Via International Fund for Animal Welfare:

Keep Big Cats Wild and Your Family Safe: Pass Haley’s Act

There are more than 10,000 big cats in captivity in the U.S., many of whom are in facilities licensed by the USDA. Although this license might seem reassuring, the harsh reality is that a USDA-licensed facility can be anything from a fenced-in backyard to a roadside zoo. The USDA lacks authority when it comes to public safety. Not only is the public at risk, but many USDA facilities barely meet the minimum welfare conditions for big cats who are forced to live a life behind cages and in chains.

Thankfully, there is now an effort underway to improve conditions for these wild animals and protect the public from big cat attacks. Congressman Jim Ryun (KS) has just introduced “Haley’s Act” (HR 5909). Named in honor of Haley Hilderbrand, Haley’s Act is a necessary bill that will give the USDA the authority it needs to prohibit direct contact between the public and big cats. Haley’s law will also significantly increase penalties for violations of the animal welfare act.

Click here to learn more and take action today.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Fred O’Regan, International Fund for Animal Welfare - fred [at] ifaw1.org
Date: Jul 10, 2006 2:26 PM
Subject: IFAW alert: Marine mammals under attack

More than 30 years ago, the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) was enacted to keep whales, seals, dolphins and other marine mammals safe from hunting and human threats. But now this crucial protection is in grave danger of being weakened and the animals need you to speak out before it’s too late.

In just a few weeks, Congress will be considering H.R. 4075, a bill that would remove a critical provision from the MMPA. The amendment would remove a deadline by which the commercial fishing industry must significantly reduce the serious injury and death of marine mammals accidentally caught in fishing nets and/or gear.

The proposal also includes a provision that would allow facilities that house marine mammals to own them, letting them keep important information about their marine mammals out of the public’s reach.

-> Take Action: Protect Marine Mammals

(more…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Fred O’Regan, International Fund for Animal Welfare - fred [at] ifaw1.org
Date: Jun 19, 2006 5:00 PM
Subject: Tell Congress not to leave pets behind

International Fund for Animal Welfare June 19, 2006

Tell Congress not to leave pets behind

When a natural disaster strikes, pets are often the forgotten victims. Animals are often lost or owners are forced to leave them behind during mandatory evacuations.

Throughout IFAW’s hurricane relief efforts last year to rescue the animals left behind in the wake of Katrina, we were continuously humbled by our encounters with survivors who risked everything to protect and reunite with their pets.

From tales of incredible determination and courage, to stories of hope and perseverance, our animal rescue workers have been extremely privileged to be a part of so many extraordinary examples of the bond between humans and animals that clearly illustrate the compassion people have for their pets during the most difficult of times.

And now you can help make sure no more pets needlessly suffer in the next natural emergency.

Urge Your Senator to Pass the PETS Act

(more…)