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End dog breed bans in Central ArkansasWe all want safe and humane communities for people and pets. But some government officials in Central Arkansas wrongly believe that certain breeds of pet dogs are automatically dangerous. This leads to arbitrary and inconsistent decisions where a pet dog can be legal in one city but illegal in the next town. Batesville, Beebe, Caraway, Cotter, Dardanelle, Hot Springs, Jacksonville, Lake City, Lonoke, Sherwood, Little Rock, and North Little Rock all have their own versions of breed-specific legislation on the books. This legislation is an outdated, ineffective approach to public safety. It wastes our money because it’s expensive to enforce and violates our rights as dog owners. Breed-discriminatory laws infringe on our property rights. All Americans who follow the safety rules should be allowed to own whatever breed of dog they choose. It’s that simple. Indeed, a 2014 national survey revealed that 84% of Americans believe the government should not tell them what kind of breed of dog they can own. (2) It can also lead to families having to give up beloved pets that end up at our animal shelters and risk being put to death. Laws and policies should be fair and consistent. Cities should enact comprehensive breed-neutral ordinances that focus on the behavior of the dog and the behavior of the owner. The goal of public safety should be achieved in the most effective and most thorough way possible. Breed restrictions also prevent well-mannered dogs from being adopted and infringe on a family's right to choose the best dog for them. Research on breed and behavior: (1) Studies done in countries with breed-discriminatory laws, including the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany, found that these laws didn’t reduce the number of dog bites or improve public safety. “World-Wide Failure of Breed Specific Legislation,” National Canine Research Council, http://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/uploaded_files/tinymce/Worldwide%20Failure%20of%20BSL.pdf (2) Luntz Global Omnibus Poll, January 2014 * Researchers at Tufts University concluded that factors associated with actions of the owner —like the absence of an able-bodied person to intervene — are the primary cause of dog bite-related fatalities while the breed is not a factor. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24299544 * A recent study asked 16 animal shelter workers to guess the breed of 120 dogs. While the shelter staff collectively identified 52% of the dogs as pit bull-type dogs, DNA tests proved that only 21% had any pit bull mix in them. Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S109002331500310X * A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior compared aggression between banned dog breeds and a control group of golden retrievers using temperament tests. Comparing the results of golden retrievers and breeds affected by breed discriminatory legislation, no significant difference was found. The researchers concluded that "A scientific basis for breed-specific lists does not exist." Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S155878780700264X381 of 400 SignaturesCreated by Kaitlyn S.
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End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in IllinoisThere is a wide range of dogs falling within the category of “risk” breeds according to some insurance companies including Boxers, Giant Schnauzers, German Shepherds, Chows, Great Danes, Alaskan Malamutes, American Staffordshire Terriers, Akitas, Cane Corsos, American Bulldogs, Belgian Malinois, Keeshonds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Ovtcharkas, Siberian Huskies, Dobermans, Pit Bulls, Dalmatians, Rottweilers, Australian Cattle dogs and more. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners [NAIC] should protect pet-owning consumers. Insurance companies should focus on the behavior of the dog. Dogs with aggressive behavior should not be protected by any moratorium. This is important because dogs are viewed by the vast majority of Americans as part of the family, and the ability for people to keep families together should be protected. Breed-restrictive insurance practices can force responsible pet owners to give up their pets and increase the number of pets in shelters. The likelihood a dog will bite is based on many factors such as socialization of the dog, obedience training, supervision provided by the owner, and how the victim interacts with the dog. It has not been proven by scientific evidence that aggressive behavior is present in any particular breed of dog. Insurance companies that want to reduce risk should focus solely on behavior of the dog and the behavior of the owner.1,070 of 2,000 SignaturesCreated by Jaime S.
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Support the positive changes at Robeson County Animal CenterSometimes when you want to create change in your community, it's hard to know where to begin. We work with local advocates like you to make sustainable changes that save lives while creating a framework of support for the pets of Robeson County and the people who care about them. By joining, you become part of a driven and diverse group of people who believe that all pets and people deserve compassion, and that — when we work together — we can create real change for dogs and cats in need.213 of 300 SignaturesCreated by Kaitlyn S.
