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Help me get Obama, McCain and Clinton to stand up for pet shelters across America

<img src="/media/images/htmail/zootoo_petloverarmy_v2.jpg" alt="Zootoo Pet Lover Army!"><br /><br />My recent visit to western Pennsylvania coincided with the presidential primary campaign. In fact, Barack Obama was in the very next town, according to the shelter officers. And that got me thinking: if Zootoo.com can rally 400 people on a chilly Tuesday morning to show their support for the local animal shelter, what could someone like Senator Obama do? Or Senators Clinton or McCain? If only they would take up the cause of needy animals or at least talk about it.<br /><br />It's estimated that more than 9 million animals are euthanized every year in the United States. That's more than 9 million needless deaths ? deaths that could be avoided if politicians paid more attention to the desperate condition of so many of America's animal shelters.<br /><br />Well, to get politicians to pay attention, you first have to get their attention. And we have just the way to do that, with the Zootoo army of pet lovers. We've mobilized hundreds of thousands of pet lovers, and we're aiming for millions, because the bigger our army, the more powerful our voice.<br /><br />If you want Senators Obama, Clinton and McCain to stand up for pet shelters and commit to stop the needless massacre of more than 9 million pets, say so by commenting on this Journal entry. Get all your friends to comment, too. The more comments we have, the more power we'll have.<br /><br />I promise that by working together we can get the presidential candidates to listen. We'll take our concerns directly to the candidates ? and to the media outlets around the country, including the talk shows, the morning shows and hundreds of newspapers, local TV and radio stations across the country who have been reporting on the Zootoo animal shelter makeover. This is our time!<br /><br /><strong>MAY 16, 2008 UPDATE</strong><br /><hr />OK Zootooer's, I've been around to all 20 cities throughout America and have spoken to 20 different communities to tens of thousands of people that obviously have many different connections within their community. Politically from democrats, republicans and independents, hundreds of them said that they would be calling or emailing their candidates' office to propose the question that we have been asking - what would you do for needy pets in this Country if elected President? As of today, we've had zero success in getting anybody at any level with any candidate to address this question. We had one "no comment" from the Obama campaign and that's *all*. Can you believe with 200 Million pet lovers in 72 Million households this Country having concerns and feelings for pets of all kinds and all shapes, that give you unconditional love and companionship and most are called family, that not one candidate has addressed this question? To me, this seems heartless – plain downright dumb! Yes, I know there are lots of pressing problems in this Country, from healthcare to the war but let's not forget that a Country is measured by the compassion it gives for its animals. And I think that was a quote by someone famous.<br /><br />So, we still wait to see which candidate is going to step up to the plate, take a swing and see what he/she can do for pets and pet lovers all through-out America. I can't believe any of them would lose one single vote for sharing their feelings in what they would do for needy pets all across America. Why won't they start this discussion? Let's all keep asking and maybe we will all be surprised one of these days.<br /><br /><a href="javascript:void(0)" title="" onclick="ajax('Data_JournalEntry::showWriteCommentForm', 'slug=petitiontothecandidatesforpres&parent_id=0', '', '', '');;return false;"><img src="/media/images/htmail/commentbutton.gif" alt="Write a comment"></a><br /><br /><a href="/sendtofriend/journals_j_legislation%2Fpetitiontothecandidatesforpres_topcat" title="Spread the word" onclick="ajax('User::showSendToFriendForm', 'url=journals_j_legislation%2Fpetitiontothecandidatesforpres_topcat&label_type=link', '', '', '');;return false;" rel="nofollow"><img src="/media/images/htmail/spread-the-word.jpg" alt="Spread the Word!"></a><br /><br />The Zootoo army of pet lovers has just begun to fight!

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1169 comments found.
Vicki W.
Posted by Vicki W. (Vicster)
9 months ago
I've been reading the comments on this subject & realize most of the concerns are about the number of dogs being euthanized. Great concern, but there are numerous concerns. Example...Have any of you done research on "puppymills"? (I adopted a "puppymill" mommy). Have you read about & viewed pictures of tails being cut off, (while dog is awake) so the tail won't be in the way as the mommy gives birth? Have you seen pictures of dead dogs laying in their kennel for so long that they are rotted to the bone. Have you read about how they tie bricks the mommies who no longer produce, & throw them in the river? In my own opinion, I feel that we not only need strict policies on animal welfare but for the states to follow through with inspections of these mass breeders? I don't think they are doing their jobs as well as WE would like for them to. There are many states who have strict policies but that's only on paper. They need to "Walk the Talk"! Actions speak louder than words.

Vicki W.
Posted by Vicki W. (Vicster)
9 months ago
I'm in! I would love to help. What can I do?

muncieroo
Posted by muncieroo
1 year ago
Obama doesn't even own a pet. McCain owns lots of pets, we stand a better chance if McCain gets elected.

lacey m.
Posted by lacey m. (lacearita)
1 year ago
Lets hope for a pet friendly/animal friendly winner!!

Anonymous
Posted by Anonymous
1 year ago
This comment has been removed.

Anlina
Posted by Anlina
1 year ago
While I think this is a very admirable cause and getting politicians to be aware of the plight of animal shelters, I think referring to euthanasia as "the needless massacre of more than 9 million pets" paints an extremely negative view of animal shelters that, by necessity, practise euthanasia.

Having to euthanise healthy, adoptable animals is certainly heart breaking, and extremely difficult and stressful for people who run shelters and who perform the euthanasia. Let's not make these people, who are working hard for the welfare of homeless animals, out to be the bad guys who are "massacring" pets by the millions.

Your wording doesn't do anyone in the animal sheltering community a fair turn.

Susan
Posted by Susan (susan9207)
1 year ago
When this journal entry first came out I wrote to Senator Clinton since she's supposed to do things for New York anyway, but as you've said, no response.

As much as we all want to get homes for every homeless dog, cat, rabbit, bird, etc., it will never happen. There just aren't that many homes available, and as some of the Zootooer's have pointed out, times are tough. People are losing their jobs, homes and family members in an extended war. More and more shelters are being approached by people who are suddenly finding themselves homeless.

People are fixated on spay/neuter programs as the ultimate solution, but I don't think that that's been thought through thoroughly either. Yes, limiting the number of unwanted animals through these programs is great (all of my dogs are fixed), but if you make it mandatory to spay or neuter every single dog and cat, what will happen?

Do lovable mutts become extinct? Will only certain purebreds, or designer dogs (aka expensive mutts) that are deemed safe be available, and at what cost? Will the future of our pets be solely in the hands of breeders? Through my involvement with a rescue I've seen the animals used for breeding. When you hear what some of them are supposed to be, you've got to laugh. There are reputable, caring breeders, and then there are those who are just in it for a quick buck, with no concern about improving the breed.

More thought has to be given to solving the problem of unwanted animals. Maybe by then whoever's in the Oval Office will be willing to help.

mastergardner
Posted by mastergardner
1 year ago
It is amazing even how my local community (Macomb County MI) treats shelter pets. They are euthanized at an alarming rate. But when we have a catastrophe in the United States it is also amazing how these same pets (dogs) are used to sniff out people (911 in New York) the Oklahoma bombing etc., etc. These poor animals that only want to please us we treat like an unwanted purse, just throw them away! Most of these shelters do not even humanely euthanize these animals. The Macomb County Shelter just recently went online with petfinder.com because of political pressure from Ms. Torricce (spelling?). They do not take volunteers and I hope that this will change. I would not volunteer anywhere where they routinely euthanize pets just because "their time" is up! Someone needs to step up who has clout to stop this and also people need to be responsible pet owners, not just discarding their pet because they want a puppy not an older pet that they now have.

karen l.
Posted by karen l. (mslotsopaws2)
1 year ago
It is good to think that our Presidential candidates may have positive opinions re: pet shelters; however, I do believe that is something that states & communities should provide & regulate. Don't get me wrong, we have no shelter in our community & have tried for years to raise money, conscienceness, & provide spay/neuter clinics for years. This is a problem simply because most of the community simply does not care as long as they can give away puppies/kittens in the Walmart parking lot, or better yet allow them to wander about freely until they either starve, get killed, or are taken in by one of us that operates a rescue facility within a home. As awful as all that is, while families can barely purchase milk, gas, or other necessities & our children are getting popped off in Iraq: I want the candidates to be sympathetic to our cause, but I also want to feed my family, keep my sons at home safely, and not lose my home because the price of everything has nearly doubled in the last year.
I treat our pets as if they are practically human, I provide the best care I can possibly manage, I also wish we had an adoption facility here in Dunlap. However, the funds to support this endever should come from state/county/town tax dollars and should not be a major concern of the person who is responsible for so many, many other activites & problems in our country.
I still love my dogs, cats, snakes, iguanas, fish, & hamsters incredibly (rescued or not).

Skip M.
Posted by Skip M. (jcmatthews32)
1 year ago
Since our friends don't have voices to raise in their own defense, I will add my voice to the throng calling for fair and humane treatment for them. They didn't ask to be abandoned or treated cruelly, they just are. Not their fault is it? Like the rest of us, they just want a little love and a little attention. Help give it to them through demanding some of our tax dollars go to something other than organic lunches for the school kids in Berkley California or a State Park in New York to glorify Woodstock!

Lori  R.
Posted by Lori R. (Westwarwickaco)
1 year ago
Animals are always on the bottom of the list. I'm so sick of them just avioding the subject. They want to get voted in but they never hit any topic to do with animals.

Mary1Brown
Posted by Mary1Brown
1 year ago
More then 9 million animals are needlessly euthanized every year in the US. Deaths that could be avoided if politicians paid more attention to the desperate condition of so many American animal shelters. Please show your humanity by making this one of your platform issues to protect the helpless creatures. Thank you.

ChicoanVolunteer
Posted by ChicoanVolunteer
1 year ago
I hope SOMEONE does respond, it would be so great!

fran m.
Posted by fran m. (Bichons9)
1 year ago
I, too, was wondering if any candidate would , in some manner, mention animal rights...Can you imagine the support they would get? Whether good or bad, the support and outrage over animal abuse seems to catch the public attention moreso than with humans...Me being one of them who is OUTRAGED OVER LACK OF PUNISHMENT FOR ANIMAL ABUSERS!!! I will vote for the animal rights proponent!!!

ruthie
Posted by ruthie (ruthiegirl66)
1 year ago
Do you know how many shelters could be built on those state dinners alone. $1,000 per plate meals with ice sculptures and gold guilded cakes, that money could be put to such good use to help with pet overpopulation.
I have tried to contact politicians as well and you get nothing but emails wanting you to sign up, campaign for them, but no direct answer about what they would do to address this problem in america???

alex e.
Posted by alex e. (tigerqueen)
1 year ago
i think that animals are a much better companion than people!! they do not deserve to be locked up in kennels all day and uselessly euthanized!!!

ces
Posted by ces
1 year ago
I agree that more needs to be done with animals in this country,I like animals sometimes more then people.Shelters need help,do you know what it feels like to come home to unconditional love after having to work every day.Do our candidates
know what that feels like.Animals are sources of great things and should be protected better,people who abuse and hurt animals should have the same done the them.I wish there were better laws to protect our animals.

kelly  s.
Posted by kelly s. (polkadotkel)
1 year ago
I feel that this particular election will be one of the most important of our life times and I completely agree with all of the previous comments. We need someone who will stand up for those without a voice: animals. I don't want to get involved with politics dealing with abortion, but isn't the killing of an innocent animal someone in the same ball park? I just think that while many issues are very crucial now, this is something that cannot continue to be passed over. I want our next president to realize that people (ALL) are important and animals are too!

rememberingromeo
Posted by rememberingromeo
1 year ago
As a voter and animal lover, I am very much interested in hearing from the candidates about animal issues, and I'd like to hear what they plan to do to improve the situation for animals, pet shelters and rampant euthanization of pets in practice across America. And, I do hope this journal and our responses will help to get the point across to each candidate that we mean it when we say this is an issue of great importance to many voters. I wonder if they are afraid of speaking out on an issue they may feel they don't have to respond to in order to get elected? Perhaps some fear being labelled too liberal for some more conservative voters, when they already are being attacked by some on other issues. There are lots of people against heaping on legislation for the control of more and more issues, and there is plenty of negative press to be gained out there for any public official asking for more money for just about anything. So they may see it safer for all the presidential hopefuls just to have no comment. Their ad campaigns have to be telling them not to add fuel to the fire by speaking out about animal issues, though their voting histories do speak volumes to the few voters willing to take the time and effort to look. Funny though, all of them want to be seen hugging babies, going to visit with workers in various industries, and sitting down to eat with people in towns on the campaign trail. When will we ever see a political candidate visiting a struggling animal shelter or hugging a pet about to be euthanized? I wonder! So far there has been an awful lot of talk about CHANGE, bringing real change into politics and into Washington. Yet, so far, we've seen some very artfully crafted responses to problematic issues as they have come up for each of the candidates. What's different, new, or better about any of that? I'm still looking for the change that will bring hope to America, and as far as I'm concerned animal issues are as important as global warming, the economy, the housing market, and even poverty - because we can't begin to hope for a kinder and better country for ourselves if we don't rank animals and pets right along side the progeny of homo sapiens.

