One Thing You Still Need to do Before Summer is Over

Summertime is upon us! Time for vacations, picnics, BBQs and weekends escaping the heat at a pool.

But politics?

Yes – summertime can be a great time for advocating for better laws for animals too!

The Pennsylvania state legislature is in recess, which means our lawmakers are back home in their neighborhoods, nearer to you and far more accessible at their district offices. It is easier to schedule meetings since they do not have to travel to Harrisburg. Summertime presents a wonderful opportunity to get to know our legislators – and for them to get to know us too.

With a record number of animal related bills pending, it is more important than ever that our lawmakers are made aware that their constituents care about humane issues – and want them to advocate for and support the pending anti-cruelty bills. Without each of us, the animals don’t have a voice in Harrisburg, so it is up to us to remind them. We are fortunate that there are many lawmakers this session who have supported humane issues – particularly our Senators, but even those who are our supporters need to hear from their constituents to keep these bills forefront in their minds. It is a terrific time to say thank you. And, if your legislators have not supported humane legislation so far this session, a summertime meeting is the perfect chance to educate them about the issues, let them know you are following their record, and that you are disappointed. Remember – bill fact sheets and voting records are easily accessible through the Humane PA website, so you can come armed with all the information you need to have a productive meeting.

Summertime is about vacations, pools and picnics – and politics too! Please raise your voice for animals and contact the district office to schedule an appointment with your state representative and senator. And please share the results – we will look forward to hearing about your experiences.

For more information about how to persuade your legislator to support humane legislation, check out: Meeting With Your State Legislators, and Citizen Lobbying Tips to Give Animals a Voice in Harrisburg.

Elissa B. Katz is the President of Humane PA and a partner in the law firm of Meranze, Katz, Gaudioso & Newlin, P.C. in Philadelphia. She is a regular volunteer with the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the Northeast Animal Rescue.  She is also a board member of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.