A project of The Humane Society of the United States and The Fund for Animals (202) 955-3663 or E-mail humanelines@hsus.org
October 7, 1999 --- Issue #63
SAFE AIR TRAVEL FOR ANIMALS IS TAKING OFF:
On Tuesday, Oct. 5th, the Senate accepted the Lautenberg Amendment to protect pets in travel as part of the FAA Reauthorization Bill. Every year, over 5000 family pets and other animals are injured, lost, or killed in airline cargo holds due to extreme heat or cold temperatures, lack of oxygen, and rough handling.
Senator Lautenberg's amendment would hold the airlines responsible for these tragedies by increasing penalties and accountability for these incidents, as well as requiring airlines to make improvements in airflow and climate control in cargo areas.
Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) declared that, "Pets are not baggage and should not be treated like baggage. They are a living, breathing member of the family" (AP, 10/7/99).
While this is a great step forward (thanks to the many calls HUMANElines readers made in response to our Special Alert this week), the fight is not over yet.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
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The FAA Reauthorization Bill will now go to a conference committee and there are some key members of Congress who need to hear from everyone who cares about animals.
Please call Senator Lautenberg (D-NJ; 202-224-4744) and Representative Menendez (D-13th/NJ; 202-225-7919) and thank them for sponsoring this legislation and URGE THEM TO DO ALL THEY CAN TO MAKE SURE IT IS INCLUDED IN THE FINAL FAA BILL.
It is also critical for everyone to reach the following key conference committee members (especially if you live in their districts---and if you do, tell them you are a constituent!). Urge them to "keep the Lautenberg provision for safe pet travel in the final FAA Reauthorization Bill":
Senator Gorton (R-WA) at 202-224-4852; Senator McCain (R-AZ) at 202-224-1251; Senator Rockefeller (D-WV) at 202-224-6472; Senator Hollings (D-SC) at 202-224-0427; Representative Duncan (2nd/TN -- Knoxville/Maryville/Athens) at 202-226-3220; Representative Shuster (9th /PA -- Chambersburg/Altoona/Clearfield) at 202-225-9446; Representative Lipinski (3rd/IL -- Chicago/Oak Lawn/La Grange) at 202-225-9161; Representative Oberstar (8th/MN -- Duluth/Chisholm/Brainerd/Elk River) at 202-225-4472. Thanks for making these calls --- we need to see this through to the end!
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BILL TO BAN "CRUSH VIDEOS" APPROVED BY HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE TODAY: H.R. 1887, the "crush video" ban, was approved by the House Crime Subcommittee on 10/7. H.R. 1887, introduced by U.S. Representative Elton Gallegly (R-CA), would prohibit interstate commerce and commercial gain from the creation, sale, or possession of "crush videos" (in which animals are crushed and tortured by scantily clad women for the sexual gratification of viewers).
The bill was introduced after law enforcement officials in Representative Gallegly's district were unable to arrest a Ventura County man who was selling crush videos over the Internet. Typically, small animals such as mice, rats, frogs, turtles, goldfish, chicks, lizards, hamsters, and guinea pigs are tortured and killed in these sadistic videos.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Please contact your Representative to urge him/her to co-sponsor this important legislation. Go to our website at http://www.hsus.org/forms/search_reps.html or call us at 202-955-3668 to find out who your legislators are and how to reach them.
DOG AND CAT FUR BILL NEEDS YOUR CALLS: A legislative response to the estimated 2 million dogs and cats slaughtered and sold annually on the international fur trade market, H.R. 1622/S. 1197 introduced by Representative Jerry Kleczka (D-4th/WI) and Senator William Roth (R-DE), would ban imports and sales in interstate commerce of products made with cat and dog fur.
The bill requires labeling of fur content for all products regardless of their price -- current law exempts products with fur valued at less than $150 from any labeling requirement.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Please contact your Senators and Representative to urge
them to support S. 1197/H.R. 1622. Go to our website at
http://www.hsus.org/forms/search_reps.html or call us at 202-955-3668 to
find out who your legislators are and their contact information.
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STATE UPDATE: While there's progress in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts is in danger of taking a huge step backwards.
There is momentum is in favor H.B. 912, a bill to ban pigeon shoots in PA -- this bill needs support from all PA citizens! Contact Heidi Prescott at hprescott@fund.org or 301-585-2591 to learn how to help this crucial legislation.
Unfortunately, in nearby MA, legislation (H. 3525) that would gut the 1996 citizen initiative banning cruel traps, passed out of committee on 9/30. For how to help stop this bill, contact HSUS at 202-955-3668 or ahuemer@hsus.org.
THANKS FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR ANIMALS--TODAY! For more information
on legislation, how to find your legislators, and past HUMANElines,
visit
HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE U.S.
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