Ladykbk
Posted by Ladykbk
1 year ago
We cannot give up on putting some pressure on our politicians.
It is my understanding that Obama's daughters would love to get a dog. Yes, that's right Obama has no pets.
It would truly be a wonderful thing if they chose a pet from an animal shelter. One that is already grown and semi-trained.
McCain has pets but has not said one word about animal rights issues during his campaign.
Clinton has had pets as we all remember socks. I read that when they left the Whitehouse, Socks was rehomed elsewhere.
How, could you give up your cat??????

Susan
Posted by Susan (susan9207)
1 year ago
Don't forget that they also had the misfortune to have their Chocolate Lab run out into the street where it was killed.

rphv2
Posted by rphv2
1 year ago
I think that the topic of euthanization is extremely important and that if we are as powerful as our politicians say that we can take care of this issue. I think that animal rights have been brushed to the side for too long.

zoey331
Posted by zoey331
1 year ago
Politicians should not only support shelters, but also free or low cost spay and neuter programs and clinics, and spay and neuter education in communities. Shelters will be overrun and ill equiped forever unless we can do our part to prevent the overpopulation of animals that results in so many without homes.

annielandky
Posted by annielandky
1 year ago
Please stand up take notice,these dogs did not ask to be born,they are here,they need to be taken care of,they are so loving,they are always there for you,please take time to smell the roses,put this in your speech,then you will see some results does the canadites have a pet? If they do how would they like for thier pet to be abused or negelected.wake up people,dogs are great.

welaine1947
Posted by welaine1947
1 year ago
Help us fight the puppy mills and kill shelters

Wilma

debdog
Posted by debdog
1 year ago
Here's the website on the scorecards:
www.fund.org
:~)

debdog
Posted by debdog
1 year ago
Clinton has the following record as per the USUS:
www.fund.org
Summary= Obama 60%
Clinton 100 %+
McCain 40%

d g.
Posted by d g. (kandykitty20012)
1 year ago
Hmmmmmm very intersting information......Thank you for the post Debdog.

phyllis s.
Posted by phyllis s. (sevencats)
1 year ago
Great idea, Richard.Thank you!

To all policital parties concerned-take a good look at the animals in the United States that are in need of homes -health needs-updated shelters that are in good working conditions-spay and nueter laws-animal abuse-ect.This is a issue that is in millions of voters hearts and if you want to gain the respect of the voters -PLEASE add this to your agenda and you will see results-Thank you

Bethe08
Posted by Bethe08
1 year ago
WOW, 9 million animals euthanized. That's terrible!!!!!!!! I really think that politicians need to speak up for the animals, they are innocent in all of this. Our shelters are overcrowded and inadequate for the animals that come in on a daily basis. They need to pass tougher animal abuse laws. We need to make sure that animals are spayed and neutered to help prevent over population. We have to do something to help them out!!!!!!!!!

boblolly
Posted by boblolly
1 year ago
Being a guardian to two pets I really would like to know how the candidates feel about animals. I'd like to know how they would help solve the homeless pet population. I would also like to see politicians pass tougher animal abuse laws, especially those crimes related to dog fighting.

Toni
Posted by Toni (TC2468)
1 year ago
I think that the politicians' position on animal welfare gives us insight into their character and sensitivity and tells us whether have a true concern for those lives that have no voice. While I don't think the President will have the time to address this issue during his or her term, there are certainly small things that can be done to boost support. Yhe USDA is a federal agency - Yet it consistently fails us as consumers as well as animals of every type. The caution is that politicians rarely have a clue as to reality - for example, BSL legislation. So we need to be careful of what kind of involvement we ask for because we may get something we didn't want at all.

Nikki474
Posted by Nikki474
1 year ago
Nine million pets euthanized each year is a disgusting statistic. Politicians need to wake up and realize animals are innocent, they cannot speak for themselves. They are dependent upon us to make changes. People need to spay and neuter their pets and support their local shelters. There needs to be a worldwide effort to curb overpopulation, and animal cruelty. Our animals are counting on us.

Marta J.
Posted by Marta J. (2pitpuppies)
1 year ago
I once read a study a few years ago. It stated at that time, if a home was to be found for every dog in the USA, each person from age 1 day old to 100 years or older would have to adopt 10 dogs. WOW that would mean a household of 5 people would have to adopt 50 dogs. They didn't even get into cats which I'm sure would be much worse. People need to wake up and spay and neuter.

GretaO
Posted by GretaO
1 year ago
The numbers of animals euthanized annually at shelters nationwide is appalling. It is a tragic comment on our humanity and our society that this is the case and that we still have so little regard for these poor unwanted animals. More animals should be spayed and neutered to avoid this situation. I would love to hear the candidates, especially Sen. Obama, make a statement about his position on the tragedy of unwanted, abused, sick, dumped and abandoned pets who are by necessity euthanized when what their real need is a loving stable home. My husband and I have five cats, four of whom we adopted from our local shelter. Would that we could take them all home and give them what we owe to all with whom we share this planet...love, love, love and love.

Sixtus7
Posted by Sixtus7
1 year ago
This is an excellent idea... nothing can be more effective at helping to reduce animal abuse and neglect than the future president of this country passing tougher legislation against those things. They have the incentive, too... they'll be almost guaranteed the hundreds of thousands of votes that the people involved in this fight hold in their power, if not more.

mhunter
Posted by mhunter
1 year ago
We need to stop euthanizing animals in shelters and get them good homes. A way to start this would be to mandate anyone that is not a professional, reputable breeder to have their animals spayed or neutered.

crystalorourke
Posted by crystalorourke
1 year ago
Since animals cant speak for themselves we have to speakout for them! Please help to stop the untimely deaths of inicent animals

Lenore M.
Posted by Lenore M. (lpjulia00)
1 year ago
Yes! The legislators need to know that we are ready to hear about how they are going to help animal owners be more responsible for their pets, and how they are going to stop the unnecessary euthanizing!

Mick B.
Posted by Mick B. (MickBennett)
1 year ago
Please stop the unnecessary killing and mistreatment of all pets, by getting behind with your support for; 'Stand Up For Pet Shelters Across America.'
Thank you, Mick Bennett

Anonymous
Posted by Anonymous
1 year ago
This comment has been removed.

Cheryl B.
Posted by Cheryl B. (weimlover)
1 year ago
It is time for the government leaders in our country to be held accountable for the fact that they have stood by idly for decades and done nothing to put an end to suffering endured by the homeless animals in the United States.

This is an election year, I am a registered voter, and my vote will definitely be swayed in the direction of someone who is willing to work toward ending the horrendous pet overpopulation crisis our nation battles. Until laws are passed requiring mandatory spay neuter of pets, we will continue to be required to senslessly euthanize millions of animals.

Come on Hillary, Obama, and John! Do something!! Make a difference!!! Within the next decade, lets be able to have shelters for lost pets waiting for their owners to reclaim them. Let the era of overcrowed shelters full of homeless, abused, neglected, and unwanted pets come to an end. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY, so take it seriously.


jordan H.
Posted by jordan H. (sthprkfnt)
1 year ago
I think hillary eats puppies

waylon r.
Posted by waylon r. (lvaclarinet)
1 year ago
Politicians always seem to forget about the other beings on this earth: ANIMALS. They will say anything to get people's votes but in order for them to get my vote they need to start not even so much as rights for animals because the government doesn't give rights to homosexuals, but acknowlegement for animals and shelters they inhabit.

nyssa L.
Posted by nyssa L. (puppylove96)
1 year ago
Havent you heard, over 40,000 dogs & cats were put down last year.Unfortunately,thats just in Colorado .We have the power to stop this,we just need a little confidence.so lets get our act together and save hearts, souls,lives.I know we can,so lets do it.

DianaWood
Posted by DianaWood
1 year ago
We need to have healthy, happy, loving animal shelters across the United States.
Our pets totally depend on us to love them, feed them and provide for them. It is so heart breaking to see people not take responsibility. We need animal shelters that can take in abused and neglected animals and be able to care for these animals properly, so they can get well and be adopted. Our animal shelter is one of the zoo.too.com makeovers and we are so excited. The facility is in need of larger areas so the pets can have plenty of room, exercising areas and clean up to date rooms. If the animal shelters are clean and bright and cheerful, more people will come and visit the animals and they will be adopted. Please help us educate people and children about the treatment of animals and to spay and neuter, which I think should be a law.

There are so many puppies and kittens that never have a chance and the mother cats and dogs would be healthier and more apt to be adopted.

This is an issue that is ignored, there needs to be additonal funding and volunteers to help the human societies. I hope that this will be addressed during the 2008 November campaign and I know I would vote for the one who intends to change and improve our shelters and rescue organizations. Millions of dollars are wasted on so many unecessary concerns. Let's work together to insure safe and happy environments for the less fortunate. These animals give us so much love and people who are home-bound, in hospitals and nursing homes need a loving animal to make them happy and feel loved.

Jennifer M.
Posted by Jennifer M. (Formaxx)
1 year ago
As for myself....a candidates stand on animal rights is very important to me. It has always been a factor in my voting and will continue to be. Thanks to zootoo for assisting with this all important topic!!

Marinacristina
Posted by Marinacristina
1 year ago
As a animal lover, I wish politicians would talk a little about animal rights, that would definitely influence my decision. As my father always told me people that people who care about animals, are more compassionate in everything they do, and I firmly believed that. And is not just about shelters is about changing are animal rights alltogether.

Woogie
Posted by Woogie
1 year ago
I fully support this effort to have the candidates each articulate their position on animal shelters, spay/neuter programs and animal welfare in general. Much has been said about many other issues in this campaign, but sadly, little or nothing about this issue has been addressed. 9 MILLION LIVES! Surely, that must mean something?!
Let's get their attention, and, as importantly, their awareness and support! Animals are not disposible commodities, they are living, sentinent beings. What don't they have? Voices! We should and must speak for them, and the time to do so is now.

Alice C.
Posted by Alice C. (applealice)
1 year ago
You have my support Zootoo. As an animal lover and responsible pet owner I know what is involved with making a life long committment for your pet. There is much to be done with animal rights and the ethical treatment of animals. The candiates this year have many issues on their plate and so far haven't really given the voters hope in many areas.

They politicans can't get seem to get the get the healthcare coverage system going, jobs and affordable housing I wondering what they would do for the animals.

