FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2012
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Ilka Daniel, Director of Animal Protective Services - (772) 388-3331 ext. 28
Janet Winikoff, Director of Education - (772) 388-3331 ext. 18
Humane Society Opposes Removal of Animal Anti-Cruelty Law
Shelter asks Florida residents to contact Governor
Vero Beach, Florida - The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVBIRC) is opposing recent legislation that would lift a longstanding Florida animal cruelty law banning the dyeing of baby rabbits, chickens and ducks.
Legislation recently tacked on to an agricultural bill (HB 1197) just in time for Easter would result in a greater number of small animals being artificially dyed for the holiday to increase sales, purchased and then abandoned soon after. Existing Florida animal cruelty law bans this practice to help prevent animals from being discarded.
Florida State Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff sponsored the legislation so groomers could colorize dogs for competitions and parades. Because the legislation has passed in Florida’s House and Senate, The Humane Society is asking residents state-wide to call the Governor’s office at (850) 488-7146 to demand a veto.
“Trying to rescind any anti-cruelty legislation would be a tremendous setback for Florida’s animals,” Director of Animal Protective Services Ilka Daniel said. “The dyeing of chicks and bunnies offers no health benefit and only serves to treat these animals as a commodity,” she added.
According to Daniel, Bogdanoff’s inhumane legislation could potentially weaken other animal anti-cruelty laws to simply benefit commerce but will leave Florida residents bearing the cost. “Animal shelters will certainly see an even greater influx of small animals if the Governor signs this legislation. In the end it’s taxpayers who will be footing the bill,” Daniel revealed.
As a veteran animal cruelty officer with twelve years of experience Daniel said one of her greatest fears is that many of these creatures will be abandoned. “While I’m concerned about the animals being turned in, I’m even more worried about the ones who will never make it to the shelters.”
###
