It’s summer. What can I do now that will help animal legislation next January? A lot!
The 132nd Maine State Legislature convenes in less than six months. MFOA is already preparing for it and wants you to know how you can help now!
Love animals. Hate politics. Where does that leave the animals? Are your House and Senate candidates animal-friendly?
A critical component to successful legislation is obviously the legislators. The more animal-friendly legislators in Augusta the better chance we have to advance forward thinking laws pertaining to animals. Election Day is about four months away. Please take a moment to email or call your House and Senate candidates representing your district. Politely and briefly engage them about their campaigns and ask them a few questions about how they feel regarding animal welfare issues important to you.
If you find a candidate who seems animal-friendly, consider inquiring how you could help him or her get elected. Please let MFOA know (info@mfoa.net) too as we assemble our list of animal-friendly legislators for the upcoming Legislature. The more extensive our list, the more strength and opportunities we have in supporting legislation to end needless animal suffering in Maine.
Want to serve on the MFOA Legislative Committee?
For over 25 years MFOA’s Legislative Committee begins meeting the winter before the next two-year legislative session. It is a collaborative group that sets the organization’s legislative agenda and guides it through the legislative process. Meetings are at the Falmouth office and Zoom and most work is done via emails and sub-committees. If you have a little extra time and think you would like to help in developing and passing animal protection legislation, we would like to hear from you. For more information email mfoa@falmouthstation.com.
What animal protection legislation would you like MFOA to consider?
We recently sent a letter to give you a general idea where our donors’ contributions go by providing some insight into what we consider when submitting animal protection legislation.
First, we determine the level of involvement needed for each bill. It can be as simple as changing a few sentences in an existing statute or may require a full two-year education and advocacy campaign, such as with MFOA’s horse slaughter / harness racing bill. We then consider the current political environment in Augusta, anticipated level of opposition, magnitude of cruelty, number of animals affected, potential support and endorsements, and how important the issue is to our supporters.
Have you ever seen an injustice being done to an animal or group of animals, and said “If there’s not a law against that, there should be”? Well, let Maine Friends of Animals know what that is! This is an opportunity to let us know if you have an idea for a bill, whether minor or major, whether companion, farm or wildlife animal related. We welcome your input and suggestions.
As mentioned, one bill MFOA is currently considering is a ban on wildlife killing contests in Maine, most often associated with coyotes. The prize for the most or the largest animal killed is often a high-powered gun. One promotion for this activity is a photo of a pick-up truck full of dead coyotes stacked on top of each other, ready to be disposed of. MFOA thinks it is time this practice be exposed for what it is: mindless and senseless killing. Be sure to sign up online for periodic ‘Action Alerts’ to follow our wildlife killing contest bill and other MFOA legislative initiatives.
The greater our financial resources are now, the more legislation MFOA can support as well as oppose bills which are inhumane in nature.
Please remember that the degree of our legislative endeavors depends on the donations we get from you, our loyal supporters. You are what makes the difference. Being successful in the complex business of making the people’s laws in Augusta takes a variety of resources, most assuredly including financial. Please consider donating today and help our efforts to do more for those Maine animals that still live with abuse, neglect, exploitation, and cruelty.
It is summer, but in six months the Maine legislature will convene. Won’t you begin your support now?
- Contact your Maine State House and Senate candidates and see if they support animal protection, and if they do, consider supporting their campaign.
- Consider becoming a member of the MFOA Legislative Committee.
- Let us know which issues you wish MFOA to consider for future legislation at mfoa@falmouthstation.com.
- Donate today! Check out the “Protector Program” donation option: https://mfoa.net/support-mfoa-donation.