I am going to leave the following quote:

"A nation can be judged by how it treats it animals" - Ghandi


Celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week May 6-12 2007




Tom
Posted by Tom (pugbaby)
1 year ago
Bravo! Their should be legislative support. I realize we should not make a decision over 1 topic, but if you have a candidate that supports what ZOOTOO and other organizations and people would like to see regarding animals it sure wouldn't hurt their chances of being elected.

DeeDogg
Posted by DeeDogg
1 year ago
It's really heartbreaking to know that over 9 million
innocent animals are needlessly put to death in shelters every year. Meanwhile there are over 10,000 pupply mills in the U.S. which force dogs to produce litter after litter just for profit. These dogs and their puppies are often plagued with suffering, resulting from disease, malnutrition, and loneliness. I find this to be outrageous! Isn't it important to do something about this? Changes are needed desperately because this doesn't make any sense. We are there voice!

Kate L.
Posted by Kate L. (leonardk)
1 year ago
We need more political exposure and legislative support to increase funding and awareness for rescue groups and animal shelters and to increase legislation for issues such as mandatory sterilization.

mcubbage
Posted by mcubbage
1 year ago
Thanks ZOOTOO ! Lets hope our voices are heard LOUD & CLEAR!
Marimac Smythe

vellabelle
Posted by vellabelle
1 year ago
Great idea,Great cause, but I think our government is too busy spending all our money in Iraq. We don't even have money to run our state anymore ! No money to fix our roads, run our schools, keep people in prison, pay out Social Security benifits that reflect the amount paid into the system, or give us all equal access to health benefits. BUT, we have money to rebuild whole cities in other countries ! Let's get our leaders to focus on what's important; our own people, and great causes like this one. Our leaders should be worried about the U.S. , not people on the other side of the world. Would our leaders let their own children starve, go without medical care, or become homeless so that they can spend more money on wars, and rebuilding Iraq ? Would they sentence their family pet to death for lack of money because they spent all their money on people they didnt even know ? I don't thinks so !

cupid
Posted by cupid
1 year ago
The welfare of animals should be important to any candidate becouse if humanity becomes a trend this planet will be a much better place for animals and people. Compassion and respect for any living creature should definatley be important to any of the candidates. Myself and a large group of my friends and family are still waiting to hear which one of the candidates will be brave enough to address this issue, he or she will get our vote.

stlcardsdiva
Posted by stlcardsdiva
1 year ago
Animals are such an important part of my life, and any candidate that showed me that they are willing to take a stand for animal welfare would surely get my vote. I urge all of the candidates to embrace this cause!

Amber M.
Posted by Amber M. (hottchyk1983)
1 year ago
This should be brought to their attention. While I am a supporter of anything that helps animals I dont think that this is more important than was and our sinking economy this will give america a chance to see what type of peope they will be voting for

ejs287
Posted by ejs287
1 year ago
I am so glad that issues about animals are being brought up in election rhetoric. I hope that all of the candidates address these imperative questions.

sarahabner02
Posted by sarahabner02
1 year ago
While compassion should be an essential quality for any president, I disagree that this issue should be brought to our current candidates. I think our future's president time should be spent on other issues - war, environment, economy, healthcare, hunger, prison reform, capital punishment, and so on.

Issue of animal welfare are hugely important, and I'm glad organizations like ZooToo are around, but frankly, in the face of all the other pressing national and global issues I think bringing this to the presidential campaign would make ZooToo look silly, and more than a little myopic.

Patricia  C.
Posted by Patricia C. (lovepuppy227)
1 year ago
I try to stay out of politics but this year I am supporting Senator Clinton. I recently heard ex President Bill Clinton speak on her behalf and I truly believe she is a humanitarian and would be the best person for the job!

c c.
Posted by c c. (ccampbell1)
1 year ago
Right on!!!!

Ruth G.
Posted by Ruth G. (RuthGarriott)
1 year ago
I agree! This is an important question that should be posed to the candidates. It is time that animal welfare made it to the front row instead of always taking a back seat to every issue. Maybe small communities would see the importance if it were addressed on national level.

Janie
Posted by Janie (wildlifephotomom)
1 year ago
I hope the candidate I choose to vote for this fall shares my love of animals. I think a true lover of animals tells alot about a person. I agree wholeheartedly with this cause and will NOT even consider voting for a candidate that does not support some kind of issue for animals. Animals have suffered long enough!!!! Thank you Richard!

bethsteinberg
Posted by bethsteinberg
1 year ago
It is a shame that so many animals have to be euthanized each year. I think it is important for our president to support the spaying and neutering of animals as well as supporting humane treatment of animals and no kill shelters.

Naomi H.
Posted by Naomi H. (naomich)
1 year ago
I agree, and join this army of petlovers!!

Rebecca M.
Posted by Rebecca M. (rrmisen)
1 year ago
I agree wholeheartedly. If just one of the candidates would declare that the plight of shelter animals matters, it make a difference not only for the animals, but for the candidate as well. I realize we aren't a population that is usually sought out by politicians, but securing the animal lovers vote could make a huge difference in this election. After all, as Immanual Kant said "We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals."

Robert W.
Posted by Robert W. (rjwarren)
1 year ago
I agree that we need the presidential candidates to let us know where they stand. More needs to be done to surport animal shelters, increase and inforce penalties for cruelty to animals. Many times cruelty starts off with animals and works up to humans. God knows that our world is full of cruelty cases of all types and we need to hold those responsable for the acts of cruelty. With the help of Zootoo we can make the Govt. aware of pet lovers stong fellings on this subject. Thanks Zootoo.















































Marianne1111
Posted by Marianne1111
1 year ago
It's heartbreaking but it's estimated that more than 9 million animals are euthanized every year in the United States. That's more than 9 million needless deaths ? deaths that could be avoided if politicians paid more attention to the desperate condition of so many of America's animal shelters.

I'm a pet lover, and I'm taking this venue to get your attention to the critical need of our stray and unwanted pets.

I want Senators Obama, Clinton and McCain to stand up for pet shelters and commit to stop the needless massacre of more than 9 million pets.


cathy l.
Posted by cathy l. (cathyleistikow)
1 year ago
When higher government starts showing support for animals, the lower governments will follow suit. Who will be the leader and capture millions of votes?

lovzig
Posted by lovzig
1 year ago
I am an animal lover, and animal rights and protection for animal rights is so important to me. I have to say that I believe our next President must stand up for animal shelters and support legislation that would help stop the death of millions of unwanted animals. With that said, I think Barack Obama will be that President. He has already helped to pass and created legislation that effects the lives of animals. He has a history of taking action in defense of the welfare of animals.

Barack Obama pledges support for nearly every animal protection bill currently pending in congress.

He has supported measures to allow the creation of pet trusts to provide for the long term care of campanion animals; to upgrade the penalties for cruelty to animals; to require psychological counseling for people who abuse animals and well as making cruelty to animals a Class 4 felony, and voted to create a new dog fighting section in the criminal code that makes it illegal to in any way, promote or facilitate dog fighting; he voted to require that vets report suspected act of cruelty and animal fighting and to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumtion. Please know that although I know a lot more needs to be done to support animal shelters and stop the needless killing of millions of animals, Obama has done and will continue to support the rights of animals.

For more information of what Barack Obama had done for our animal friends check out the Humane Society Legislative Fund 2007 Presidential Questionnnaire that he filled out:



Also check out "The Presidential Files: Barack Obama and the Dog-acity of Hope:





Jennifer C.
Posted by Jennifer C. (jjc)
1 year ago
Oh man! Richard Thompson came to our shelter in Bowling Green, KY and was such an inspiration and an encourager. We can make a difference! You can bet I will be asking every political candidate from now about their views of the importance of shelters in a community. They don't always answer truthfully, but if enough people ask, they just might realize that animals are important to us. Thank you zootoo.com
Jennifer Chiles

klrthomas5
Posted by klrthomas5
1 year ago
After reading what I just read in my email about Obamas representative, I feel that our voice needs to get stronger about the inhumane way some of us treat animals. The candidates are supposed to be here in Oregon where I live this next week I believe. Oregon is very animal concious. And if there are people from Oregon on this site, I recommend that a delagation of Zootoo members go to there conventions or outside there conventions and ask the candidates in person what they will do if elected for the ethical treatment of our animals.
And candidates , if you are reading this , please understand that we need help in changing the laws dealing with the treatment of animal abuse offenders, and the laws need to be changed where shelters are concerned as well. Our shelters shouldnt be authorized to kill animals unless the animal is sick and can not be saved by other means. I believe governement monies needs to go into that part of shelters as well. Make it totally illegal and the penalties stiffer regarding breeding for profit.
These issues are mine and more than likely other Zootoo members here.
Please , senators, make this right and at least speak for the animals who can not speak for themselves.

Im in this fight with you topcat

Dora  B.
Posted by Dora B. (Dogsbreath)
1 year ago
In response to that part of your comment where you say "Our shelters shouldnt be authorized to kill animals unless the animal is sick and can not be saved by other means", I have two essays from the Louisiana SPCA that lay out the tragic situation of companion animal overpopulation and our society's throw-away mentality far more eloquently than I can:

www.la-spca.org

www.la-spca.org

Beware, these are tough reading. Have your tissues handy.

But the sad fact of the matter is that currently there are *far more* dogs and cats, puppies and kittens, not to mention rabbits, ferrets, parrots, guinea pigs, iguanas, and every other kind of animal people have as pets being born, bought, sold, given away and abandoned than there are good homes for. I am an animal control officer and I see this EVERY DAY.

Until the pet industry stops churning out animals on an industrial scale, until everyone who acquires a pet truly understands that to take an animal into your home means making a genuine lifetime commitment to that animal, until all the dogs and cats are spayed, neutered, tagged, microchipped and kept safe as carefully as you would keep safe your toddler child, we will continue to have more strays picked up and more unwanted animals surrendered and abandoned than the shelters can hold or the well-meaning public can adopt.

Open-admission or "kill" shelters are the sad but necessary result of these current societal conditions. When all the cages are full, room must be found for today's admissions. And there are dozens of new admissions every single day, 365 days a year. So all the cages are always full, all the time. If you prohibit open-admission shelters from euthanizing - yes, from killing - , then where are those new admissions going to go?

A no-kill society is a wonderful goal. I support this goal whole heartedly. After all, I'm the one who has to deal with the grim reality of adoptable animals being put to sleep because there is no room and not enough homes for all of them. The day all of our shelters can hold and nurture all the animals they have indefinitely because there aren't enough unclaimed strays, owner surrenders, and abandoned kittens to fill every cage three times over is the day I start doing handsprings of joy because no more sweet, innocent, healthy adoptable animals have to be killed for sheer lack of space.

But that day isn't here yet, not by a very long shot. Let's all work for it, yes, absolutely. Work and hope and pray for it. But in the meantime we won't solve the problem by outlawing euthanasia. We need laws against puppy mills, that will help. But what will really change things isn't legislation - it's a change in our society's attitude. And that, my friend, is something that can't be legislated.





mkwilli05
Posted by mkwilli05
1 year ago
Well said - our society's attitude must change. We have become too much of a throw-away society; get it, don't like it afterall, get rid of it. Unfortunately, that includes animals and it breaks my heart everytime I see it happen or hear about it. It is too bad we can't have animal ownership laws similar to the gun ownership laws in which people are screened to ensure they are suitable/responsible enough to own an animal.

Carrie R.
Posted by Carrie R. (croe)
1 year ago
And what exactly are shelters to do with the animals when they run out of room but the animals are well? Turn them loose to run the streets? Fill each cage with 10 animals? Give them away on street corners to whomever will take them? Making all shelters No-Kill does not solve the problem. The problem is not that shelters are killing animals because they want to or even choose to. Its because they have no more room. They can't find homes for the animals and they run out of space. Not because they just don't want to care for them any longer. Not because there are wonderful loving homes waiting for these animals and the shelters just choose to euthanize them instead. Not because they haven't tried to find great homes or rescues to take them. Not because they aren't trying to get people in their communities to spay and neuter their pets. Its because people aren't listening.

