Washington State’s legislative session is underway and we are working hard to support several bills aimed at improving laws for animals. Throughout this eight-week session, we will be working closely with legislators and other organizations, as well as driving grassroots advocacy, to ensure all voices are heard on behalf of animals. Just this week, members of the Pasado’s Safe Haven team were on the ground in Olympia testifying in a policy committee hearing and meeting with legislators. Below are just some of the new bills we are supporting this session: 

IMPROVING THE SYSTEM FOR VICTIMS OF ANIMAL CRUELTY 

  • HB 1961 – Ranking Animal Cruelty in the First Degree: Protects animals, humans, and communities by adding animal cruelty in the first degree to the list of ranked felony offenses in Washington state.

ADDRESSING LARGE-SCALE SYSTEMS OF ANIMAL CRUELTY 

  • HB 1153 – Prohibiting Octopus Farming: Prevents the environmentally destructive, unsustainable, and inhumane practices that come with octopus farming from coming to Washington state. Learn more.
  • HB 1097 – Cosmetic Testing on Animals: Prohibits the sale of cosmetics in Washington state if any ingredient, or the final product itself, was subject to new animal testing.

KEEPING PETS & PEOPLE TOGETHER

  • HB 1012 – Improving the Response to Extreme Weather Events: Creates a grant program that would provide animal-friendly shelters and transportation when small and under-resourced communities are impacted by extreme weather and/or wildfires.
  • SB 6064 – Improving Access to Pet-Friendly Housing: Addresses the lack of affordable pet-friendly housing in Washington, especially for lower income renters, by establishing reasonable limitations on pet rent, deposits, and other fees.
See all of the bills we are supporting here!

These changes will make a significant impact in ending animal cruelty in our region if passed. Thank you for helping ensure animals’ voices are heard in Washington state!