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ACTION ALERT - Call Your State Representative Today and Ask Them to Support the Pet Protective Order Bill (SF2118)
March 18, 2014
Bill is In Jeopardy in Iowa House After Sailing Through Senate and House Committee

After several attempts in recent years, a change in Iowa law that would clearly allow for the inclusion of companion animals in protective (no contact) orders in cases of domestic abuse is only a couple of steps away from becoming a reality, but is in jeopardy today.  We need your help in the form of calls and emails to your state representative, today!

 

SF2118, provides for the inclusion of pets in protective orders.  It was passed unanimously in the Iowa Senate earlier this legislative session, and cleared the House Judiciary committee earlier this month with only one "no" vote.

 

But today, we're hearing of calls and emails to House members, that appear to be coming primarily from commercial dog breeders, urging them to vote "no" on this common sense bill. 

 

Below is the text of an email apparently sent to every member of the Iowa House of Representatives from an Iowa dog breeder with ties to Animals in Our Care, a pro-breeder group critical of efforts to strengthen Iowa's animal welfare laws:

 

"I do not understand why there  are  so many bills for dogs  this year.  Is this a big plan by HSUS to slowly get THEIR big claws into this  Iowa.  I am strongly opposed to all of these bills. Please vote no to SF2118, there are already funds set up by AKC  to help people in need with their pets if they must leave the living situation they are in.  Are animals becoming HUMANS?  

 

THese [sic] bills are being introduced by animal rights activists that have a big agenda for Iowa.  How many of these bills are they going to get slipped in this year?  

PLEASE VOTE NO ON SF2188 [sic]."

 

For the record, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has had no involvement in SF2118.  In fact, the bill is largely the result of a specific constituent working with her legislator. 

 

We need your calls and emails to let them know that their constituents, and most Iowans, support this bill that will better enable victims of domestic violence to escape the abusive situation without fear of what might become of the family pet.

 

When you contact your representative, ask them to help protect victims of domestic abuse by supporting SF2118.  Here are a few points to make:

 

Because of the strong attachments they have with their pets, victims of domestic violence may delay leaving a dangerous situation because of fear for the pet's safety.

 

Abusers are well aware of these attachments and will use violence or the threat of violence against companion animals to control, intimidate, and seek retribution against their spouses/partners, children, or even elderly parents.

 

Sometimes there is confusion among judges about the ability to include pets in protective orders under current law.  Since 2005, 25 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have enacted laws to make it clear that companion animals can be included in these no contact orders.

 

This bill is every bit as much about protecting the (typically) woman in the relationship, along with any children, as it is an "animal bill".

 

SF2118 provides exceptions for livestock, so only family pets are included in the bill.

 

The bill was passed unanimously in the Iowa Senate and passed the House Judiciary committee with only a single "no" vote; it has broad bipartisan support.

 

When contacting your legislator, please remember to be polite, respectful, and concise; and be sure to let them know that you are a constituent of theirs!

 

Not sure who your representative is?  You can look them up here.  A list of House members, including their email addresses is available here.  The House switchboard number is 515-281-3221; When you call, ask to speak to your representative, or leave a message for them and ask them to help victims of domestic violence by supporting SF2118.

 

Please let us know what kind of response you get!  You can email us at ifhsaction@gmail.com.

 

Did you get this email forwarded to you by a friend?  Sign up for the IFHS email list here and get all the latest updates!  Be sure to select the "grassroots lobbying" option on the "Update Profile/Email Address" link at the bottom of this email to make sure you get all our legislative updates and action alerts.

 

THANK YOU for your participation in this important work and your efforts with your legislators on this issue!

Iowa Federation of Humane Societies | ifhsaction@gmail.com | http://www.iowafedhumane.org
5452 NE 22nd St
Des Moines, IA 50313
The Iowa Federation of Humane Societies was established in 1975 with the express purpose of promoting the advocacy and welfare of animals through an association of licensed animal shelters, humane societies, animal welfare groups, animal advocacy organizations, and concerned individuals working cooperatively for humane education and legislation.

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