Please understand, I'm sure every shelter in America would love to and are trying to work themselves into a position that they could choose not to kill animals. If they are not, they should get out of the business. But No-Kill is not a solution...it is a goal and a result.

Two years ago a small country shelter 30 miles from my home decided to go "No Kill". Yet they had to accept all animals from their county. They worked with rescues to take some animals and worked to place animals locally, and yet, before long they had over 400 animals in a shelter built for about 60. Dogs were crammed into crates where they lived 24 hours a day in their own feces never stepping foot outdoors. Cats were living loose in a single room, at least 100 hundred of them. Many sick, many unaltered, many mating right there in the shelter. Why, because the shelter didn't have the space nor the man power to take care of this many animals. They didn't have the resources locally to support such a No-Kill movement. They didn't have the laws to help get people spaying and neutering. They didn't have the community support. They didn't have lots of things...except they had lots of animals.

Is that the sort of No-Kill solution you're proposing? Because saying We're No Kill" doesn't solve a thing. I know this isn't the blog that Richard was looking for but really, its so frustrating that some people speak about something that they don't understand fully about.

Help is needed by all shelters...Kill and No-Kill alike. But remember, No Kill is not a solution. Its a goal! Making laws to make it mandatory doesn't solve anything. It will only create huge problems and even more inhumane treatment of animals. We need strict spay and neuter laws. Strict antiabuse laws. But a No Kill law has no place here today.

Sheryl B.
Posted by Sheryl B. (secondchance)
1 year ago
If Zootoo could get the legisltors motivated on a national level, that would beyond incredible. Help for the animals from the government has long since been put on the backburner.
After Katrina hit, there were hard lessons learned and the Pet Act was developed which required all municipalities to include pets in their disaster plans. Katrina showed that without providing for the pets, people and pets suffered and lives were lost. People who were not allowed to take their pets with them stayed behind and many lost their lives.
When I went to help with this rescue effort in LA, I spent many days out rescuing and the stories that I heard stick with me to this day. So many of them were heartbreaking stories of people that were refused into the shelters and so turned back home to be with their pets. This is just one example that legislators should stand up and take notice of. THey cannot ignore the pets if they truly care about the people. The two are fprever intertwined.
Pet laws across the country are old, outdated, and ineffective. It is long past time to get these laws fixed to help saves lives and make lives better for pets everywhere.
When the pet food scare happened, it brought to the forefront how few laws there were to protect the food that our pets consume. THis was another hard lesson learned. Obviously laws need to be made to protect our pets from this ever happening again.
On Zootoo's recent tour, I read where Richard asked a question to one of Obama's people about what they would do for animals. Richard received the standard no comment, I'll get back to you. In political translation, to me, that means I can't answer that because the subject was never discussed and so I don't have a stand on it. This is what is wrong.
Legislators need to make changes before the next Katrina or pet food scare. They need to help to end pet overpopulation. It can be done by simply pushing on the national level programs that will help. Several state programs have done things that are making a difference. Maine has a law that mandates that any pet bought at a pet store or breeding kennel has a $25. surcharge added. This money is put into a state fund for low cost spay programs. Massachusetts has a special vanity licence plate, the proceeds of which are given to low cost spay/neuter programs. These programs work. If these, or other similar programs, were made into national programs, we could end euthanasia in just a few years. Spay/neuter is the best solution to end suffering from overpopulation. Making it affordable and easy to obtain through programs like these could change things dramatically.
I am very optimistic that Zootoo could be that tool to bring animal people together into one voice that will speak loudly to legislators. Legislators need to know that their words need to be put into action and make changes. Words fade with time but actions live on. It is time to get legislators into action.
Thanks Richard and Zootoo for bringing legislation to the front and let's hope that
this is the start of real change in Congress for pets across the United States.

Roxanne B.
Posted by Roxanne B. (Rrrcbrwn)
1 year ago
Go for it! Especially with the continuing economic situation, more pets will be seen in shelters and going hungry. However, what doesn't pass with congress won't matter with whoever is president. Talking the talk and doing the walk are two different things. Finding compassion in a nominee can be, excuse me, is, a most difficult task! To hope,
to sanity, to daily humanity!

rosiecone
Posted by rosiecone
1 year ago
Obama and Clinton don't even fight for unborn children.Do you expect them to help animals????????????

Clare K.
Posted by Clare K. (Kavanagh)
1 year ago
I think that is a judgmental comment, they may be fighting for animals and anti-abortions but in a small scale way. I agree that maybe they don't but some people seem to expect presidents to handle everything at thesame time. This may get a bit more into politics than pets but they are only human, and you don't know until you try. I think that you have a good point but you must also realize that presidents can't please everyone. I love my pets and its true that presidents do need to pay more attention to man's best friend, but there may be subjects that are higher prority than pets at this moment, what with the was and globle warming. Maybe we need to take a step back and see that if we don't solve some of these other problems then we will actually have more misshaps with those pets dear to our hearts.

Matt  P.
Posted by Matt P. (CharliesBud)
1 year ago
I must admit that I wasn't alwasy a "vocal" animal supporter, but my wife has been most patient and through her dedication I have become aware, and more vocal. I have had my "eyes opened" to the plight these animals face and now believe that we should all help in what ever way we can.

To that extent, I am stating here, that I will do EXTENSIVE research trying to understand what each canidate has done to help animals and stop things such as "breed specific" laws, killing because they need space, and on an on.

While our economy is important, what will truly get us back on the right track is a president that has a heart and compasion for those less than us. If they (any of the 3) are voting to support things as inhumane or cruel to an animal that has no voice, what do you believe they will say to us? My thought is whatever gets them what THEY want and nothing will change.

On the flip side, if they are in support of helping animals, it shows they really do care and have a heart. That heart will guide them through their presidency to make wise and just decisions, something everyone including the animals will benefit from.

I hope who ever reads this see's a new point of view about the canidate they support and do some research on the web.

Thank you.

TishiJo
Posted by TishiJo
1 year ago
Senator Obama has promised his daughters that when the campaign is over they can have a new puppy. Ellen DeGeneres featured a groups of tough looking guys who formed an organization called Rescue, Ink. They are dedicated to finding and rescuing animals who are being abused. You can go to her web site to read about it. Oprah Winfrey recently aired a program about puppy mills predominantly located across the midwest where dogs are kept in wire cages stacked from floor to the ceiling. The footage of abuse was unbelievable. The way to close down these puppy mills is to get your pets from shelters, NEVER from pet shops. Millions of animals are euthanized every year while the puppy mills mass produce more and more to sell in pet shops, many of them sold who are sick or untrainable because of the terrible conditions they are subjected to in the puppy mills. Always spay or nueter your pet.

Vmm86
Posted by Vmm86
1 year ago
Right on, Topcat! Thank you for being an inspiration and a leader. Candidates should take notice that animal overpopulation is a concern and euthanization is not the only option. Animal cruelty is another area where more legislation is needed to punish offenders. These are issues that many Americans feel strongly about...Zootoo is proof.

Carrie R.
Posted by Carrie R. (croe)
1 year ago
Candidates take notice! One of the great equalizers in life is the love of animals. No matter your age, sex, race, religion, national origin, the love of animals is not only universal but an incredible equalizer. So where is this in your platform? Have you lost sight of what Americans spend millions of dollars on each year! Not just gasoline. What an opportunity for you as candidates to not only contribute positively to something so many people care about despite their backgrounds and beliefs, but to reach people at a place in their hearts!

I have no interest in politics. I have no interest in politicians but I would have an interest, belief and could support one that might reach out to an area that affects millions of Americans every day. I would give my vote to one that was bright enough to see that we have a problem in this country that involves animals. We're killing millions each year because some people are not responsible enough to spay and neuter. We're allowing millions to suffer in puppy mills and deplorable conditions because states don't mandate proper care nor strong enough laws to keep this from happening. People are still fighting dogs for sport, drugging horses and abusing animals because our local hands are tied by the weakness of our laws made by our elected officials.

As candidates for office you should obviously be looking for ways to reach the majority. You should be looking for ways to make a difference in our communities. Ways to change our lives for the better. Animals are the great equalizer. Use it, take advantage of it, spin it however you please....but do something for the animals.

Richard Thompson was smart enough to not only see the problem but to recognize that he would bring people together because of it. And things will change through his efforts and ours.

But what about you?

Sincerely,

Carrie Roe
Humane Society of Parkersburg

tomdog
Posted by tomdog
1 year ago
The subject of animals is lost during our election process!! Dog fighting, puppy mills and general animal abuse are some issues that are never addressed! This web site is an excellent start.

phenke
Posted by phenke
1 year ago
The Mid-Ohio Valley Human Society in Washington County, Ohio needs a new shelter. The animals definitely need a new home. Hilary Clinton, please help the animals get a new home. People are not taking care of their animals as they should. Pets need to be neutered and spayed. The population is growing. Programs for dogs and cats would help this situation. Please help animals have a better place to live.

kjlandreth
Posted by kjlandreth
1 year ago
yes, something definitely needs to be done in regards to the awful situation that animals are put in my ignorant people. spay and nueter! but if shelters were recieving more funding or at least some more support that would make a huge difference within itself : )

Sarah C.
Posted by Sarah C. (Pluto714)
1 year ago
Please show us that you care about animals! We need your help to change this country and make it a better and more humane place for our animals to live!

bellamicuore
Posted by bellamicuore
1 year ago
Euthanize. That's a nice way of saying that many of our shelters are killing more animals than they are adopting out. It doesn't have to be this way. Shelters are supposed to be just that. It's not supposed to house animals until we can kill them. We need your help in getting this changed. It is possible. Nathan Winograd, author of the book 'Redemption", has given them the solution, but unfortunately many shelters are resistant to change. We need your help!

terinals
Posted by terinals
1 year ago
The animal shelter industry needs funding for support and community education, as well as more progressive laws for animal companion management. I hope you will review the issues and help make a difference.

Denise F.
Posted by Denise F. (dfranklin)
1 year ago
Please be an animal advocate & help protect these helpless loved ones from the cruelty they face all too often. As someone else mentioned earlier - please also have strict sentences for animal abusers. And PLEASE PLEASE help all shelters become no-kill. It makes me ILL to know that animals are looked at as dispensable. We need stricter laws for the sake of our beloved animals. ALL ANIMALS.

Lauriemi
Posted by Lauriemi
1 year ago
To Presidential Candidates Clinton, Obama and McCain,

As an Animal Protector/Advocate, we desparetely need your support to protect our Animals. As a therapist, I know first hand that if a human being harm animals as a youngster that they tend to be harmful to humans too - as children, teens or adults. Anger and Violence towards animals needs to be prevented and those who do this should be ordered MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT and JAIL TIME. Please advocate for the animals. I am sure you would want to protect your own animals and family!
Thanks.
Laurie, MH Therapist, Pgh PA


TheWardripFamily
Posted by TheWardripFamily
1 year ago
I wholeheartedly agree. And while we are at it, how about addressing more substantial penalties for abuse of animals, such as dog fighting and neglect. This has become all too commonplace.

June B.
Posted by June B. (jundanj2)
1 year ago
This issue needs to be brought to the attention of the voting public!

andstar
Posted by andstar
1 year ago
I agree this should be an issue that needs attention ASAP. Don't forget one of the biggest things we can do is to cut China off at the knees and tell them one of the main reasons is because of their cruel treatment of animals. While we have dire conditions in many of the shelters here and puppy mills abound because the local politicians are paid well to block any regulations that might curtail their operation, the treatment of animals in China is more horrific than anything we might imagine here. Testing on laboratory animals also needs to be stopped. Of course if we actually pursue more 'green' products that should stop anyway as there is no real purpose to use caustic chemicals for cleaning or in other everyday products. It's going to take the political front to put the issue out there and keep it in the forefront but then every person is going to have to do their part too. We must change the way we think in regard to animals and if we can do that with constant reminders and good legislation from our leaders then our four legged friends will be much better off and so will we.

