Take Action on Washington Legislation for Animals
There are still two months left in this year's Washington State legislative session—the session lasts until April 22-however a few bills that affect animals need your immediate support to continue through the process.
Please speak out for following bills today!
WA SB 5106 Emergency plans for animals
This legislation is Washington's "Pets in Disasters" bill and requires state and local governments to create plans that address the needs of individuals with household pets or service animals in case of an emergency or disaster. It would also allow emergency responders to make attempts to rescue a person's companion animals should the attempt not endanger human life. Because an estimated 1.5 million households in Washington State share their homes with dogs and cats, it is crucial that our state be prepared. At least 11 other states have already passed similar legislation to complement the federal Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush in 2006. We must not ignore the tragedies of the Gulf Coast Region during Hurricane Katrina, but instead, learn from them and take measures in our own state. Contact your senator today and explain why this legislation is vitally important to you and your animals.
PAWS' position - Support
Status: Passed to Rules Committee for second reading
View SB 5106 information on the Washington State Legislature's website.
WA SB 5188 Establishing a wildlife rehabilitation program
This legislation establishes a wildlife rehabilitation program to financially support the critical role that licensed rehabilitators perform in caring for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife in our state. Wildlife rehabilitators work with thousands of wild species in need—mostly suffering from human related injuries—and desperately need more funding to carry out the life-saving work they do. This bill is an exciting step toward supporting the field of wildlife rehabilitation and wildlife responders in Washington State. Urge your senator to move this one out of committee and onto the Senate floor for a full vote.
PAWS' position - Support
Status: Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Transportation
View SB 5188 information on the Washington State Legislature's website.
WA HB 1418 & SB 5379 Protecting consumers from the keeping of dangerous wild animals
This legislation bans people from possessing and breeding potentially dangerous exotic animals, such as tigers or alligators. Washington is one of 13 states that currently have no regulations prohibiting private possession of exotic animals. Often obtained when they are young and easy to manage, these wild animals may pose a threat to the public as they grow and begin to exert their natural behaviors. Exotic animals may also transmit diseases to humans, indigenous wildlife and livestock. There is also a risk of accidental release into our communities during a natural disaster, or intentional release when an animal becomes inconvenient to maintain. PAWS has played an integral role in advocating for regulation against keeping exotic animals since 2001. Considering the community's expanding knowledge of the serious dangers associated with keeping wild animals "pets," it's time to pass this bill in Washington. This bill is very close to going to a full vote in the Senate. Thank your representative and your senator for moving this bill and urge them to continue!
PAWS' position - Support
Status: Executive action taken in the House Committee on Judiciary; Passed to Rules Committee in the Senate for a second reading
View HB 1418 information and SB 5379 information on the Washington State Legislature's website.
Contact your legislator
By phone:
- Toll-free legislative hotline 1.800.562.6000
Hearing impaired: 1.800.635.9993
- Use the talking points above, under each bill, to help you prepare a brief statement ahead of time.
- Ask to speak with the aide handling the issue you are concerned about.
- Be courteous, brief and leave your phone, email and home address.
By e-mail or letter:
Also contact Governor Christine Gregoire for every priority you voice with your legislator.
Stay updated on the 2007 legislative session
Tell the U.S. Navy that exploiting sea lions and dolphins is unacceptable
PAWS has recently been informed by the U.S. Navy of its plans to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a program to locate and intercept possible security intruders in the waters around the Naval Base Kitsap at Bangor. While there are other alternatives, the Navy has stated that its preferred approach would be to use trained Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and/or California Sea Lions.
In the past, PAWS—in partnership with many animal welfare and environmental organizations—successfully worked to stop the Navy from deploying dolphins in Western Washington to assist with military operations. We are very disappointed the Navy is pursuing similar plans again in 2007.
PAWS is concerned for how the frigid waters of the Puget Sound will affect these animals who have until now been kept in captivity in much warmer climates. While the Navy intends to study how to lessen the impacts of cold water on these creatures, it doesn't change the fact that these animals will be forced to perform in temperatures that they are unaccustomed to.
In addition, the dolphins and/or sea lions would live their lives in small enclosures. Their only opportunity to swim in open waters would be when assisting humans in security drills and operations, potentially exposing them to injury and even death. No matter how well-designed a captive habitat may be, it can never replicate the freedom that wild animals require to be complete beings. The inability to respond naturally to their full range of instincts, behaviors and desires creates both physiological and psychological stress that leads to suffering.
As is required by an EIS, the Navy is collecting public comment on their proposed plans. Please speak out for the well-being of these beautiful, wild animals who have no choice in how they may be "deployed." There are two opportunities to speak up at upcoming scoping meetings:
Tuesday, March 27, 2007—5:30 to 8:30 pm
Naval Undersea Museum
NUWC Keyport
Highway 308 at Garnet Way
Keyport, WA 98345
Wednesday, March 28, 2007—5:30 to 8:30 pm
Holiday Inn
211 Dexter Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
(free parking provided)
If you can't make the meetings, you have until April 16, 2007 to share your concerns for the draft EIS. Please send your comments to:
Commanding Officer
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center
ATTN: Mike Rothe 235
53560 Hull St
San Diego, CA 92152
Email: NBKEIS@spawar.navy.mil
Fax: 619. 221.5251
Phone: 888. 510.5476
You can also track progress, receive notifications and submit comments on the EIS online at: www.nbkeis.gc.saic.com.
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