ASPCA Applauds NYS Senator Liz Krueger For Sponsorship of "Downed Animal" Protection Legislation

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Thursday, 9 October 2003

State senator and Farm Sanctuary aim to pass humane legislation in 2004.

On Saturday, October 11th, 2003, State Senator Liz Krueger and Farm Sanctuary, an animal welfare advocacy group, will co-sponsor a press conference to announce Senator Krueger's sponsorship of legislation to promote the humane treatment of farm animals. S. 5735, also known as the "Downed Animal" bill was last considered in the 1999 session and will be re-introduced by Senator Krueger in January at the start of the 2004 legislative session.

Recognizing broad support for more humane legislation, Senator Krueger has proposed the formation of a non-partisan coalition of city, state and federal legislators to work together to carry a humane agenda forward.

"Creating a more humane and healthier New York is not an issue of partisanship," stated Senator Krueger. "I am hoping that we can come together and commit to passing more humane legislation regulating the treatment and protection of our farm animals, companion animals, animals used in entertainment, exotics and wildlife. The 'Downed Animal' bill is a perfect example of legislation that we should work together to pass. It is a common sense bill that both deals with the humane treatment of farm animals and the issue of public health. Animals too sick to stand, often a direct result of inhumane farming practices, are commonly slaughtered and sold for human consumption in the United States."

"The promotion of humane legislation in New York State is an important priority for the ASPCA and we support Senator Krueger's sponsorship of the downed animal legislation," said Ed Sayres, ASPCA President and CEO. "In addition, we applaud the Senator's efforts to build a non-partisan coalition working towards the enactment of more humane legislation regulating the treatment and protection of our farm animals, companion animals and wildlife."

Similar legislation was introduced earlier this year at the federal level (S.1298 in the U.S. Senate and H.R. 2519 in the U.S. House of Representatives known as the "Downed Animal Protection Act") and narrowly missed being passed by a vote of 202 to 199. Several state and cities have been successful in passing downed animal legislation, including California, Colorado, Illinois and Cincinnati. Not only is there a growing awareness and concern among the public about these issues, but there is growing industry support for humane farming practices as well.

To date, Senators Ada Smith and George Onorato, Assemblymembers Michael Cohen, Deborah Glick, Scott Stringer, and Councilmember Alan Gerson have joined the coalition. Additionally, Councilmember Gerson has expressed an interest in introducing a resolution in the City Council in support of this bill.

The press conference will be at 11:00 AM at Columbus Circle in New York City and is being held in conjunction with Farm Sanctuary's Walk for Farm Animals. Activists in over 30 cities and 20 states across the US will participate in the Walk for Farm Animals campaign.

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org