Nicole K.
Posted by Nicole K. (niki710)
1 year ago
Obama, McCain, and Hils aren't the only folks running. What about Dr. Ron Paul? He's also the most likely to advocate humane treatment of pets. But the real issue is that the government is not really responsible for the way animals are being treated - each of us are. Maybe we should start taking more responsibility for ourselves and our loved ones and stop dumping it all on the government. Read the Constitution!

Niki
----------
I <3 my pets

broberts1972
Posted by broberts1972
1 year ago
I think this issue transcends the issue of which party you belong to and should be addressed by candidates on both sides of the bipartisan system!

carla r.
Posted by carla r. (carlarowell)
1 year ago
I wish to support a candidate who will support pet shelters. I was appalled at what happened in New Orleans during the Katrina crisis and I hope that the laws can be changed so that people do not have to leave their pets behind during any crisis. carla

cosmothebrave
Posted by cosmothebrave
1 year ago
Presidential Candidates..... the topic of animal welfare is serious. Please prove to the world how sensitive, compassionate, and serious the US is regarding the lives of those that are not human, but deserve the respect of their guardians and protectors. We are responsible for animals in every sense of the word. Animals provide humans with countless types of resources from food and clothing to research tools to recreational use to service pets to very very best friends. We owe animals a great deal more than we have given them. There is no reason why 9 million pets need to be euthanized. There is no reason why there should be so many in the first place. Federal support of our animal shelters will not only increase funding for care and spay/neuter programs, it will increase awareness of the fact that animals are not just things people can treat any way they wish, throw away, exploit and abuse. Take a stance - eradicate indifference toward and disinterest in animal welfare. More citizens than you know are counting on YOU!! Step up to the plate and our votes will have your name on it!

PeaceLoveHappiness
Posted by PeaceLoveHappiness
1 year ago
It is a really great idea to get politicans involved with stopping animals from getting euthanized. I think that everyone who reads this should write a letter to their senator or other government official about stopping animal cruelty. We should also spread the word to our family, friends, and even complete strangers! It is our responsibilty.

doxielady
Posted by doxielady
1 year ago
Please support the many animals and animal lovers who vote! And let the next Presidental pet come from a shelter to show everyone the wonderful animals that can come from there, not breeders, etc.

punkinhead
Posted by punkinhead
1 year ago
Please support tougher laws for animal abusers. Please support our shelters so that they can try to be no kill shelters. Please support a spay/neuter program.

We need to do alot more to help the animals in need.

Joanna V.
Posted by Joanna V. (JoJo)
1 year ago
Presidential Candidates: Please start caring about our Nation of Pets. There are more pet owners in this country now than ever before. We care about animals and so should you. Ghandi once said: A Nation is Judged by the way it treats its animals. How must we look?

Linda W.
Posted by Linda W. (schloogie3077)
1 year ago
One way to stop this needless tradgedy is to regulate the puppy mills by placing strict regulations on their operations. A bill needs to be passed to license, inspect and set standards of humane care for all animals in these so-called kennels. Once this is done, most of the puppy mills would stop operating as it would no longer be an easy way to make money at the expense of the poor animals that they mistreat and neglect. This would decrease the amount of dogs and cats that are born into our society thus reducing the number of homeless animals. Puppy mills are the chief contributor to the animal overpopulation in the US. The puppy mills also place a burden on the animal shelters. The shelter where I volunteer recently brought in 64 rescued puppy mill dogs. They received no compensation from the "miller" or from the county which they were taken from; this has caused a great stress on the shelter as all of the dogs needed to be neutered/spayed and needed medical and dental care. Spay and neuter programs need to be set up in our country to control the animal population. A spay/neuter program for feral cats would be a wonderful idea also.
The people in Washington will argue that setting humane standards of pet care is considered a problem that should be dealt with on a local and state level. The people in local and state government argue that it should be dealt with in Washington. HELLO!! Quit arguing people and DO something. WE,THE TAX PAYERS, HIRED YOU AND ARE PAYING YOUR WAGES. WE WANT SOMETHING DONE NOW! THE ANIMALS HAVE NO VOICE AND THEY CAN'T VOTE BUT WE, THE TAXPAYERS, CAN.

Susan
Posted by Susan (susan9207)
1 year ago
I'd love to write to the candidates as you've suggested. Can you update your journal entry to include email addresses for them? It would be very helpful.

Thanks!

criscil
Posted by criscil
1 year ago
Presidential candidate's e-mail addresses are as follows: barackobama.com, hillaryclinton.com, and johnmccain.com. To my understanding, these are the official websites.

Susan
Posted by Susan (susan9207)
1 year ago
Thanks for the info!

Kris S.
Posted by Kris S. (ks3686)
1 year ago
I agree 100% with this article. Stop the needless massacre of our pets. Candidates, wont you consider helping our animal population? Kris S. from St. Louis, MO

judithloomis
Posted by judithloomis
1 year ago
I think there should be a fee on our property taxes that goes to the shelters. Afterall it is everyones problem. We have fees for the library and the street lights, why not the shelters?

Bobbi W.
Posted by Bobbi W. (acethecat)
1 year ago
Awesome idea. Count me in! This is a very imprortant cause and together we can take this cuase a far as possible!

jenniew
Posted by jenniew
1 year ago
Excellent-we are one of the few civilized countries that treats our pets as throw aways. With legislation requiring neutering and spaying, we could save millions of lives in the long run.
Let them know we want to hear from them.

fefesln
Posted by fefesln
1 year ago
Great idea...strength in numbers. How about facilitating communications with candidates via prepared commentaries or petitions, similar to NRDC, Working Assets, etc. that can be sent to any or all candidates.

jdk3
Posted by jdk3
1 year ago
What a great idea. I hope Senators Clinton, Obama, and McCain get a copy of all these coments. Sooooo Senators Clinton, Obama and McCain if you are reading this ---------------- I would vote for the candidate that was for animal rights, period!!!!!!!

Pa
Posted by Pa
1 year ago
I don't understand why everyone doesn't realize if something lives, eat and breaths that it has feelings. Just because an animal does not speak does not mean they do not communicate nor have feelings. They feel joy and pain just like so call humans.
Since they can not speak, they need the so call humans to speak up for them. Therefore, if a candidate was to speak out for animal rights they would have my vote

DAK
Posted by DAK
1 year ago
I, too, would vote for the candidate that was for animal welfare

Darnell
Posted by Darnell
1 year ago
I, too, would pretty much vote for a candidate that was for animal rights. Sadly though, the candidates do not think animals mean that much to people, but as I am typing this I have my sweetie in my lap

Darnell
Posted by Darnell
1 year ago
I would love to hear what senators Clinton, Obama and McCain have to say about animal welfare but I doubt we will hear anything pertaining to animals from any of them

DANI720
Posted by DANI720
1 year ago
The bottom line is, I would pretty much vote for a candidate with an animal rights platform. It is not enough for pet shelters to adopt a no-kill policy. The animals need accomodations that offer them QUALITY OF LIFE. This mean safe, clean facilities with enough room for the number of animals living there. It means access to proper medical care, and an educated staff that truly cares for the well-being of the animals. I have seen no-kill animal shelters that left me heart-broken and mortified, in which case I felt the animals would be better off being euthanized than to remain in the horrible conditions they were forced to endure. I have also had the pleasure of visiting the ASPCA in N.Y. City, which seemed like a wonderful place for animals to live while waiting for a good home. Please understand that Quality of Life is the most important factor - I would be thrilled if my tax dollars went towards building proper animal shelters.

Tom N.
Posted by Tom N. (TomNorts)
1 year ago
If humans get the right to live good lives, so do our pets. Please, presidential candidates, promise us that you'll help if you win the election. And actually do it, too.

Caroline B.
Posted by Caroline B. (carolinej3)
1 year ago
It is a shame and truthfully an atrocity that so many precious animals, dogs and cats, that are in shelters are put to death each year needlessly. We teach our children or at least I hope the majority of us do to treat animals with kindness and yet we sentece these living, breathing loveable creatures to death. There must be a better way for shelters to take care of them in proper living conditions. So many were at one times the objest of love and good attention from their owners and may only be ending up in shelters because of a death or move to another environment where pets were not allowed.

It would be wonderful if our presidential running canidates would include in their agenda some type of program or show some compassionate reaction to these animals' plight. Mr. McCain, Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton, please lend your ear to their cries for help.

Yours truly speaking in their behalf,
Caroline J. Berleman, Cincinnati Ohio

Carly T.
Posted by Carly T. (Carly67)
1 year ago
Any politition who is going to work hard to protect the well being of animals around the world has my vote. They will not only be leading the human race but also the animal race.

Jennifer W.
Posted by Jennifer W. (jmw109)
1 year ago
Please lets do something to help save these poor animals.

Amy
Posted by Amy (Amy4422)
1 year ago
It starts with awareness and then you can start educating...would be great if these politicians took a stand against the atrocities that are occuring against our furry and feathered friends.

Erin
Posted by Erin (EEF75)
1 year ago
This is an incredible idea! It would make a huge difference if the senators would simply address the issue. So many could be helped by small acts from them. I hope they will listen to our growing army of pet lovers and help the animals!

peasNlove
Posted by peasNlove
1 year ago
Wonderful idea! I support you 200%! I would really like to know our presidential campaigner's stanzes on animals in shelters. What could you do for them? By helping them, you're helping the community and its people. Looking out to the bigger picture, you are helping the country, its people, and its animals. Maybe you'll require a small tax that would go toward these shelters and shelter workers? Something needs to be done due to the sheer amount of unwanted animals who are sadly euthanized, or worse, each day. I think you should strive to cut euthanization unless absolutely needed (an animal is suffering and has no possible hope of being saved). I think funding for shelters should be based on community need; the bigger the community, the bigger the shelter. I personally feel that there should be huge taxes on pet stores who sell animals, and that all animal breeders should be licensed. What do you three have to say?

Sharon
Posted by Sharon (SharondPaul)
1 year ago
I just loved this idea when Richard Thompson suggested it during his visit to our shelter (Humane Society of the Ohio Valley in Marietta, Ohio) on April 23rd. I would like to add my name to the list of animal lovers across the country who want to know if any of the presidential candidates will support animal shelters and what their ideas might be for doing so.

Jennifer S.
Posted by Jennifer S. (jstapleton)
1 year ago
Presidential Candidates...You all are trying really hard to mention in your campaigns all the needs and request of the people..that's great!!! What about the animals..the ones with no voice or at least a voice most don't listen too! They need help too! What can all of you do to give God's other creatures the help they need? If we don't help them who will? Their only down fall is that they love us unconditionally even when so many let them down. They deserve the help! Help make our animal control centers nice and comfortable for our homeless animals--until they can be adopted. These places need more money and attention. Maybe that way there wouldn't have to be so many innocent animals put down.

Pam W.
Posted by Pam W. (pwoodaz)
1 year ago
This is a wonderful idea that the condidates support the shelters. Each State and each City need to convince their leaders to support the shelters and make the shelters a better place with adequate equipment and resources for adopting out the strays. Our dogs have always been "pound" puppies. They are the best.

Susie S.
Posted by Susie S. (SusieSchau)
1 year ago
Senators McCain, Clinton, and Obama have all presented themselves as people of faith. If that is true, how can they turn their backs on fellow creatures of God? For me, who I vote for to be the next president of the United States is not who has the most rhetoric, but who has taken the most action as a senator in protecting our environment and ensuring the basic rights and necessities of all those who share our planet, human and animal. I would like to see these senators to go back to work at the job they were elected to do and are being paid to do. Step up to the plate, Senators, and show us some true compassion by passing legislation and funding to support the humane care and treatment of all animals. Pets really do make us better people. Let us give something back to them.

