http://www.idausa.org/alert/currentalerts/angels.html
WANTED: Guardian Angels needed to spread the word about
IDA's "They Are Not Our Property - We Are Not Their Owners" Campaign.
In Defense of Animals is searching for more Guardian
Angels to lead the campaign in their community to change the language of
their local laws to read guardian in place of "owner" with regard to
companion animals. Boulder, Colorado was the first to make this change
on July 11, 2000. In February of 2001, West Hollywood and Berkeley,
California made similar changes to their ordinances to reflect the fact
that their citizens are indeed guardians of their dogs, cats and other
companions. Boulder citizens are now seeing the changes everywhere --
the Boulder newspaper is routinely using the word guardian (not "owner")
in articles and editorials; the Humane Society of Boulder Valley is
using guardian in their daily language and in all printed material; and
signs erected by City Staff in dog parks now use the new terminology.
This simple wording change is an effort to elevate the
status of animals beyond that of mere property to that of sentient
individuals with needs and rights of their own. Most of you probably
already consider your animal companion as a member of your family
instead of as a commodity (like your sofa or your car).
Much abuse is perpetrated because dogs, cats and other
companions are perceived of as the "property of owners." Even when
someone is charged with the crime of animal abuse, quite often he/she is
let go with a mere "slap on the wrist," to go back into the community to
continue his/her abusive ways. Think of the changes we might see if we
educate our children to the fact that they are guardians of living
beings rather than "owners of property."
Last year 5 million adoptable animals were killed in
shelters. At the very same time the lethal dose was being administered,
puppy mills were producing countless numbers of dogs, cats and other
animals to be "sold" to "owners" at pet stores. Guardians would realize
the importance of always adopting and rescuing instead of buying and
selling animals, and would understand the commitment to the animal for
his/her lifetime.
Today IDA is working with people across the country who
wish to make this simple language change a reality in their communities,
both legally and in
everyday language.
If you would like to help or to know more about the
campaign, please contact Laurie Lown, Director of IDA's "They Are Not
Our Property, We Are Not Their Owners" Campaign, by e-mail at
laurie@idausa.org
or by telephone at 503-293-1853. Remember that each individual can make
a difference!
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