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Legislative Update –

Puppy Mill Bill (SB 5651)

This bill would limit the number of breeding dogs to 50.  Currently, there are no state or federal laws that regulate the breeding of dogs as a cash crop.  The bill also stipulates size of cages, living conditions, and amount of minimum exercise.  As of 3/4/09, the bill is dead in the House but moving through the Senate.

Animal Abuse Bill (SSB 5402)  -- passes Senate on March 7^th!

This bill would prohibit certain criminal classes of animal abusers from owning another animal in the same genus.  This version of the bill is weaker than the original bill introduced by the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s office.  This bill passed the Senate on March 7^th with 43 Yea, 1 Nay, and 5 Excused.  It will next move to the House for a hearing and vote.   Please contact your Representative and urge him/her to support this Bill.  For more information, go to:  http://www.leg.wa.gov/legislature

Spay / Neuter Bill (HB1406)

This bill would have imposed a small fee on bulk dog and cat food to raise money statewide for spay & neuter, with the potential to sterilize up to 70,000 animals annually.  New Hampshire has similar program and within the first couple of years, saw a 75% reduction in euthanasia.  The bill died in the House.

For more information on these bills and ways to get involved, please call Andrea Fontenot, 360-870-3993.

Also, for more information regarding these bills and how to help get them passed, go to:

www.savewashingtonpets.org