Join the Campaign to Ban Devocalization

From Animal Law Coalition
& The Big Blend

On July 21, 2010, the landmark Logan’s Law sponsored by the Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets (CPRPets), a coalition of grassroots activists, and supported by the Animal Law Coalition–takes effect in Massachusetts, banning the cruel practice of cutting vocal cords to suppress a dog’s or cat’s voice. It is the first effective legislation to ban devocalization of dogs and cats.

Risky and painful, devocalization does not ensure animals a home. And it’s more common than most think, particularly among breeders and show dog exhibitors.

With your help, that could change soon!

Logan’s Law has inspired an exciting federal bill, H.R. 5422, filed by U.S. Rep. C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger, D-MD. HR 5422 would make states that ban canine and feline devocalization eligible for federal grants of up to $1 million to prevent all forms of animal cruelty. If passed, HR 5422 would motivate more states to ban devocalization. CPRPets has joined with Animal Law Coalition, to provide free materials for groups that want to file similar legislation in their states.

HR 5422 would prevent other forms of animal abuse too. States could use the grant to fund humane education and help shelters and rescue groups.

PLEASE ACT NOW! Lobbies that profit from cruel devocalization already are weighing in.

Breeders order devocalization when they–or authorities–don’t tolerate the sound of the many animals they breed and sell. Veterinarians profit from this cruel convenience surgery even more directly. It’s disappointing but not surprising that Mass. Veterinary Medical Assn. joined the state dog breeders association in lobbying against Logan’s Law. Don’t let lobbies that profit from devocalization win or animals will lose.

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WHAT CAN YOU DO? A LOT IN LITTLE TIME.
Follow these action steps, then forward the alert throughout the U.S. Post to your website, blog and Facebook. Tweet. Hand out flyers in doggy parks or at your shelter and adoption events. Do it now, while you’re thinking of it. Numbers count!

Currently HR 5422 is in the House, view HERE

1.)  Find your U.S. Representatives in Washington, DC:

• Visit congress.org/communicate

• Input zipcode to the far right under Get Involved, Find your lawmakers, tell them what you think (Enter your address below, select GO, if page indicates “Split Legislative Districts”)

• Write to your Federal or State elected officials with one click, or just go to the individual pages linked below.”

• Mouse over and select “federal”

• See your four officials: two senators, one rep, and President Obama

• Write statement in Subject area (which is below the four officials)

• Select whatever you feel is appropriate under “Issue”

• Write letter in Editable Text; it will turn up “red” if lengthy.

• Enter your personal information below that in Sender Information; your personal information will already be there, however, if you already use this site.

• Click Send Message at bottom, and letter will be sent to your four officials. (Additional information may be required if you either did not populate a requisite area or as per requested from certain Sens or Reps, you may also request your letter be published on the site.)

2.) Call or fax your U.S. Representative. Urge him/her to cosponsor and support HR 5422 because it is smart, humane legislation that could provide much-needed funding to states. Be brief and polite. Give your name and address, and note that you’re a constituent who votes!

3.) Ask the following leaders of the House Committee on Agriculture to release HR 5422 quickly and favorably.

Congressman Collin Peterson, D-MN, Chair. Phone: 202-225-2165, Fax: 202-225-1593

Congressman Frank Lucas, R-OK, Ranking Minority Member. Phone: 202-225-5565, Fax: 202-225-8698

BAN DEVOCALIZATION IN YOUR STATE AND MAKE YOUR STATE ELIGIBLE FOR CRUELTY PREVENTION GRANTS UNDER HR 5422.

Without your voice, animals have none.