Washington State’s legislative session began last week and Pasado’s Safe Haven remains a regional leader in driving important policy changes on behalf of animals. This session, we are working hard to support several issues aimed at reducing animal suffering. Your generosity supports this work and helps ensure that animals’ interests are represented in the legislative process.
For the 2023 legislative session, we will be championing:
- HB 1234: An Act Relating to the Civil Forfeiture of Animals Seized for Abuse or Neglect. If accepted, this would clarify and improve the processes that allow animal cruelty victims to be rehabilitated and rehomed. Because of gaps in the current law, the important tools of pre-conviction animal seizure, forfeiture and cost of care bonds are underutilized in animal cruelty cases, and animals unnecessarily languish for months or even years in shelter environments at significant public expense.
- Capital Funding: Water and Fire Safety Improvements at Pasado’s Safe Haven. Pasado’s Safe Haven is seeking $500,000 in capital grant funding from the state to support vital water and emergency management improvements at our sanctuary campus. These infrastructure improvements are critical to health and safety and also ensure the continued viability of the organization, allowing us to serve animals and communities across the state of Washington.
For the 2023 legislative session, we will be supporting:
- HB 1097: Prohibiting the sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals. If passed, this bill would prohibit the sale of cosmetics if any ingredient, or the final product itself, was subject to new animal testing.
- HB 1034/SB 5161: Prohibiting fur farming. If passed, this bill would stop the outdated and dangerous practice of fur farming in Washington state, while addressing serious public health, environmental, and animal welfare concerns.
- HB 1157/SB 5148 Prohibiting the display of wild or exotic animals for public entertainment or amusement. If passed, this bill would prohibit the display of wild and exotic animals for entertainment or amusement.
- HB 1153: Prohibiting octopus farming. Would address growing issues with aquaculture by preventing any octopus farms from being established in Washington.
- HB 1012: Addressing the response to extreme weather events. This bill would include providing animal friendly shelters and transportation when local communities are forced to evacuate due to an extreme weather event.
If passed, these changes will be a huge step forward in ending animal cruelty in our region. During the legislative session things can change rapidly and we still expect a couple of priority animal bills to be filed. We will keep you updated on any additional bills and provide ways you can support these efforts in the coming weeks.
Thank you for helping ensure animals’ voices are heard in Washington state!
