Animal welfare is a bipartisan topic that has recently taken a high priority in local, state and federal legislation. There have been an explosion of proposed legislation and laws touching on our companion animals, on issues as broad as breed discriminatory laws, damages for injury or death of a dog or cat, animal shelter regulation, and pet shops and puppy mills. Your legislators need to hear from you as stakeholders and constituents with interest and experience in dog training and behavior. Finding the laws that impact you and your companion animals – and the legislators who have the biggest influence – can be daunting. Also, the process of changing those laws can be confusing and intimidating. This presentation will give you guidance about where to find relevant federal, state and local laws, as well as how to identify key legislators. We will also empower you with the confidence to approach legislators to improve animal related laws. We’ll give you a roadmap, along with real world examples of how Virginia animal advocates have united through the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies and the HSUS to bring about positive change for animals.

Sponsor:APDT
Speaker(s):Debra Griggs, president of the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies; Sue Bell, executive director

Contact: Jennifer Franco
 Email: education@apdt.com
 Phone: 800-738-3647
 Web: https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/courses/8801