It's time for a change!
South Dakota remains one of just a handful of states with out a felony statute for intentional animal cruelty.
In 2009 a bill was presented asking the legislator to consider changing that.
While the bill failed in 2009, a group of supporters is hoping to see it brought up again in the 2010 session.
For our dogs, cats, kids and communities we need to make an effort for a safer South Dakota.
Concerned citizens in this effort first met in August. A second meeting in September was very productive, with Rep. Cutler in attendance, along with supporters of the Pork Producers. With two meetings planned in October, this effort looks to continue to grow. A 3rd October meeting may happen in the Vermillion area as well. Please check back for updates.
In 2009 a bill was presented asking the legislator to consider changing that.
While the bill failed in 2009, a group of supporters is hoping to see it brought up again in the 2010 session.
For our dogs, cats, kids and communities we need to make an effort for a safer South Dakota.
Concerned citizens in this effort first met in August. A second meeting in September was very productive, with Rep. Cutler in attendance, along with supporters of the Pork Producers. With two meetings planned in October, this effort looks to continue to grow. A 3rd October meeting may happen in the Vermillion area as well. Please check back for updates.
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Bark the Vote South Dakota is sponsored by the South Dakota Coalition for Companion Animals.
Stories the make the case
Thankfully these stories are not from South Dakota. But it is an example of the reason we need a felony statute here, because what if it WAS in South Dakota? And we want to send a message to these kinds of people that they are not welcome here!
Mother turns yard into concentration camp for dogs, theft, torture, death, burial. And her seven children living in the home state "we go the end of it to".
http://wcbstv.com/local/pet.concentration.camp.2.1300163.html
Father Turns In Son After Finding Dead Dogs
http://www.kptv.com/news/21072630/detail.html
Watch the Video
http://www.kptv.com/video/21072467/index.html
Police Officer Sexually Assaults Cows, and Children
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/homepage/20090924_Animal-cruelty_charges_dropped_against_Burlington_County_cop.html
Teen Arrested For Duct Taping Cat - 19 years old, he's old enough to know better, and old enough to vote. His decision making skills are pretty poor, do you want him owning a gun? A felony conviction would take that option away from him.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/pawprintpost/post/2009/09/teen-arrested-for-wrapping-cat-in-duct-tape/1
Dog Hung, then beat to death with cedar branch
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=101888&catid=2
Mother turns yard into concentration camp for dogs, theft, torture, death, burial. And her seven children living in the home state "we go the end of it to".
http://wcbstv.com/local/pet.concentration.camp.2.1300163.html
Father Turns In Son After Finding Dead Dogs
http://www.kptv.com/news/21072630/detail.html
Watch the Video
http://www.kptv.com/video/21072467/index.html
Police Officer Sexually Assaults Cows, and Children
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/homepage/20090924_Animal-cruelty_charges_dropped_against_Burlington_County_cop.html
Teen Arrested For Duct Taping Cat - 19 years old, he's old enough to know better, and old enough to vote. His decision making skills are pretty poor, do you want him owning a gun? A felony conviction would take that option away from him.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/pawprintpost/post/2009/09/teen-arrested-for-wrapping-cat-in-duct-tape/1
Dog Hung, then beat to death with cedar branch
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=101888&catid=2
Cruelty Comes Home
It happens here to....
An incident of abuse against a valuable rodeo horse has been pending since July. Dually may still see justice, but is it appropriate justice? The alleged offender may face more jail time for the theft than the cruelty. He needs to be punished for taking someone's property, but shouldn't he also face punishment for recklessly harming a living thing? By all accounts he knew there was damage and torment and continued to ride. That kind of disregard, what else does it spill over in to his life?
http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail6162.cfm?Id=90656
The owner of this puppy in Mitchell allegedly drugged the dog with alcohol and narcotics before cutting it's ears off with a scissors. Again, this type of behavior includes layers of unacceptable behavior, more than a misdemeanor can cover.
https://secure.forumcomm.com/?publisher_ID=4&article_id=36789&CFID=111392263&CFTOKEN=35215666
An incident of abuse against a valuable rodeo horse has been pending since July. Dually may still see justice, but is it appropriate justice? The alleged offender may face more jail time for the theft than the cruelty. He needs to be punished for taking someone's property, but shouldn't he also face punishment for recklessly harming a living thing? By all accounts he knew there was damage and torment and continued to ride. That kind of disregard, what else does it spill over in to his life?
http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail6162.cfm?Id=90656
The owner of this puppy in Mitchell allegedly drugged the dog with alcohol and narcotics before cutting it's ears off with a scissors. Again, this type of behavior includes layers of unacceptable behavior, more than a misdemeanor can cover.
https://secure.forumcomm.com/?publisher_ID=4&article_id=36789&CFID=111392263&CFTOKEN=35215666
Make Contact
The first step to changing state laws is making contact with your district representatives and senators. Visit the resources page to find links that will help you locate your district's legislators and their contact information. Write, call and email them, ask for their support. You live in South Dakota, you have the right to ask for their help making it a better place to live! Unsure of how to contact them, or what to say when you do? It's easier than you think!
Think
Brainstorm, put together all your thoughts about the current law and how you'd like to see it changed. Highlight what you agree with. Make notes of what you'd like to improve on. Discuss your ideas in a group. Then make a concise statement to share with your Legislator.
Expand
Share your passion. Talk to friends, family, coworkers. See who you already know that is interested in the same issues as yourself. Ask for their help.
It's also important to network. Find other groups working for the same cause. Meet people who have lobbied before, or have helped pass other laws. Utilize all your resources to learn more about the legislative process.
It's also important to network. Find other groups working for the same cause. Meet people who have lobbied before, or have helped pass other laws. Utilize all your resources to learn more about the legislative process.
Act!
Call! Write! Meet with your representatives. Plan events to share with the public. Contact the media and get the word out. During session, lobby and testify. Begin preparing now to speak in front of committee so your message is solid and you can be confident you'll be heard.
A great link going over all these steps in detail has been put together byConnecticut Alliance for Basic Human Needs read Get Your Legislator to Listen and apply their tips to this issue.
A great link going over all these steps in detail has been put together byConnecticut Alliance for Basic Human Needs read Get Your Legislator to Listen and apply their tips to this issue.
Bark the Vote is made up of concerned residents in the state of South Dakota. Although many of our supporters are volunteers, and work in animal rescue. We are not affiliated with any rescue or shelter organization, neither locally or nationally.
We encourage you to support rescue and adoption in choosing a pet. We also suggest that when making a donation, financial or supplies, that you donate locally and make a difference in the community you live in.
We encourage you to support rescue and adoption in choosing a pet. We also suggest that when making a donation, financial or supplies, that you donate locally and make a difference in the community you live in.