priority for many animal welfare organizations. Political activists who love animals are working tirelessly and fiercely to get both local and national legislations passed which will, one day hopefully put an end to this travesty. But it is not only the dogs and cats that need protection from abuse; these laws must be enacted so that our large animals no longer suffer. The Humane Society of the United States and the Legislative Fund developed an agenda for change, many of which were already supported by President Obama during his campaign for office. For more information about his promises, visit http://www.hslf.org/pdfs/senator-obama-response.pdf The time has arrived to "put the money where the mouth is," demonstrated by taking positive steps to have these very important changes implemented as quickly as possible. In addition to shutting down puppy and kitten mills, the Agriculture Department needs to set priorities to enforce slaughter plants, research laboratories and wild life exhibits. The department must also emphasize the importance of any necessary changes which includes a radical improvement of law enforcement by slaughter plants, wild animal exhibits and research laboratories. Steps need to be taken to abolish animal fighting, puppy imports and the "soring" of gaited show horses so they appear more "lively" competition. The poultry that we raise for food must be protected to ensure that the approximately nine million birds which are slaughtered each year have a humane death. There must be a prohibition enacted to prevent the slaughter of sick or injured cattle and, of course, the illicit horse slaughter houses must all be put out of business once and for all. Legislations must finally be passed to prevent these abandoned horses from being transported outside of the U.S.A where they are sold for human consumption exported to foreign countries. The Environmental Protection Agency needs to improve their monitoring of the emissions from factory farms and take climate change seriously. The Agency must more strictly enforce the new laws. HSUS also suggests that an Animal Protection Liaison should be appointed in order to coordinate policy issues, regulations and to coordinate all animal welfare concerns. There are many other significant changes that HSUS suggest in their agenda. For those interested in learning more about H.S.U.S is doing, please visit Michael Markarian's blog at: http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2009/01/a-change-agenda-for-animals.html What changes do you feel important to institute in this New Year? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. Photo credit: Care2 Petition Site