Ready, Set, Advocate!

Dear MVFA Members,
Happy 2016!
The Maryland General Assembly has been in session since January 13th and we have been working hard on animal legilsation!  Here is an update on what bills have been introduced:

Aggravated Cruelty in the Presence of a Minor (SB 59) – Increases the penalties for crimes committed against animals in the presence of a minor. This bill is awaiting a vote in the Judicial Proceedings Committee.Authorization to Remove Cats and Dogs from Cars (SB 36) – Allows an individual to remove a cat or dog from a car if its safety is endangered. Currently, only groups such as animal control or law enforcement have that authority. This bill is awaiting a vote in the Judicial Proceedings Committee.

Therapy Dogs (SB 55) – Allows a child witness to have a therapy dog accompany him/ her during  testimony on a motion by a party. This bill will be heard at 1:00pm on January 26th in the Judicial Proceedings Committee.

Health Certificates with Sales of Dogs and Cats ( HB 111) – Requires individuals selling cats and dogs to disclose health information and get a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. This bill will be heard at 1:00pm on January 27th in the Economic Matters Committee.

Stray Dog Microchip Scans ( HB 46) – Requires veterinarians and animal control to scan stray dogs and cats for microchips and notify owners within 48 hours of admission. This bill will be heard by the Environment and Transportation Committee but has not yet been assigned a hearing date.

How Can You Help?

  • Locate your Maryland State legislators by going to HERE and typing in your address.
  • Click on each legislator and find their legislative committee. Their committees hold hearings about each bill that are open to the public.
  • Get involved by attending and/ or testifying orally or in writing.
  • Write or call your legislators to support or oppose a specific bill.

There is more to Come! We are working on several bills with legislators including  a bill to ban Dog Fighting Paraphernalia, a bill to crack down on Puppy Mills, and a bill to Ban Ivory Sales in Maryland!! Details to follow!!

Join us at our two lobby says in February:

*Voices For Animals Day with ASPCA on February 4th For more info and to register for Voices for Animals click here!
*Humane Lobby Day with HSUS on February 25th. Registration is now open!
Remember to bring your pets in during this frigid weather and blizzard conditions!
Compassionately,
Lisa