Far too many animals suffer in deplorable conditions and are needlessly put to death because we lack adequate shelters and spay and neuter facilities. Legislators have the power to make a difference, but it won't happen if we don't demand it. Let us step up to the plate, as well, and demand that our legislators support animal welfare.

Susan Schau
Brentwood, MO

PaulaDavids
Posted by PaulaDavids
1 year ago
Senators:

You, the presidential candidates, speak of how you're going to help "the people". Well, an issue that hasn't been addressed is how can you take care of "the people" when, as a society, we cannot take care of the animals! Every year, a ridiculous number of animals are euthanized due to pet overpopulation. Let's hear how each of you feel on this issue. You listen daily to the concerns of our citizens...so, here you go-what are each of your plans to address the senseless killing of millions of animals each year? Put some of your comments in your speeches, and let's hear your suggestions!

patty r.
Posted by patty r. (PattyRandolph)
1 year ago
Dear Senators, The welfare of our animal population is a reflection of our values as a society. If we fail to share the abundance of our country in order to create wholesome environments for the needy, the ill, the homeless, whether human or animal, we are failing to be the best that we can be. It's not that we can't do it - we can! Will you help us, the Americans you represent, to insure that we successfully create a more liveable and healthful environment for our fellow inhabitants of the country and the planet?

monroehd
Posted by monroehd
1 year ago
I would hope some politicians would pay attention to this growing problem.

I have 2 dogs and 1 cat and all are spayed. I think the federal or state lawmakers should help as this growing problem is causing lots of fine animals to starve and reproduce unnecessarily

Duane

margaret  m.
Posted by margaret m. (lionpearl)
1 year ago
Dear presidential canidates. If you really want to make a big impact in America please stand up for our beloved animals. It is horrendous that over 9 million pets are euthanized each year. Do you have a dog, a dog who loves you and would do anything for you? How about the cat that turns into a purring mush when you pet him. What about all the service dogs, the police dogs, the dogs at 911 who gave there all to find victims and hero animals that alert their owners to danger. We need your support on this issue to help stop euthanizia and getting better spay and neuter programs. The abuse is absolutely unacceptable and the laws should be stiffer for the people who commit these acts of violence. The puppy mills have to be stopped in their tracks. To be totally honest there are alot of votes out there with passionate animal lovers who want to see a change and see it now! Please join us and speak about these issues!

Tracy  L.
Posted by Tracy L. (tracytiger)
1 year ago
"A society is judged by the way it treats it's animals" Ghandhi

Anonymous
Posted by Anonymous
1 year ago
This comment has been removed.

Amber M.
Posted by Amber M. (Oateph)
1 year ago
Lets get the senators to address this issue, because it is a major one!!

belder3411
Posted by belder3411
1 year ago
Animal control issues are out of control.
The economy of the country is also affecting our pets.
As people start losing their jobs & homes, they are turning their pets into shelters.
Honestly, do 9 million animals a year really have to lose their lives & what can we do to contain these numbers? If everyone would spay & neuter their pets or have affordable access to it, maybe we could cut down these numbers.
I volunteer at a Rescue called ARF in Muncie, Indiana. I have seen a small portion of the horrors of animal abuse, neglect & also the affect of poverty on pet owners.
I challenge the presidential candidates to make a difference, not only in my life, but to all the millions of animals that suffer each year!

Bill H.
Posted by Bill H. (billh48)
1 year ago
Companion animals may not have the right to vote but their humans do. We should press all of the candidates on quality of life issues for our furry and not furry animal friends. We expect Compassion, care and commitment from the candidates. If they don't care about all of God's creatures they don't deserve our vote.

Laurel L.
Posted by Laurel L. (Laurellane)
1 year ago
Yes, it's time that when politicians cite the 'rights' of every group represented in this country, that they should extend those 'rights' to the animals, who suffer and feel pain and emotion just like every other group. Even more importantly their lives are at stake. A country can be judged on the way it treats its animals and children. Right now, we're not looking very good. Euthanasia should NEVER be an option!

Angi H.
Posted by Angi H. (angiandthegirls)
1 year ago
I agree so much with Susan B.'s comment below. We need to do so much to keep animals alive and punish those who harm any animal.

joythomas
Posted by joythomas
1 year ago
please support the cause of animal shelters. too many animals are euthanized!

J&L S.
Posted by J&L S. (duchessnoel)
1 year ago
Dear Senators,
I would like to bring to your attention the millions of needless deaths each year. Yes, Senators, it is the needless deaths of our true friends, animals. There is no better unconditional love than from a dog, the calmness of a cats purr, the power and spirit of a running horse. I could go on. These animals need our protection. They need your protection.
Please stand up along with Zootoo, to bring laws that will punish those who abuse, neglect and slaughter these amazing animals. Please help stop all the pain and suffering, that puppies and their mothers endore each and every day in all the Puppy Mills across the U.S by bringing a law to 'shut them down'. Won't you help educate people on the importance of 'spay / neuter' of pets and establish funding for a clinic to hundreds of shelters across America?
There are thousands of pet lovers in America that want to see more done for their 'friends'. Please join our campaign to make a voice for those who have none. We, as voting Americans, would love to see our future President stand up and say, "There will be no more needless suffering and deaths for the dogs, cats, horses, and all animals alike. Laws will be made and upheld to stop abuse and slaughter. We as Americans have the power to stop the shameful conditions in Puppy Mills. Let's not wait till tomorrow but do it today."
Thank you Senators,
L. Stephens

SharonNull
Posted by SharonNull
1 year ago
I would like to support the improvement of animal shelters and the decline of euthanizing the homeless animals. Also making "puppy mills" illegal would be a great idea. And promotion of adopting sheltered animals increased,as well as spaying and neutering pets. I work in a feed store and 90% of the people seem to have pure breeds they bought. ( I tell all to go to shelters when I can). Good luck getting a politician to listen, but supporting you all the way.

aimee W.
Posted by aimee W. (moneletto)
1 year ago
Animal welfare & the humane treatment of animals is important to me.

Susan B.
Posted by Susan B. (Susiq917)
1 year ago
Someone in the highest office of government needs to be the voice of all animals. We cannot keep treating animals as if they do not matter. The president needs to lead by example...Start punishing animal abusers to the fullest extent of the law ( as if they were abusing a child). Force people to spay or neuter their pets, only allow adoption of pets contingent on spay or neuter. If you do not comply, your pet is seized and you can NEVER own another pet, and you will be fined and imprisioned! DO NOT trade with countries who mistreat animals,.. cut them off completely..Make the fine so stiff and the prison sentence so long and irreversible if you are caught with any type of fur coat or clothing item..Including items made from Ivory. If there is no demand, there is no need to supply!!!!

Are any of the 3 candidates up to the challenge?

We need our elected officials to care about those that don't have a voice. Animals need advocates and supporters.

julia l.
Posted by julia l. (destinyandjulia)
1 year ago
ok this is not how it will go if we have a caring president so if one shows affection to animals not just a family pet but all animals in shelters then i now that i will want them to win unless it Clinton but if she does good enough i just might change my thoughts about but i need to know that we will have more care for these animals and i will fight as much as i possibly can but we will need all sorts of help from all ages so start telling freinds family even foe but hurry before it is to late help all the animals make this army bigger than you could even think please help

Nancy  H.
Posted by Nancy H. (Nancyhile)
1 year ago
I could not agree more with this cause. I am currently undecided between the candidates and if one shows compassion for the conditions of shelters in America and other animal causes, I might be swayed their way. Government needs to be aware of the love Americans have for animals and get behind us. We would love to hear candidates comments on the topic!

Dorothy S.
Posted by Dorothy S. (Dorothy52)
1 year ago
Please help the millions of homeless dogs and cats. They have a purpose in this life to and they help people that live alone to have companions. We waste money on alot of things that don't really matter. Help our furry friends. Thank you

mkfeicht
Posted by mkfeicht
1 year ago
It's about time something is done nationally. Locally and statewide things are being done now it's time for the big guns. Our companion animals are precious to us. Let the homeless pets have a chance to have a home before beimg destroyed.

xXlilcutieXx46
Posted by xXlilcutieXx46
1 year ago
http://www.trilogyonline.com

Go to this website and watch the video! It explains what is reall in your pets food and how you can help. Please comment this page to raise our power and voice. Help prevent animal cruelty!! All it takes is a minute of your time. =)

Your right. There has never been talk of helping the animals in this country in any presidential race, that I am aware of. This is a cause that needs attention because it is never going to go away, the overpopulation of animals continues to rise every year. It is the responsibility of our government to help make mandatory laws on cruelty, neglect, abuse, spay and neuter and to help funding for so many of our shelters that are operating on budgets that won't cover a year's worth of electric bills. We owe it to the animals of this country, we owe it to the shelter workers, the rescue workers, the feral cat workers to help them help the animals.
I know who I'm voting for. BUT if one of these would decide to come on board and help the us animals, I would vote for them.

compassion
Posted by compassion
1 year ago
Animal welfare and the humane treatment of animals is of the utmost importance to me. You may think this quite surprising, but it is even more important to me than lowering my taxes!!!!! It is imperative that political candidates stand up and be counted on animal welfare issues. The needless killing of millions of animals and the animal cruelty that takes place every single day should not be tolerated by a civilized society. Gandhi stated that the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated! This country can and should be doing better to care for its animals!!!!! The candidates should make sure of that!!!

Wilma T.
Posted by Wilma T. (wdtipton)
1 year ago
There is power in numbers! More animals can be helped by those humans that sign up!

We MUST be the voices for those who can't speak for themselves. Our candidates have the power to make a difference in the funding and legislation to aid the no-kill shelters in their survival to care for homeless animals. Let your candidate know where you stand, so they can make a stand when they become elected.

Tracy  L.
Posted by Tracy L. (tracytiger)
1 year ago
I lived in Guam for 6 years (Saipan 3) and helped organize spay and neuter clinics from 2001-2004. In the middle of winter on the mainland US we would pay the expenses of several volunteer veterinarians to come out for a couple of weeks. This was sponsered by RAM (Remote Area Medical) ? and lots of local individuals and businesses from Guam. The vets loved coming out and being able to scuba dive in the beautiful waters of Guam in the middle of winter. One week our RAM clinic neutered and spayed over 1,000 dogs and cats and also provided them with their yearly rabies shots, (Guam is a rabies free island). This was a great public service and extremely rewarding and gratifying for all the participants. The clinic was also supported by a couple of local vets, Dr. Rebecca Diaz (my vet), mainly. It was a low cost ($10?) way for people to help their pets and their community. It was very intense, to say the least. I was fortunate enough to be one of several volunteers. I will never forget this as one of the best and most important experiencs of my life.

