Archived Articles

The official “Be Kind to Animals” week was commemorated in May 2019, and national organizations such as the Humane Society remind all of us through these events to build a better world, by showing compassion to animals. FOMCA is here to remind Madison County citizens that our existence is a commitment to protect and improve the lives of thousands of animals. We encourage our friends and neighbors in Madison County to get involved, become knowledgeable about the opportunities out there for us to advocate for animal welfare. Let’s work together to extend Be Kind to Animals week to 365 days a year!

Contact your United States Representative to urge them to support these first three critical bills.
In North Carolina call:
Mark Meadows at 202-225-6401
Thom Tillis at 202-224-6342
Richard Burr at 202-224-3154

Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act
The Animal Welfare Institute published information regarding the PAWS Act, which was signed into law
as a part of the 2018 Farm Bill. This established federal grant opportunities for organizations providing
shelter and housing assistance for domestic violence survivors and their pets. Eighty five percent of
domestic violence shelters indicated that women seeking shelter and protection indicated that their
household pets were also subjected to abuse. This legislation will help law enforcement and other
service providers to help domestic violence survivors find safe places for their animals and meet critical
needs associated with domestic violence. Learn how you can become involved with the movement at
https://awionline.org/content/pet-and-women-safety-paws-act
Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT ACT)
Recent legislation aimed at preventing animal cruelty, known as the “Preventing Animal Cruelty
and Torture Act” or the “PACT Act” deemed it unlawful to participate in creation of or sharing of animal
crush videos. The bill includes definition of animal crushing as “living non-human mammals, birds,
reptiles, or amphibians is purposely crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled, or otherwise
subjected to serious bodily injury” and is shared via photograph, motion-picture film, videserious bodily injury” and is shared via photograph, motion-picture film, video or digital recording, or electronic image. This federal mandate is aimed at supporting state level laws against animal fighting and distribution of animal crush videos. We at FOMCA urge you to take action and encourage your federal legislators to support the PACT Act by sending them a message. Learn more at https://aldf.org/project/preventing-animal-cruelty-and-torture-pact-act/ 

Welfare of our Friends Act (The WOOF ACT).

recording, or electronic image.

We also work to pass legislation that would hold the puppy mill industry more accountable. The

ASPCA is proud to support the Welfare of Our Friends (WOOF!) Act, federal legislation

introduced this week by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Charlie Crist (D-FL), Glenn “G.T.”

Thompson (R-PA) and Jim McGovern (D-MA), which would ensure that problematic breeders

cannot continue evading oversight.

 

The WOOF! Act would prevent a dog breeder whose USDA license has been suspended or

revoked from continuing to operate through a new license acquired by someone else at the

same address. Right now, it is possible for suspended/revoked breeders to evade enforcement

by having family members apply for a new license, allowing the same business to continue as

before—terrible conditions and all.

“I'm proud to join with Rep. Fitzpatrick again on the bipartisan WOOF! Act, closing existing

loopholes to better protect puppies and dogs from abuse," said Crist. "We must care for all of

God’s creatures, working together to promote animal welfare.”

 

North Carolina Legislation

Animal Abuse Registry

 

The NC Animal Abuser Registry Act was recently sponsored by state Senators, Floyd McKissick

and Danny Britt in Raleigh, NC. This legislation calls for first time animal abusers to be put on a registry

for two years after conviction. Additionally, second time offenders would not be allowed to own pets

and would have their image posted as a convicted animal abuser for up to five years after being

convicted in court. The move to help animals comes after a period of increasing instances of animal

abuse. Please let your state representatives know that you support this bill and let’s help deter animal

abuse!

https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/04/politics/north-carolina-animal-abuse-registry/index.html

 

In Madison County

https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/04/politics/north-carolina-animal-abuse-registry/index.html

 

In Madison County, North Carolina contact:

 

Ralph Hise State Senator (919) 733-3460

Michele Presnell House Representative 828-208-3874