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El Condado de Cameron esta unido para apoyar a los animales y personas de nuestra comunidad¿Porque esto es importante? ¡Necesitamos que usted y su voz sean parte de este esfuerzo comunitario! La gente del condado de Cameron es una parte fundamental para garantizar que las mascotas y las personas tengan acceso a programas y recursos positivos. La Sociedad Protectora de Animales de Harlingen está trabajando arduamente para garantizar el acceso a programas que salvan vidas de animales y crean una comunidad más saludable para las personas y las mascotas, incluido el apoyo para ayudar a mantener a las mascotas con sus cuidadores, alimentos para mascotas y despensas de suministros, acceso a animales adoptables y programas de fomentar animales. La gente del Condado de Cameron merece que los programas positivos que brindan soluciones seguras y saludables para las personas y las mascotas crezcan y se vuelvan más accesibles en todo el condado. Puede desempeñar un papel fundamental en este esfuerzo para garantizar que el condado de Cameron sea la comunidad más humana y amable que podamos ser. Información adicional sobre la programación de gatos: Los gatos de la comunidad (también conocidos como gatos callejeros o gatos comunitarios) corren el riesgo de perder la vida simplemente porque han establecido un hogar al aire libre. En muchos casos, los llevan a refugios locales, donde es poco probable que los adopten porque muchos de ellos no se socializan con la gente. Ahí es donde entran en juego los programas comunitarios para gatos. Los programas comunitarios para gatos utilizan Capturar-Esterilizar-Soltar (CES) para salvar gatos. El proceso es simple: los gatos de la comunidad son atrapados, evaluados por veterinarios, vacunados, esterilizados o castrados, y devueltos a sus hogares al aire libre, sin poder tener gatitos. Y estos programas ya están funcionando en todo el país.66 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Carol R.
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Repeal the Ban in Prince George's CountyThousands of families have been unnecessarily broken apart. This ineffective legislation unfairly targets people and communities of color and it’s time for Prince George’s county to do better for pets and all the people who love them. We believe that all dogs are individuals and that discriminating against dogs because of their breed or appearance is wrong. Responsible dog ownership is the key to promoting public safety and that scapegoating based on myths and biases is always wrong. It is time for our county’s laws to reflect the scientific consensus on this topic: there is no such thing as a dangerous breed of dog. We are county residents, dog lovers, and taxpayers and we are ready for repeal. The public broadly supports repealing the discriminatory ban and we want the council to support it as well.366 of 400 SignaturesCreated by Kenny L.
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Stop the state of New York from discriminating against dog breedsTwo-thirds of American households include at least one cat or dog, which makes having a pet-inclusive place to call home essential for most Americans. Given the huge demand, one might think there would be enough pet-inclusive housing for renters. Unfortunately, housing-related issues are the second most common reason that families surrender a pet to an animal shelter. These housing issues may pertain to insurance issues, landlord restrictions, or limitations placed on the physical animal. Many rental and government-subsidized housing make it difficult to own a pet. Even properties that are "pet-friendly" might have pet weight limits, such as "no dogs over 25 lbs" or breed restrictions. When families are forced to choose between securing a place to live and keeping their family pets, they may see surrender as a last resort. As a trillion-dollar industry, the housing sector can be a positive influence in creating an inclusive and humane community. Additionally, more than 90% of housing providers and residents agree that pets are an important part of families. Welcoming all pets is good for business because residents stay significantly longer in housing that is pet inclusive (2). Expanding affordable and accessible pet-inclusive housing is necessary to ensure that families don’t have to choose between housing and valued members of their family. Let’s work together to end housing restrictions for pets and their families.154 of 200 SignaturesCreated by Hsiu-Ching T.
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Modernize Bella Vista's Animal Ordinances to reflect TNRCommunity cats (aka stray or free-roaming cats) risk losing their lives simply because they've made a home in the outdoors. In many cases, they are brought to local shelters, where they are unlikely to get adopted because many of them aren't socialized to people. That's where community cat programs come in. These programs use trap-neuter-return (TNR) to save cats. The process is simple: Community cats are trapped, evaluated by veterinarians, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, ear-tipped, and returned to their outdoor homes, unable to have kittens. The people of Bella Vista should not be punished for working to create a healthier community with less free roaming cats. Please stop making volunteers criminals by issuing citations for roaming cats and remove mandatory cat leash laws.275 of 300 SignaturesCreated by Jill G.
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Cameron County believes in unity- we stand together to support our community's dogs, cats, & peopleWe need you and your voice to be a part of this community effort! The people of Cameron County are a critical part of ensuring that pets and people have access to positive programs and resources. The Humane Society of Harlingen is working hard to ensure access to programs that save animals lives and create a healthier community for people and pets including support to help keep pets with their caretakers, pet food and supply pantries, access to adoptable animals, and animal foster programs. The people of Cameron County deserve to see positive programs that provide safe and healthy solutions for people and pets grow and become more accessible across the county. You can play a pivotal role in this effort to ensure Cameron county is the most humane and kind community we can be. Additional information on cat programming: Community cats (aka stray or free-roaming cats) risk losing their lives simply because they've made a home in the outdoors. In many cases, they are brought to local shelters, where they are unlikely to get adopted because many of them aren't socialized to people. That’s where community cat programs come in. Community cat programs use trap-neuter-return (TNR) to save cats. The process is simple: Community cats are trapped, evaluated by veterinarians, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and returned to their outdoor homes, unable to have kittens. And these programs are already working around the country.45 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Kaitlyn S.
