Friday, January 9th, 2004
PAWS
Actionline
A weekly opportunity
to make a difference
for animals
PAWS Campaign Against Circuses That Use Performing Animals
Important Links
PAWS Animal Cruelty Resources and Links
Legislative Links
Washington State- House of Representatives
- Senate
Federal
- House of Representatives
- Senator Maria Cantwell
- Senator Patty Murray
Vote Smart is an excellent resource for all sorts of legislation.
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PAWS Mailing Address:
PO Box 1037
Lynnwood WA, 98046
PAWS Physical Address:
15305 44th Ave W
Lynnwood, WA 98037
This week's PAWS Actionline demonstrates the positive side of animal advocacy as we report two major successes for animals in the U.S. Our collective efforts do pay off, and as a result, fewer animals will suffer this year than in 2003. We thank all of you who have taken a moment to take action on behalf of animals.
Great News- USDA Bans Downed Cattle from Human Food Supply!
In reaction to this country's first case of mad cow disease on December 23, 2003 (the State of Washington holds this dubious distinction!), and due to over a decade of lobbying by animal protection organizations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has banned the sale of downed cattle to be slaughtered for human consumption. This is a huge victory for those animals who were too sick to even stand or walk.
The USDA ban does not specifically address the pet food and rendering industries, but the agency's action will immediately prevent significant animal suffering. For more information about the ban, and how it will impact animals, please visit the following Farm Sanctuary link at www.nodowners.org/faqs.htm
In terms of risks posed to human health, this decision is certainly a step in the right direction. However, the decision does not eliminate the risk of contracting mad cow disease. The best way to avoid this risk altogether is to avoid eating meat, and to pressure the USDA and the meat industry to implement necessary and long-overdue reforms!! The following article from the San Diego Union-Tribune discusses these risks in greater detail: www.signonsandiego.com/news/uniontrib/fri/opinion/news_mz1e2knight.html
Congressional efforts to pass legislation to ban downed animal cruelties will continue. Please stay tuned! The PAWS Actionline will continue to include updates about how you can help with these efforts.
More Great News- The Captive Wildlife Safety Act is Signed into Law!
Last month, we reported that the U.S. Senate passed S. 269, which limits the keeping of lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars and cougars as pets by prohibiting interstate transport of these big cats for this purpose. A similar bill passed in the House of Representatives as well, and on December 19, President Bush signed the Captive Wildlife Safety Act into law. Your letters DO make a difference!
Sign Up to Receive PAWS Legislative Actionline
PAWS is gearing up for the Washington State legislative session, which starts January 12, 2004, and we are aggressively working towards passage of House Bill 1151, which bans the private ownership of certain wild and dangerous animals. If you are a Washington State resident, and would like to receive updates about the status of HB 1151, and keep informed about how you can help, please sign up to receive the PAWS Legislative Actionline. To sign up, contact Jennifer Hillman, (425) 742-4009, ext. 259, or jenniferh@paws.org.
