Comments on: Why People Who Love Animals Must Vote

By: Margaret T

Margaret T — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 19:09:27 +0000

Unfortunately, my state elected a governor who is pro-puppy mill. Pet store chains that sell puppies were large contributors to his funds. I am not happy about that.

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 17:35:07 +0000

Glad to see you using your platform to get the word out on actual issues like this. Great info.

By: Jen Gabbard

Jen Gabbard — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 00:34:06 +0000

I’m so glad here in MI the bill to legally hunt wolves did not pass – it wasn’t that long ago that they were endangered. It’s already legal for someone to shoot a wolf if it’s on their property so why some felt the need to hunt them for sport is beyond me. I’m so frustrated with some of the local townships around here – I’ve been working with a local group that has been trying to make pet stores and puppy mills fact stronger inspection standards and hopefully we’ll see some real change soon. It was so disheartening to read a story in the local paper about it though – the reporter said that pet stores shouldn’t have to face any tougher regulations because that would harm our free market economy…. Yeah, still a long ways to go for some people to understand that animals aren’t the same as goods/objects.

By: Lauranne

Lauranne — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 10:23:34 +0000

I can’t offer anything from a less insane democracy, have you seen what’s going on in the UK?? However, I echo your views that people should exercise their right to vote, and if you don’t like anyone whose standing spoil your vote. I would always spoil my vote rather than not stand!

By: Taryn

Taryn — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 18:12:15 +0000

I’m quite a pessimist about our political system. No matter who I vote for, I feel they are pretty much in it for their own personal gain. It may not start out that way, it may start with a dream about changing things, but then all the money behind all the lobbyists start to warp things, and so much for good intentions. It is a very frustrating situation and I hate thinking about politics. And of course, living just outside DC just exacerbates it 😉

By: Elaine

Elaine — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 16:12:51 +0000

Heading out shortly to vote! I’ve heard stories about dogs being registered to vote and getting political info in the mail. Hopefully there won’t be too many stories about election fraud this time around. On a lighter note, at least the dogs would vote for dog-friendly legislation 🙂

By: Ron Rutherford

Ron Rutherford — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 14:42:22 +0000

I couldn’t agree with you more! Voting is so incredibly important for animal lovers — and all Americans, really. My local government seems set on taking rights away from our citizens and protecting those who hurt animals (i.e. our ag gag law). I’m going to get out there and do my civic duty today. I hope others will as well!

By: Kelley

Kelley — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 14:16:51 +0000

I voted. But I thInk voting is just the beginning. Write letters (be clear, concise and respectful), attend “chats with the Congressman” set up an appointment during office hours. These are much more effective than petitions — but go ahead and sign the petition! Politicians DO want to know what their constituents are thinking. Personal stories can be very effective. Make sure you have all your facts straight. A bulleted fact sheet can be helpful. Pictures don’t hurt either. It helps put a a face to a name or a cause. Change can be slow, so be patient but persistent.

BTW, the above tips were given to me by a Congressman and the lobbyist for the Florida Animal Control Association.

By: It's Dog or Nothing

It's Dog or Nothing — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 13:57:35 +0000

I hope this will encourage some fellow animal lovers to hit the polls today. We really do have the potential to change the world for our furry friends.