Legislation to protect the animals

By Katy Hynes
Posted 7/21/16

The people of Rhode Island are caring and generous, in both spirit and action. I know this because I was born and raised here, and I have witnessed our collective compassion in action throughout my life. When I supervised court-advocacy

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Legislation to protect the animals

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The people of Rhode Island are caring and generous, in both spirit and action. I know this because I was born and raised here, and I have witnessed our collective compassion in action throughout my life. When I supervised court-advocacy services for victims of domestic violence at Sojourner House, I saw an outpouring of community support for the people who needed help and hope. As an attorney I have represented many people in crisis, whose needs invariably transcended legal assistance. Rhode Islanders were there. When the awful story of a neglected dog came to light last year, I saw Rhode Islanders mobilize to urge "justice for Moses."

I have been fortunate to serve as a District Leader volunteer for The Humane Society of the United States. In this role, I participate in legislative advocacy and policy work to protect animals. At HSUS Humane Lobby Day at the State House earlier this year, I joined animal advocates from around the state to show support for several worthy bills being considered by our General Assembly.

While many of us have never heard of shark fin soup, a delicacy in some Asian cultures, the demand for it is causing the painful death of millions of sharks each year. House Bill 7440/Senate Bill 2676 would prohibit the sale of shark fins, which are often obtained by slicing off the fins while the animal is still alive. The helpless shark is then thrown back into the ocean to die.

Similar to the idea behind the shark fin bill, House Bill 7669/Senate Bill 2796 would prohibit the sale of ivory and rhino horn, which are obtained by poachers who are hunting these creatures to near extinction. The U.S. is among the world's top markets for ivory, and this bill would close critical gaps that federal law does not address. New York, New Jersey, Washington and California have already passed similar laws to help curb the demand for ivory.

 On the heels of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus' last show using elephant acts, held in Providence on May 1, House Bill 7604/Senate Bill 2868 is more timely than ever. These bills would prohibit the use of painful bullhooks on elephants in Rhode Island. Bullhooks, sharp tools that resemble fireplace pokers, are commonly used by elephant trainers to inflict pain to train, punish, and control elephants. There are safer and more humane alternatives to bullhooks.

 Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about the welfare of animals in our food supply. House Bill 7324 would phase out the use of inhumane cages for egg-laying chickens, adding them to the existing farm animal anti-cruelty law that protects calves and breeding pigs from similar abuse. In battery cages, each chicken is allotted space smaller than the size of an iPad - too small to even spread her wings. This measure follows the national movement away from cruel cages. Walmart, Stop & Shop and more than 100 other companies have pledged to buy only cage-free eggs.

Finally, House Bill 7392/Senate Bill 2657, prompted by a horrific case of animal cruelty in North Providence last year, is known as Moses' Law. A man surrendered the dog to authorities, claiming he had found Moses in terrible condition. Upon further investigation, it was determined that Moses - who was so severely malnourished he needed to be euthanized - had been the man's dog all along. Moses' owner was charged with only a misdemeanor. Passing Moses' Law would rightly create felony penalties for cruelty that results in the death of an animal.

Animals like Moses, or sharks whose fins are sliced off, or elephants beaten or killed, or chickens locked in cages, cannot ask for protection - but we can. Please join me in calling on our General Assembly to pass this important legislation. You can take action now at humanesociety.org/protectanimalsRI. Go ahead, let your compassion shine, Rhode Island!

Katy Hynes serves as District Leader volunteer (RI Congressional District 2) for The Humane Society of the United States.

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  • davebarry109

    I'm all for treating them humanely, particularly if it makes them taste better.

    Friday, July 22, 2016 Report this