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Stop insurance companies from discriminating against people of color and the pets they loveThe vast majority of insurance companies use dog breed as a factor in determining whether to issue a homeowners insurance policy. Breed lists used by many companies are comprised of large dogs that are considered — without proof — to be more aggressive than other dogs based solely on their breed or appearance. To make matters worse, those living in ZIP codes commonly associated with people of color are more likely to be denied insurance if they live with a large-breed dog. Homeowners insurance exclusions, like the discriminatory practice of redlining, deny people of color and their pets fair access to the privileges and protections other American homeowners enjoy. Senate Bill 1672 has been introduced to stop breed-based insurance discrimination in Illinois. What passing Illinois Senate Bill 1672 will accomplish: (1) It closes a loophole that allows unscrupulous insurers to circumvent longstanding anti-discriminatory legislation like the FHA (2) It removes barriers to Black and Brown homeownership (because some might not be able to purchase a home if they have the 'wrong' dog) and hence encourages upward economic mobility (3) It allows Black and Brown families equitable opportunities for pet ownership, which is arguably not only part of the American dream, but also important to the mental well-being of pet owners Although insurance companies may claim that these restrictions are based on risk, scholars have argued that focusing on the breed of a person's dog can enable companies to engage in discrimination based on race (due to preconceived notions of who often owns restricted breeds) The focus should always be put on the behavior of the dog and the behavior of the owner instead. Arbitrary breed restrictions prevent otherwise responsible dog owners from acquiring adequate homeowners/renters insurance and forces many to give up their beloved dog companions before moving into state-subsidized housing. Breed restrictions also prevent well-mannered dogs from being adopted and infringe on a family's right to choose the best dog for them. Research on breed and behavior: * Researchers at Tufts University concluded that factors associated with actions of the owner —like the absence of an able-bodied person to intervene — are the primary cause of dog bite-related fatalities while the breed is not a factor. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24299544 * A recent study asked 16 animal shelter workers to guess the breed of 120 dogs. While the shelter staff collectively identified 52% of the dogs as pit bull-type dogs, DNA tests proved that only 21% had any pit bull mix in them. Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S109002331500310X * A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior compared aggression between banned dog breeds and a control group of golden retrievers using temperament tests. Comparing the results of golden retrievers and breeds affected by breed discriminatory legislation, no significant difference was found. The researchers concluded that "A scientific basis for breed-specific lists does not exist." Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S155878780700264X858 of 1,000 SignaturesCreated by James E.
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La Gente de Fresno Cuida a Nuestra Comunidad y Los Gatos y Perros Que Viven Aquí¿Porque esto es importante? Fresno es una comunidad donde vecinos se cuidan entre todos. Las mascotas juegan un rol importante y juntos trabajaremos para mantenerlos seguros. Las personas y las mascotas de la ciudad de Fresno merecen programas que se concentren en proporcionar salidas seguras y positivas para los perros y gatos que ingresan a los refugios. Usted es una parte fundamental para garantizar que las mascotas y las personas tengan acceso a programas y recursos positivos. Es importante que sus representantes sepan que salvar gatos y perros es importante para la gente de Fresno. La buena noticia es que puede ser parte del apoyo a programas positivos que funcionan alrededor de California y en partes del condado de Fresno. Algunos ejemplos incluyen la programación comunitaria para gatos (para garantizar que los gatos estén esterilizados / castrados, vacunados y devueltos a sus hogares), programas de crianza (para proporcionar alojamiento temporal a las mascotas antes de encontrar sus hogares permanentes) y servicios y recursos progresivos para garantizar que las personas tengan lo que necesitan para mantener a sus mascotas. Al abogar por estos programas y la continuada colaboración con otras organizaciones comunitarias, puede ser parte de la creación de una comunidad más saludable para las mascotas y las personas. ¡Muestre su apoyo firmando y compartiendo hoy! ¡Gracias por su apoyo y todo lo que hacen por las mascotas y la gente de Fresno!41 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Carol R.
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The people of Fresno care about our community and the cats and dogs living hereFresno is a community that cares for its neighbors. Pets play an important role, let’s work together to keep them safe. The people and pets in Fresno city deserve programs that focus on providing safe and positive outlets for cats and dogs entering shelters. You are a critical part of ensuring that pets and people have access to positive programs and resources. It is important your representatives know that saving cats and dogs is important to the people of Fresno. The good news is that you can be a part of supporting positive programs that are working around California and in parts of Fresno county. Some examples include community cat programming (to ensure cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their homes), foster programming (to provide temporary housing to pets prior to finding their permanent homes), and progressive field services and resources to ensure people have what they need to keep their pets. By advocating for these programs and continued collaboration with other community organizations, you can be part of creating a healthier community for pets and people. Show your support by signing and sharing today! Thank you for everything that you do for the pets and people of Fresno!399 of 400 SignaturesCreated by Kaitlyn S.
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Virginians support humane methods for managing catsDespite strong support from the Virginia Senate, a sub-committee in the House of Delegates voted to table Senate Bill 1390, which — if passed — would have clarified that trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs are legal throughout the state, helping facilitate lifesaving practices for Virginia's community cats. Let's show the Virginia House of Delegates that our communities care about enacting lifesaving legislation for Virginia's cats. With enough signatures, we can ensure stronger support for this important legislation next time around. Please sign and share this petition today.778 of 800 SignaturesCreated by April M.