Post : Why State Elections Matter: A 2024 Call to Action for Animal Advocates
URL : [link removed]
Posted : August 16, 2024 at 10:45 am
Author : Humane PA
Tags : featured, Pennsylvania Election, Pennsylvania politics
Categories : Uncategorized

With the whirlwind of events in 2024 and the spotlight on national elections, it's easy to overlook the importance of state elections. However, for those of us deeply invested in animal protection and welfare, state elections are some of the most crucial and impactful opportunities we have.

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State legislators answer to a smaller pool of constituents, making your voice—and your vote—far more impactful. These lawmakers often live in our communities; we might see them at the grocery store or at local events, and their district offices are just a short drive away. This accessibility allows us to directly communicate our concerns about issues like animal cruelty, educate them on these matters, and hold them accountable for their actions.

Not too long ago, before those who care about animals became a political force in Pennsylvania, passing significant animal protection laws seemed nearly impossible. But the progress we've seen in recent years is nothing short of remarkable, proving just how crucial it is to elect humane legislators at the state level. For instance, Pennsylvania’s Comprehensive Animal Cruelty Law (Act 10/Libre’s Law) ( [link removed] ) , signed into law in 2017 ( [link removed] ) , has led to hundreds of animal cruelty and neglect charges across the state, imposing significant penalties on abusers. The 2023/24 session has seen a stagnation in priority bills passing ( [link removed] ) , so it is even more important to get involved to get back on track.

With the right lawmakers—those committed to the humane treatment of animals—the state legislature offers endless opportunities to improve and protect the lives of animals in Pennsylvania. There is still much work to be done: from eradicating puppy mills to ending live pigeon shoots and prohibiting public contact with wildlife. As more humane legislators are elected, animal protection legislation will face fewer obstacles and move through the legislative process more swiftly. Better laws will be passed, animals will live better lives, and the most egregious cruelties will be outlawed.

Humane PA PAC is currently evaluating candidates running for state office, and we plan to release our 2024 Humane PA Endorsements by the end of September. We are thoroughly reviewing the records of current legislators, analyzing candidate responses to our endorsement survey, and following up with candidates to ensure we make informed decisions. This year, we face particularly complex choices, with outstanding humane candidates challenging some of our strongest supporters, a stalling of key bills, as well as some of our strongest supporters voting to include a bad amendment for animals in the fiscal code.

Our goal is to see our endorsed candidates elected so that the lawmakers in the next legislative session are prepared to tackle and pass stronger anti-cruelty and animal protection laws. But we need your help: educate the candidates in your district on how they can support animal welfare if elected and secure their commitment to humane legislation. Ask your candidates to fill out the Humane PA Candidate Survey ( [link removed] ) . Attend local events and raise questions with the candidates. Consider volunteering for the campaign of an endorsed candidate. Most importantly, whether you vote in person or by mail, cast your vote for Humane PA endorsed candidates. Together, by electing lawmakers who champion humane legislation, we can pass better laws and improve public policy to make our state a more humane home for animals.

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