Patricia F.
Posted by Patricia F. (pwfewer)
1 year ago
Where can I sign up to volunteer for this? This sounds wonderful......what a learning experience!

yps1694
Posted by yps1694
1 year ago
By God's design, we are the voice of the animals. It doesn't matter if you're a Senator or a President. They need us to speak for them. Please listen.

ladydog
Posted by ladydog
1 year ago
Greater awareness of and more support for our animal shelters from all corners of life, especially those with big voices, like Presidential candidates, is desperately needed. Perhaps, as someone mentioned below, all the fines collected for animal cruelty cases, and maybe even the local monies collected for pet licenses, could be funneled into local "no kill" shelters. That isn't much, to be sure, but every penny would help, like to story of the man who threw washed-up starfish back into the ocean and when asked why, since he could not possibly save them all, replied that perhaps he saved one. Whatever dollars that could be shared with shelters could help in the same way. Maybe the money collected from one fine or license could feed a shelter dog for a week--just long enough for it to find a family. The best pet we ever had, our much-beloved "Lady," was chosen by us from a "no-kill" shelter many years ago. She brought us such joy over the years and was very much a member of our family. All of our pets have been shelter animals, unwanteds, or strays--they are the BEST! Our politicians could help significantlynot only with funding, but just by getting the word out. Make people aware!!
Come on, Mr. McCain and others, I challenge you to step up to this plate. Let us see a more sensitive and humane side of you. Show us you are ONE OF US!
ladydog from Sturbridge, MA

SisterMoon
Posted by SisterMoon
1 year ago
To the Presidential Candidates:
Can you envision Nine Million Pets being euthanized? I cannot. Especially when they did nothing wrong. I know you have pets or at one time you must have. They become a part of your family. These helpless lives need you. We need you to help save more of them, by getting congress to give to the shelters that care for, neutered, or spayed. To change the way the courts prosecute those who abuse and are arrested for animal cruelty. They should be given much more severe punishments and instate LARGE FINES, that would partially go to the shelters. These sick people are only one step away from child abuse.
All we need now:
Is to hear your views publicly, on animal rights and animal abuse. We need to be informed of this as much as any other issue. There are over 142 Million Registered Voters in the USA and 113.2 million homeowners have a dog or cat. The Senator that supports animal rights and wants to do something more about them, would sway a lot of votes their way to becoming our new President.

KitKat225
Posted by KitKat225
1 year ago
Inquiring minds DO want to know where the candidates stand on animal rights and environmental issues as directly related to animal welfare. These are critical issues that need to be addressed NOW. The animal loving community is out there and growing in numbers every day. We are a force to be reckoned with and a voice that needs to be heard!

Trishajean821
Posted by Trishajean821
1 year ago
My vote would absolutely go to the candidate who shows compassion towards this important issue.

Pugglelove
Posted by Pugglelove
1 year ago
That could be very interesting!

The pet vote! I mean there are important categories such as the the women vote, black vote, union vote----why not pet lover's vote! It is stupid no one has seen this in the past! Everyone loves animals and wants to help them! WHO CARES debates over taxes and the war and move on to something interesting and diffferent such as pet shelters and neutering dogs and cats! that would help animals and communities alike!

I already support OBAMA!!! SO I HOPE HE STEPS IT UP!!! LETS GO OBAMA!! BE DIFFERENT!!! LEAVE HIL IN THE DUST EVEN MOREEE!

Kimberly D.
Posted by Kimberly D. (slop)
1 year ago
I'd love it if any of the 3 candidates were true animal protectors; excuse me for being just a little sinical of their sincerity, but it is an election year and they all know how to pander for votes, so why not give it a shot...my granddaughter just adopted an awesome dog from a kill shelter in Ohio...until she told me about it, I had no idea such shelters existed!..would love to see the candidates address this...

Joni K.
Posted by Joni K. (jkerr)
1 year ago
Wow it would be so great to hear from the candidates about their support for our animals. They need our help more than ever and what better way to get the message out there. I would like to hear their stand on animal issues. This is an important issue to me.

KMoore
Posted by KMoore
1 year ago
The issue of animal welfare is important to me and, as a voter, I ask that Senators Obama, Clinton and McCain take a stand against animal cruelty. Strict laws should be in place to stop animal abuse, and fines and other forms of punishment for animal rights offenders should be more severe. The range of activities that qualify as “animal abuse” should be broadened significantly and should include needless animal research and testing of cosmetics and other products on animals. Shelters should be provided with adequate funding, additional programs should be put in place to stop the breeding of animals for illegal or cruel practices, and shelters should NOT be allowed to give animals under their care away to animal research labs or animal traders. Ghandi once said that “the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be measured by the way it treats its animals.”

2boxers
Posted by 2boxers
1 year ago
Animals have no defense. They know what they are taught. The problem is people do not give enough consideration to what THEIR future will do to an animal. Pets are supposed to be part of yor life & family, not objects. We need to inform humans that they are the cause of these homeless pets. They have the power to make a difference in an animals life, not the animals themselves. There should be stronger laws against the humans that abuse & neglect defenseless animals.

stulipbell
Posted by stulipbell
1 year ago
I want senator Clinton and Obamba to be more responsive to the need of stray and homeless animals. Our animal shelters need support and we have to stop killing healthy animals. Also we need stronger laws involving animal abuse. As a voter and taxpayer I feel there needs to be a committment on the part of our elected politicans.Thank you. Susan C. Bell

failorb
Posted by failorb
1 year ago
What kind of world would this be without our pets

favoritecatlvr
Posted by favoritecatlvr
1 year ago
I would be interested in knowing the thoughts of candidates. There are many individuals and groups trying to do the best they can to help these animals, but it's not enough. Having the federal government, the President, helping could make a huge difference. I'll be waiting to hear from them.

DeAnnS
Posted by DeAnnS
1 year ago
WE, YOU, are the VOICE for those loving animals and pets who cannot speak. PLEASE remember our loving 4-legged companions who give so willingly --- unconditional love and companionship. This society has become so greedy and "throw away." PEOPLE, NOT THE ANIMALS, need to be trained. So much suffering by the animals is caused by human error and cold-heartedness. We all live on the same planet -- we share our world with our 4-legged companions. PLEASE remember that THEY ARE GOD'S CREATION -- just like us. Thank you.

thejzwergs
Posted by thejzwergs
1 year ago
I don't think we can legislate and enforce sterilization of cats & dogs, it would be possible to make the license fee for breeders very expensive (not just a couple of bucks more than a license for a pet that has been fixed). Follow-up on breeders could be done by going to the for-sale ads in the newspaper or on the computer. If someone is breeding without the appropriate license, the fine could be double the cost of the license.

AnimalLover4Life
Posted by AnimalLover4Life
1 year ago
As an animal lover myself. It realy makes me sick to hear about the abuse and the neglect that peolple overlook everyday. We need a solution for this i truly hope it wakes someone up. After all the candidates depend on our vote's its about time they take action in our behalf of us animal lovers.

DoxieMomma
Posted by DoxieMomma
1 year ago
I would like to know where the candidates stand on these issues as they are very important to me as a member of Dachshund Rescue of North America www.drna.org
I would hope the next president could make a difference and be a role model for our youth. I can't tell you how many calls and emails I get from people wanting to get rid of their pets. Since when did we become such a disposable society. The dog pees on the rug it goes to the shelter, the dog chews up the kids toy it goes to the shelter. Lets not teach the dogs and the kids responsibility lets teach them that nothing matters. What happens when these kids have kids of their own? They end up on welfare letting someone esle take care of them because their parents haven't even taught them to take care of an animal. Maybe with an animal advocate as president things could change!

BobbiR
Posted by BobbiR
1 year ago
Please include my name as supporting this cause - I support any legislation that will improve the chances of animals to live out their lives in a caring family. Maybe spaying/neutering could be subsidized for lower-income families, which would reduce the number of unwanted animals.
BobbiR - Allison Park, PA

sdunn71
Posted by sdunn71
1 year ago
I totally agree. I'm for animals! I wish more people cared and this will definately get their attention!

crobert3
Posted by crobert3
1 year ago
I would love to have the candidates step up and speak on this issue. This is very important to me and many people that I am associated with. Another thing to remember is that I vote! Many other people who feel this issue is somewhat of a priority also vote.

Megaen
Posted by Megaen
1 year ago
I am very interested in the candidates' views on all issues related to animals, including animal shelters, agribusiness, zoos, animal research, habitat conservation and the wildlife trade.

Jackie O.
Posted by Jackie O. (jornsby)
1 year ago
Greetings from a pet lover in Buffalo, New York. Thank you for your initiative in protecting critters. Thank you for urging all presidential candidates to take a stand on the critical need to protect those critters who can't protect themselves. Thank you, also, for urging Obama, Clinton, and McCain to tell us what their stand is so that we can vote appropriately. Jacqueline Ornsby

PATTYDAY
Posted by PATTYDAY
1 year ago
I think the government should step in and help the overpopulation of dogs and cats.
Also look into puppy mills and changing the laws. Please help the animals who are
abused and suffering.

loisw
Posted by loisw
1 year ago
Please let me know how you stand on the issue of animal rights and the senseless slaughter of innocent pets. Also please speak out about harsher penalties for animal abusers.

debbiekorkowitz
Posted by debbiekorkowitz
1 year ago
If the politicians won't listen to this many constituents, it leads me to believe that it's the number of dollars, not the number of concerned citizens, that decides their platforms and agendas. They'll represent the "money" not the many. For our voices to be heard above the din of the "cha-ching", we need to verify how pets effect our economy (come on all you makers of products for animals of all types); how much we as consumers are willing to spend on our animals as compared to ourselves, our homes, our relatives, etc.; and how much of what we grow and manufacture right here in our own country is used in some compacity or other for our pets. Then we need to address the "health care" topic, which is always an issue in campaigning, and cite the value of pets to our nations health,from their calming effects on our blood pressure to the recent finding that dogs can smell cancer in a persons body. Not to mention animals to help the impaired, and aid in rehabilitation programs of many kinds. We need to put an economic value on these animals, and show how our caring for them increases economic spending, and how their caring for us cuts down costs. Some times we need to speak in political terms ($$) rather than emotional ones if we want to be heard. I'm sure if we all put our heads together we could create an awsome argument for our cause listing more than the few examples I've outlined here.

airaar19
Posted by airaar19
1 year ago
Of course there is no hope for John McCain, and lets be honest, neither Obama nor Clinton care for the rights of animals the way Dennis Kucinich does, but I will still be voting and I want to know that I am voting for someone who has some regard for animals. Lets see who can step up to the plate and show some effort for helping living creatures who don't have the ability to give either of them any money or votes.

pussylover
Posted by pussylover
1 year ago
I'm right here with you on Kucinich, for this and so many reasons. I cried when he dropped out.

poom
Posted by poom
1 year ago
animal welfare issues are of the utmost importance to me as a voter, especially the pet over-population crisis that plagues our country. day after day i get countless emails about beautiful cats and dogs who need homes urgently or face death; we need a leader who will actively do something about this.

Jaimie S.
Posted by Jaimie S. (jujubjs)
1 year ago
As an active voter, I am always looking for a candidate's position on animal welfare. Unfortuanltely, i rarely hear anything about the issue.
I am praying for a day when animal welfare is a common and highly publicized category on any candidate's agenda.

Satana H.
Posted by Satana H. (ksatana)
1 year ago
It would be amazing to have a President in office that would stand up for animal rights! There is no reason that there can't be federal laws against animal cruelty, inhumane animal mills and other crimes against animals. Unfortunately we can't just leave it to the states to help control animal issues. There needs to be stiffer penalties for animal cruelty anyway. If one of the candidates would commit to animal rights, it would certainly make me think.

Crackerbow
Posted by Crackerbow
1 year ago
This will be a big factor in my vote. Keep me updated on any progress that is made.

Anonymous
Posted by Anonymous
1 year ago
This comment has been removed.

Cody S.
Posted by Cody S. (CodySteele194)
1 year ago
" Thats exactly what the animal shelters, the animals and we need! I agree 100% without a doubt, no questions needed!"

Barbara C.
Posted by Barbara C. (barbarac)
1 year ago
9 million animals euthanized? With all the resources we have in America, I had no idea the number was so high!

