Humane Groups Turn in 115,000 Signatures

[Marty]

Washington, DC -- To: State Desk

Contact: Christine A. Dorchak of The Committee to Protect Dogs, 617-666-3526

BOSTON, Nov. 22 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Proponents of a ballot question to protect dogs in the Commonwealth announced today that they have collected over 115,000 signatures, far more than the number required to place the Dog Protection Act before voters next year.

"This is an overwhelming endorsement of this humane law," said Carter Luke, executive vice president of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA). "Voters recognize that dogs deserve to be protected from individuals and industries that would do them harm."

The Dog Protection Act will phase out dog racing, strengthen laws against dogfighting, and increase penalties for hurting law enforcement and service dogs. The measure is jointly sponsored by the Animal Rescue League of Boston, greyhound protection group GREY2K USA, the Humane Society of the United States and the MSPCA.

A ballot initiative in November 2000 focused on the single question of dog racing, and was very narrowly defeated in one of the closest elections in state history.

More than 1,500 volunteers statewide have collected signatures for the Dog Protection Act. These are now being turned in to town clerks across the state, who will verify their authenticity over the next few weeks.

Campaign leaders expressed confidence that once on the ballot, the Dog Protection Act will be approved. "Once voters learn about this humane law, they will opt for greater protections for man's best friend," said Nicholas Gilman, chief operating officer of the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

"The people of Massachusetts were pioneers in adopting humane laws in the United States," adds Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "This petition to protect dogs is consistent with the Commonwealth's history of humane reforms and the protection of animals from cruelty and abuse."

Committee to Protect Dogs Chairperson Christine Dorchak said that new state records on greyhound injuries warrant phasing out the sport. "New state records show that hundreds of greyhounds are seriously injured while racing in Massachusetts, including dogs that suffer broken legs, cardiac arrest, seizures and spinal cord paralysis."

For more information call Committee to Protect Dogs Chairperson Christine Dorchak at 617-666-3526 or visit http://www.protectdogs.org.

http://www.usnewswire.com/

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=57071

[simms]

Washington, DC -- To: State Desk

Contact: Christine A. Dorchak of The Committee to Protect Dogs, 617-666-3526

BOSTON, Nov. 22 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Proponents of a ballot question to protect dogs in the Commonwealth announced today that they have collected over 115,000 signatures, far more than the number required to place the Dog Protection Act before voters next year.

"This is an overwhelming endorsement of this humane law," said Carter Luke, executive vice president of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA). "Voters recognize that dogs deserve to be protected from individuals and industries that would do them harm."

The Dog Protection Act will phase out dog racing, strengthen laws against dogfighting, and increase penalties for hurting law enforcement and service dogs. The measure is jointly sponsored by the Animal Rescue League of Boston, greyhound protection group GREY2K USA, the Humane Society of the United States and the MSPCA.

A ballot initiative in November 2000 focused on the single question of dog racing, and was very narrowly defeated in one of the closest elections in state history.

More than 1,500 volunteers statewide have collected signatures for the Dog Protection Act. These are now being turned in to town clerks across the state, who will verify their authenticity over the next few weeks.

Campaign leaders expressed confidence that once on the ballot, the Dog Protection Act will be approved. "Once voters learn about this humane law, they will opt for greater protections for man's best friend," said Nicholas Gilman, chief operating officer of the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

"The people of Massachusetts were pioneers in adopting humane laws in the United States," adds Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "This petition to protect dogs is consistent with the Commonwealth's history of humane reforms and the protection of animals from cruelty and abuse."

Committee to Protect Dogs Chairperson Christine Dorchak said that new state records on greyhound injuries warrant phasing out the sport. "New state records show that hundreds of greyhounds are seriously injured while racing in Massachusetts, including dogs that suffer broken legs, cardiac arrest, seizures and spinal cord paralysis."

For more information call Committee to Protect Dogs Chairperson Christine Dorchak at 617-666-3526 or visit http://www.protectdogs.org (http://www.protectdogs.org/).

http://www.usnewswire.com/

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=57071


I do not support these Humaniacs (FROOT LOOPS!). I am for welfare not Animal rights as this is a attempt to enforce a socialist Idea that I for one do not welcome. Vote against this bill!!!!!

I'm telling you folks, that the problems stem from and for all these breeds that are under such a scrutinized eye is,,,the public has had the luxury of obtaining these animals.

They are imploring socialist Ideas, that will not only affect us as adults but it will continue to affect other generations. They will not stop at this.

Regards.

[DEACON ROM]

next will be rice burgers from mcdonalds.

[14rock]

Law dogs are already on a level playing feild with cops as far as if you murder one, dog fighting is a felony in I believe all states, and greyhound racing doesnt seem to have a problem. So what exactly does this bill change other than taking away more rights and enforcing their wacko ideas.

[SEAL]

i mean really now we wont race dogs come on next its horses and then its riding and then its working this is getting a little serious its like petas daddy is a murder fiend cuz he fished campaign dont let the puppies or kitties around dad he might gut and clean them like he does a fish................. *bs* oh sorry i sneezed. and now peta claims fish are intelligent thinking animals that have etc etc etc....

[simms]

It's lunacy, geeze turn the tables on these folks. I got the heart to do what I need to do if the need should arise. Hey I got new's for ya,,,it aint your right to own one of my animals!!!

Regards.

[simms]

Law dogs are already on a level playing feild with cops as far as if you murder one, dog fighting is a felony in I believe all states, and greyhound racing doesnt seem to have a problem. So what exactly does this bill change other than taking away more rights and enforcing their wacko ideas.It's lunacy in full form. They are trying to outlaw greyhound racing. It's these socialist Ideas that spawn the destruction of a breeds purpose, ie what they were developed and bred for. Ya know had these greyhound folks stuck with culling appropriatly they might not have these problems.....The way I see it is, they beleive that it is their right to own these retierd racers when infact it is a luxury to them. This is continously abused, they don't have to let the public obtain these animals they could have and should have culled them. Now they are under the gun to conform and comply at the mercy of these FROOT LOOPS!!!

I realize that some may have fallen on hard times for one reason or another or even real abuse cases. However they should have employed the help of their fellow fanciers.
I admire the working dog, I just fancy the gamedog best.
Regards.