NEW YORK, MAY 10 - In a move which the League of Humane Voters of New York City (LOHV-NYC, humanenyc.org) is calling "historic" and "precedent-setting," the New York State Democratic Party adopted a resolution at its spring meeting on Wednesday affirming its commitment to the humane treatment of animals. The resolution also encourages the state legislature to pass several animal welfare-related bills, including legislation which would ban so-called "canned shoots.""With more and more voters around the state - and the world - taking their concern for animals with them to the polls on election day, the state Democratic Party's precedent-setting action in support of animal protection is not only the right thing to do, it's also intelligent politically," said John Phillips, LOHV-NYC's executive director. "We commend the state Democratic Party, Chairwoman June O'Neill and the entire leadership team, and the Honorable Lewis Goldstein (D-Bronx), the lead sponsor of the resolution, for taking this historic first step towards a more humane society."
Goldstein issued a statement saying: "The passage of this resolution demonstrates that it is the Democratic Party which is always there to protect the unprotected. No living being should ever be exposed to abuse or hate."
LOHV-NYC worked together with Goldstein and state Democratic Party officials to craft a resolution which gestures symbolically in support of animal welfare and also urges the passage of several bills high on its agenda. These bills would:
1. Ban "wildlife killing contests," which are often sponsored by bars. In these “contests,” customers kill the largest number of animals they can in the shortest period of time, with the winner often getting a free case of beer.2.Ban "canned shoots," events reviled even by hunters, where “retired” circus animals and others are fenced-in and drugged, and customers guaranteed a trophy for their wall.
3.Require the installation of fire sprinklers pet stores and other facilities which shelter animals for extended periods of time.
4.Notify students of their existing legal right to opt out of dissection courses.
The resolution also encourages schools to include humane education.
Download the signed resolution here.
The Honorable Lewis Goldstein and Congressman Eliot Engel
Comments (3)
It's one thing for there to be a disagreement about the treatment of animals among the general population (a very diverse population), but the government should be able to take the most informed opinions and relevant information and turn it into policy. It seems that's what is happening here! Animals suffer, and their exploitation causes disease and environmental destruction, aside from just plain being wrong. I feel a little prouder to be a New Yorker today.
Posted by Daniel Packer | May 10, 2007 12:04 PM
Posted on May 10, 2007 12:04
"The passage of this resolution demonstrates that it is the Democratic Party which is always there to protect the unprotected. No living being should ever be exposed to abuse or hate."
What a great statement! I hope Republican politicians respond by showing they care about the unprotected, too.
Posted by Dan | May 10, 2007 10:27 PM
Posted on May 10, 2007 22:27
This is wonderful news. There is a lot more to do, but this is great. Congratulations.
Posted by Kathleen A. Reynolds | May 10, 2007 10:33 PM
Posted on May 10, 2007 22:33