Oppose HB 1063

UPDATE: 2/22/2011, 7:33 a.m.

According to the Denver Post, state House Bill 11-1063 died in committee, by a 12-1 vote.

Thank you so much to everyone for your calls, letters and e-mails. Your voice does make a difference!
__________

Last year, residents like you spoke out against Colorado House Bill 1124 — a bill that would negatively impact animal welfare agencies across the state.

Now, 1124 is back with a new name, HB 11-1063. Introduced by Rep. Wes McKinley, D-Walsh, the bill would take away the ability for non-governmental organizations like the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region to investigate claims of animal cruelty, placing that responsibility entirely on already financially struggling city police and sheriff’s departments.

In addition, nonprofits like ours that provide care and board for abused and neglected animals would lose the ability to collect fees from the owners for these cases, shifting those expenses to the taxpayers.

The Humane Society is opposed to HB 1063. We provide enforcement service to El Paso County, Colorado Springs, Pueblo City and County, Fountain, Monument, Douglas County, Centennial, and Calhan; we shelter for Manitou Springs, Fort Carson, AFA, and PAFB.

In 2010, we cared for 30,000 animals and handled 8100 cruelty and neglect cases and 500 dangerous dog cases, which resulted in 194 dogs, cats, horses, and other species being impounded. The impact of HB 1063 is detrimental to our agency, the animals of our communities and the governments we serve.

HB 1063 will be presented to the state Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee on Monday, Feb. 21. If you want to make your voice known about this bill, you can find contact information for all of the members of the committee here. It’s as easy as making a call, or sending an e-mail.

Click here to learn more about why the Humane Society opposes this bill, along with the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies.