Legislators do care what constituents (voters) think about issues. After all, elected officials generally want to be re-elected, and that means adequately addressing matters important to their constituents.

Please contact your state senator and state representative and ask that they take a pro-animal position on the following important bills.

HB 1551 —Slot machines
Lawmakers in Tallahassee were considering a bill (HB 1551) to legalize slot machines at dog tracks across the state. If this proposal had passed, dog races would be subsidized with millions in casino gambling profits, ensuring that the cruelty of dog racing would continue for years to come.

Status: Good news! Although the bill passed the Florida Senate, it did not advance out of its final committee in the Florida House of Representatives.

How important are slots to the dog racing industry? In a recent article in the Miami Herald, the vice president of Miami’s Flagler Dog Track said, “When we say slot machines will save our business, we’re not kidding. We’re losing money. We need slots.”

HB 1373 and S 2816 — Community Associations
House Bill 1373 and Senate Bill 2816 were large bills that included a very important section called "Emotional support animals." If enacted, the legislation would have provided condominium residents in Florida the right to have a companion animal (dog, cat, bird, gerbil, etc.) live with them in their home, if a health professional states that the animal is helpful to the person's physical or psychological well-being.

For many elderly or disabled residents, the companionship of a dog or cat can be vital to their health. This legislation would have given more power to residents in challenging "No-Pet" rules.

Status: Both House Bill 1373 and Senate Bill 2816 passed its first two committees with unanimous votes. Unfortunately, they did not make it to the full House or Senate for votes before the end of the session.

Supporters will reintroduce the legislation next year.

Regulated Reptiles — HB 1505 and S 2766

House Bill 1505 and Senate Bill 2766 will add to Florida law several of the regulations concerning large and dangerous reptiles that were recently enacted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). For example, the bills would require that individuals obtain a permit to possess "reptiles of concern" such as pythons, green anaconda and Nile monitor lizards. But, significantly, the bills add a $100 fee for these permits (currently, the permits are no-cost).

These bills are a positive step in addressing the many problems associated with exotic reptiles.

Adopted! On May 2, HB 1505 passed the House with a vote of 111 to 4. On April 26, Senate Bill 2766 was passed by the full Senate with a unanimous, 38 - 0 vote! The legislation is now headed to the governor for his signature.

History: On March 21, House Bill 1505 passed unanimously out of the Committee on Conservation & State Lands. On April 4, it successfully passed the Environment & Natural Resources Council. On April 12, Senate Bill 2766 passed the Environmental Preservation and Conservation committee with a unanimous vote; on April 17, the bill passed the General Government Appropriations Committee.

HB 1505 was introduced by Rep. Ralph Poppell (District 29). S 2766 was introduced by Sen. Bill Posey (District 24). Please thank them for introducing this important legislation:

-Representative Ralph Poppell. Click here to send an e-mail to Rep. Poppell.
-Senator Bill Posey. E-mail: posey.bill.web@flsenate.gov

Humane Society Appreciation Week — HR 9047 and S 2962

HR 9047 and S 2962 is a resolution, introduced by Representative Faye Culp and Senator James King, that would recognize the week of June 17-23, 2007, as "Humane Society Appreciation Week" in Florida. Read the text of the resolution below.

Adopted! On April 17, HR 9047 was adopted by the House of Representatives. S 2962 was adopted by the Senate on April 19.

Please thank Rep. Culp (District 57) and Sen. King (District 8) for introducing this worthwhile resolution.
-Representative Faye Culp. Click here to send an e-mail to Rep. Culp
-Senator James King. E-mail: king.james.web@flsenate.gov.

Resolution
A resolution recognizing the week of June 17-23, 2007, as "Humane Society Appreciation Week" in Florida.

WHEREAS, humane societies have been diligently serving numerous communities in this state - some for more than 45 years, and

WHEREAS, there are currently 48 humane societies serving 40 Florida counties in the struggle against domestic animal overpopulation, and

WHEREAS, stray animals present a health and safety risk for the people and animals of the state, as well as a burden on the environment, and

WHEREAS, an estimated 800,000 or more unwanted and stray animals are euthanized annually in Florida, and

WHEREAS, humane societies promote the elimination of animal overpopulation, animal adoption and education, the prevention of animal cruelty, and the relieving of animal suffering, and

WHEREAS, through education, adoption, and promotion of spay/neuter practices, humane societies are reducing the number of companion animals euthanized in this state, and

WHEREAS, humane societies have located permanent homes for many thousands of unwanted animals and promoted regional spay/neuter campaigns as a preventive and responsible measure for controlling animal overpopulation in Florida, and

WHEREAS, humane societies are staffed by an estimated 10,000 Florida residents who unselfishly volunteer their time, energy, and expertise, NOW, THEREFORE,

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:

That the humane societies across this state are commended for protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the people, animals, and environment of Florida.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the week of June 17-23, 2007, is recognized as "Humane Society Appreciation Week" in Florida.

Animal Cruelty — HB 317 and S 1180
These bills would stiffen penalties for those who intentionally commit an act to an animal which results in cruel death, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering (i.e., felony cruelty to animals).

First-time offenders would face a mandatory minimum term of 30 days incarceration (there is currently no minimum sentence), a minimum mandatory fine of $500 and a minimum of 100 hours of community service.

Status: House Bill 317 and Senate Bill 1180 did not advance out of committee.

House Bill 317 was introduced* by Rep. Faye Culp (District 57). Senate Bill 1180 was introduced by Sen. Nan Rich (District 34). Please thank them for introducing this important legislation:

-Representative Faye Culp. Click here to send an e-mail to Rep. Culp.
-Senator Nan Rich. E-mail: rich.nan.web@ flsenate.gov

*Rep. Bill Heller (District 52) and Rep. Curtis Richardson (District 8) have signed-on as co-sponsors of HB 317.

Purchase of Dogs and Cats — S 14
Senate Bill 14, introduced by Senator Larcenia Bullard, would require an "animal-purchase disclosure" certificate to accompany dogs or cats offered for sale. The certificate would provide important information about purchased animals, such as the name and address of the breeder, if known. The bill would also require pet dealers to post in a conspicuous location on the cage of each dog or cat offered for sale a notice indicating the state where the dog or cat was bred, would require sellers to reimburse veterinary costs associated with the care of ill or diseased animals, and would strengthen penalties for violations.

Status: Senate Bill 14 did not make progress in this year's session.

Please thank Sen. Bullard for introducing this bill:

-Senator Larcenia Bullard (District 39). E-mail: bullard.larcenia.web@flsenate.gov