PHOTO: COMPANION ANIMAL PROTECTION ACT - please VOTE FOR THIS!!!

 
Next week, the Minnesota House of Representatives will consider the Minnesota Companion Animal Protection Act.
 
The bill would end the gas chamber,
end heart sticking,
end the killing of animals when there are empty cages and when rescue groups are willing to save them,
 
require transparency,
and end the practice of killing "owner surrendered" animals within minutes.
 
The head of the animal control shelter in St. Paul, MN, recently stated that by putting in place the programs and policies of CAPA, she’s been able to save 90% of the animals.
 
In Austin, TX, in Delaware and California, similar legislative reforms are saving tens of thousands of animals every year.
 
For example, the number of animals transferred to rescue groups rather than killed in California went from 12,526 to 58,939–a 370% increase based on a law similar to CAPA, all at no cost to taxpayers.
 
In fact, it resulted in a potential cost savings of $1,856,520 statewide for killing and destruction of remains (these savings do not include additional savings relative to cost of care).
 
In addition, partnering with rescue groups potentially brings in millions of dollars in additional adoption revenues.
 
Read my letter in support of the bill: http://bit.ly/1oWQB8L
 
Tragically, several kill shelters and their supporters have called for the bill to be tabled.
 
If they have their way, animals will continue to be tortured by heart sticking, they will continue to be gassed to death, they will continue to die despite available cage space and rescue groups ready, willing and able to save them.  
 
And "owner surrendered" animals will continue to be marched directly from the front counter to the kill room without ever being given a chance.
 
If you live in Minnesota, please urge a "Yes" vote on HF 391, the Companion Animal Protection Act: www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/committeemembers.asp?comm=88001