Louisiana House to Vote on a Bill That Would Improve Life for Shelter Animals - National Humane Education Society

Paws Up!

To the Louisiana Senate for passing Senate Bill 64 that would require animal shelters to follow certain operating guidelines and mandatory annual staff training.

Animal shelters, throughout the United States, vary in the quality and the care they provide for the estimated 6.5 million animals they house every year. Why the dichotomy?  Sources of funding is a primary factor.  Low funds mean less resources to provide quality care and proper staff training.  

According to a recent news article, Louisiana Senator Ryan Gatti (R-Bossier City), who shares his home with his Golden Retriever, introduced Senate Bill 64 after becoming aware of shortfalls in animal care at the Caddo Parish Animal Shelter.  This bill would require animal shelters to follow a specific set of guidelines and mandate annual training sessions for shelter staff. The Louisiana Senate unanimously passed S.B. 64. The bill has now gone to the House.

Take Action:  Louisiana residents, contact your representative and urge them to support S.B. 64.  An example letter is shown below:

The Honorable {Representative’s Name}
{Address}
{City, State Zip}

Re: Senate Bill 64 Provides for Animal Shelter Operating Procedures and Training Requirements

Dear Representative {Name of Your Representative}:

My name is {Your Name} and I reside in the {District Number} district of Louisiana.  I am an avid animal lover and ask that you please vote “Yes” for Senate Bill 64.

Animal shelters play an important role in our community.  They give residents a specific place to go to look for companion animals and give shelter to homeless animals.  Unfortunately, I am painfully aware of the lack of care some animal shelters use when caring for their animals. At the beginning of 2017, a dog name Gumbo who was at the Caddo Parish Animal Shelter, reportedly passed away a day after being taken in by an animal rescue group. This may have been prevented if certain care had been administered.  

I implore you to support Senate Bill 64 that would require all shelters to abide by certain guidelines to care for their animals and provide annual training for their staff.  Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,
{Your Name}