Maryland Votes for Animals (MVFA) is an organization with one overriding mission: To create an ever-growing voting bloc of animal advocates who will elect representatives willing to champion and vote for animal protection legislation, and to hold politicians accountable to their constituents.
Want to get involved with helping animals? Start here!
Annual black bear hunt has its backers and detractors
Many use event for family bonding, but at least one feels it sends the wrong message
By Don Markus, The Baltimore Sun
3:16 p.m. EDT, October 20, 2012
Kaitlin Zembower had gone deer hunting with her father Jerry countless times over the years near their Frostburg home, but the experience they shared during last year's annual Maryland black bear hunt was much different.
MARYLAND ANIMAL SHELTERS EUTHANIZE 45,000 DOGS AND CATS ANNUALLY
Maryland Votes for Animals Calls for Creation of a Subsidized Spay/Neuter Program
The Maryland Legislative Spay and Neuter Task Force reconvened October 2nd in preparation for the 2013 Legislative Session. The Task Force was created by an act of the Maryland General Assembly in 2011 and signed into law by Governor Martin O'Malley. Under the leadership of Del. Barbara Frush and Sen. Joanne Benson the Task Force reviewed an analysis of a data from a sampling of Maryland Animal Control facilities and shelters and heard testimony and reviewed evidence on practices in other states including Virginia, New Jersey, and New Hampshire.
Results of the Report and evidence reviewed substantiate prior testimony to the Task Force on Maryland's urgent need for a statewide spay/neuter program to reduce shelter intake and euthanasia rates in Maryland. The Report indicates approximately 1/2 of the cats and 1/3 of the dogs in Maryland's shelter populations are euthanized for reasons other than owner requested euthanasia. The information presented at today's meeting supports the findings of an earlier survey presented to the Task Force in 2011 that found Maryland shelters must kill over 45,000 cats and dogs every year to address the homeless pet problem. That report showed 34,660 cats and 10,477 dogs were killed in 2011, which number does not include additional dogs and cats euthanized at owner request.
Humane Lobby Day 2013 - Save the Date
Humane Lobby Day 2013 is on the calendar.
We don't have a time yet but make sure to save the date.
Humane Lobby Day is your opportuninty to tell your representatives, face-to-face, how important the animal welfare issues are to you. You start out by getting an orientation and some pointers from MVFA, HSUS & ASPCA representatives. Then you team up with other humane lobbyists to see your legislators. It's easy, it's very rewarding and, most important, it really makes a difference for the animals.
Boston’s Pit Bull Ordinance Overridden By State
By Radio Boston Staff August 24, 2012
Earlier this month, Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law a bill that amends the Animal Control Act. The new bill covers multiple animal issues, but it also strikes down any breed-specific legislation that cities or towns may have in place. Section 31 of the bill states:
Maryland pit bull ruling is challenged in federal court
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/breaking/bs-md-ci-pit-bull-suit-20120912,0,1004894.story
Maryland pit bull ruling is challenged in federal court
Help for Maryland Dog Owners
In the face of the confusion and frustration arising from the Solesky ruling, The Humane Society has set up Protect Maryland Dogs, a Help Line for Maryland dog owners.
In addition to a toll-free hotline, 1-855-MDDOGS1 (1-855-633-6471), HSUS has provided the following very useful links:
welfare protection. The success of animal rights legislation was due in large part to the dedication and efforts of Maryland Votes for Animals."