Tracy S.
Posted by Tracy S. (RobbieD)
1 year ago
Anything that can be done to help shelters will be beneficial

mokamu
Posted by mokamu
1 year ago
I would base my vote on a candidate that was standing up for animals. It is time for a presidential candidate to come to terms with the homeless animal dilema this county has faced for so many years. There is absolutely no reason that any dog, cat, or any other animal should not have a good home taking care of them! I urge the candidates to take a stand on this issue, it may change my mind on who to vote for as well as the minds of many other animal lovers.

lornao
Posted by lornao
1 year ago
Dear future President of the United States,
I appreciate your many creative suggestions and ideas that will help our wonderful country and its millions of fine people. There is also another group that is in serious need of your help-our companion animals and the shelters that care for them and try to find them loving, permanent homes. Also, when tragedy strikes, like Hurricane Katrina, animals and their owners are sometimes separated and often never reunited. As a pet lover (I presently have three cats, including two that once were homeless), I would like to see all animals have a clean, caring shelter, the possibility of being spayed or neutered, basic Veterinarians care, and above all,being adopted into a loving new home.
Our local shelter receives no government assistance and relies on a small staff, dedicated volunteers and private donations and fund-raisers to care for more than 4000 animals a year. We have a no-kill shelter, but have to turn some animals away when the shelter is too full. We would appreciate new ideas, perhaps some monetary assistance from the government, possible volunteer involvement, plans for the animals when tragedy strikes, help with vet care and medications, and other things I may have forgotten. I thank you in advance for helping animals and improving our shelters. Lorna O.

Paul M.
Posted by Paul M. (pmarzell)
1 year ago
I couldn't agree more! We need to do someting about the needless deaths of so many helpless animals each year. Giving tham the benefit of doubt it's possible that the three candidates don't know anyhing about it. A forum like this is necessary to bring the issue to the attention of these canidates, or any government official so that the public becomes educated about it. We can make a difference.

Olison
Posted by Olison
1 year ago
I am a strong supporter of our animal shelters and will certainly base my vote on how our politicians stand on our pet overpopulation and homeless animals. What will you do to help our local shelters and educate people the importance of spay and neuter and responsible pet ownership. Support no-kill shelters,funding for mobile adoption programs, low or no-cost spay and neutering, and TNR for homeless cats. The more we educate the public the greater the chances for finally getting a handle on this horrific mess. It's time!!!

Angelina H.
Posted by Angelina H. (angelina23)
1 year ago
Many politicians overlook issues involving animals. It may be because they think that there are bigger problems to deal with, or that the average American just doesn't care. Well, we care.

I would also like you to realize that dealing with this issue will impact other areas of society. If we teach children that all life has value and to take responsibility for their pets, they are more likely to become responsible, compassionate adults.

MELISSA
Posted by MELISSA (gypsymdh1)
1 year ago
Pet care and the welfare of our planet's animals is a very important issue to me and so many people I know. We really need our future President to stand up and take notice of this as an important political and national issue. Please take up the banner and help our Nation's animal shelter and welfare establishments with funding and support so that more adoptable pets can be sent to live in loving homes instead of to an undeserved and untimely death. Foster programs that bring animals into retirement and assisted living facilities to live or even just visit and bring happiness to the sick and elderly. Give funding to establishments that train service animals and help pair them with those disabled individuals in need. Pet health care should also be brought to the forefront of our candidate's political issues. More employers should be made to offer this option to their empolyees, especially as it usually doesn't cost them a dime to do so! Please help our nation's pets as well as our conservation efforts for those endangered species.

beccaconnor
Posted by beccaconnor
1 year ago
To all candidates & other persons in public service,
A society can be judged by the way it treats it's animals... Our society is failing miserably. It then reflects on how we treat our children & old people and finally each other. Let's be humane, it's the right thing to do !

Jennifer C.
Posted by Jennifer C. (jjc)
1 year ago
In the past politics were boring to me. Now I see how important it is to to be fully informed about the candidates and the issues they support. I will certainly check out my presidential candidate of choice and learn their stance on animals and shelters. Make your voice heard and cast an informed vote this fall.

Jennifer--feral cat caretaker

MBeagle
Posted by MBeagle
1 year ago
This is a great idea! I think a happy nation has animals that are happy and well cared for. Starting there is a good thing. I want to add that large animals, including animals used for food need to be considered in this grand scheme. My particular love is for the horses of this mighty nation. Imagine how far behind as a species we would be without the help of the horse.

Melissa S.
Posted by Melissa S. (Meezie)
1 year ago
This is a fantastic idea and I want to be a part of it! I got a call from Senator Clinton's campaign the night before our Connecticut Primary. When the campaign volunteer asked me if I had any questions, I asked, "What does Hillary plan to do to support the work of animal shelters?" It took a few tries for her to muster up a non-reponse. Topcat, let's get their attention!!

rosiefly
Posted by rosiefly
1 year ago
Obama, McCain and Clinton: Please stand up for our animal shelters. The animals need our help and they cannot speak for themselves. Thank you for your support of our best friends.

Beegee L.
Posted by Beegee L. (bgbg23)
1 year ago
I've often wondered why I never hear a presidential candidate, or any other political person for that matter, verbally announce their support of animal rights issues. To millions of people, pets have become an integral member of the family. We love and cherish our pets no less than other family members. The common response seems to be, "We have to take care of people first." If everyone adopted this type of reasoning, animals would never be considered. The welfare & protection of pets & animals should coincide and be included with the rights & protection of all living beings. There should be no separation between animals & people. We have an obligation to work towards respect, compassion & care of all living beings on this earth. Please candidates--let us know how you feel and what you plan to do to support our animals in need!!!

kittenondaleash
Posted by kittenondaleash
1 year ago
Please please support our animal shelters and help stray/abused animals from terrible fate. Too many animals are euthanized without even given a fair chance at a better life. With your help we can save more precious animals' lives!

daisy321
Posted by daisy321
1 year ago
This is a very important issue in the U.S. today that needs to be seriously addressed. The presidential candidates need to know that saving animals lives in a very big concern and is very important to many of their voters. I believe that they need to address how they can help the needless killing of so many animals and how they can help animal shelters across the U.S. How the candidates feel about this issue could seriously impact who I will be voting for in the coming election.

Cathy T.
Posted by Cathy T. (thomcat)
1 year ago
The candidates need to know that concern for animals is an issue that is important to huge numbers of voters and one that crosses every boundary - economic, religious, ethnic, age, etc. They should have a position, given the physical, psychological, emotional and financial impacts of sharing our lives with pets and protecting animals who are mistreated or don't have loving homes. How they stand - and how they live in this regard - will be one measure I'll be considering as I make my choice on election day.

Vernon1942
Posted by Vernon1942
1 year ago
My wife and I have rescued several cats and dogs from being destroyed. We are both on Social Security. We can't afford to do much but we do what we can. There is no reason our politicians can't do more for this cause.

debbiekorkowitz
Posted by debbiekorkowitz
1 year ago
I fully understand. My mother is in the same situation. We try to help her and the animals she helps and still take care of ourselves and the animals we help, and our daughter and the animals she helps. But, like you, we also find we'd rather do without a few things we dont' absolutely need, than not help the animals that absolutely need it. Keep up the good fight...you're appreciated and not alone.

jkopciowski
Posted by jkopciowski
1 year ago
It is a very important issue for the candidates to acknowledge. The needless deaths of millions of helpless animals. The consequences need to be harsher for those who abuse & neglect the animals they made a commitment to, and we could also help a great deal if there was a spay/neuter program available that rewarded veterinarians for their help in controlling the populations.

roselie b.
Posted by roselie b. (nyflasnobird)
1 year ago
We absolutely should request that each candidate support our shelters and resque groups but also contact our current local, state and federal representatives and senators.

Perhaps they could initiate a percentage tax deduction for those who responsibly harbor our voiceless earthly co-inhabitatants; after all they are our "children" in need just a surely as our human biological children are.

Or...... since health issues in nursing homes diminish with the visits of domesticated creatures and improve health and reduce the meds of patients that we find a way to provide living quarters for these creatures that reduce the healthcare costs as a provision to improve human healthcare???????

Or make our pets dependants on our tax returns at least on a percentage basis or provide for a deduction of actual costs in how much we provide for the food, veterinary care, reduced medical costs for just being there for us, and other related expenitures so that they are valued as they so deserve.

It is my observation that our friends, family and neighbors who have pets in their families are better able to cope with dilemnas of life and conflicts that exist naturally than non pet families. Why not acknowledge these benefits and further encourage the ownership or family-ship of our pets??? by providing incentives for family-ship???

Providing charitable contributions of monetary expenditures as tax deductions is available to all of us. Why not allow volunteering of our time to these shelters, etc based on a minimum wage hourly rate as a contribution also?????

or even put the "to be euthanized" population into the courtyards of our prisons to let our creatures help to rehabilitate our incarcerated?????? My guess is that both would benefit. Whatcha think??

Or we could include our pets in our healthcare policies ////// or we could have a food-bank for pet-foods included in people food stamp programs or ///// you name it.

Or the unemployed who are collecting benefits be required to devote time to shelters before they are allowed to stand in line to get their benefits or some kind or incentive to increase benefits if they do. etc etc etc

Lotsa thoughts that my dear companion pet helped me to throw out to all of the pet owners/advocates who would like to communicate to those in office now.

Write or call your legislators soon!!!!!

debbiekorkowitz
Posted by debbiekorkowitz
1 year ago
I like the way you think and your ability to voice it. Thank you!

pussylover
Posted by pussylover
1 year ago
I've thought about some of these ideas myself for some time now, and know that PRISONERS HAVE IMPROVED WITH ANIMALS. There's a program in Colorado, that has kept prisoners from coming back after released. Kudos to you fort offering ideas!

Maria D.
Posted by Maria D. (MariaD)
1 year ago
I agree- I would love this to be a topic that was brought up in debates and I certainly will research the candidates positions. Hopefully we can get more than just a generic statement from them. I'd love to see an action plan! The environment is one of my biggest concerns in this upcoming election too.

redsunset2000
Posted by redsunset2000
1 year ago
My decision for president, is one that deals with problmes on our soil.
The vast pet population is definately one issue I will be concerned with.
The way we treat and control our pets, is a mirrored reflection on our
civilization.
deb

Monyeen A.
Posted by Monyeen A. (bama)
1 year ago
It is very distressing when we hear of those who are losing their homes, just walking out on their pets and leaving them to starve. The bright spot is the shelter who takes them in. It is time for the government to take a stand for these people who are willing to help the helpless and give them aid -- and take stronger measures against those breeders who breed and take to the shelters or dump "their mistakes."

jenniferkindschi
Posted by jenniferkindschi
1 year ago
I like your plan, zootoo. Why shouldn't political canditates have this issue among the top of their lists? We chose to domesticate animals, making them helpless to care for themselves. Now it is our job to do right by them, and do what it takes to provide for their needs. How we take care of ALL living things is a direct reflection of us as a country and as a planet; therefore who is to say that one issue is less critical than another? I'd like to see everyone's action's, including politicians', reflect this truth.

Krystin L.
Posted by Krystin L. (biffgurl)
1 year ago
I agree. Our furry friends need our support, and the support of our government. No shelter left behind!!

pussylover
Posted by pussylover
1 year ago
Yes, "no shelter left behind" is a great idea, as long as it doesn't go in line with "no child left behind". Let's make them both stand up to their names!

Tara
Posted by Tara (Teamhrach)
1 year ago
I haven't made a decision yet on who I'd like to be president, but their stance on pet overpopulation and the need to offer free spay/neuter clinics across the country will be huge to me. Killing animals for nothing they've done except breathe is horrid and senseless and it has got to stop. Which candidate is going to take a stand against puppy mills? It remains to be seen, and I'll be watching.

Lucasdoog
Posted by Lucasdoog
1 year ago
Our nation's shelters need the support of our American leaders. with their help, shelter's could be better able to save millions of animals. We also need to see legislation that would prevent puppy mills from legally (or otherwise) operating in this country.

Judy M.
Posted by Judy M. (MMaxie88)
1 year ago
I think there should be Federal, State & local funding for the shelters, spay/neuter programs and education to help prevent these senseless deaths.

criscil
Posted by criscil
1 year ago
My thoughts exactly. The presidental candidate that backs this up, is one step closer to getting my vote!

Pamela C.
Posted by Pamela C. (SabrinaGirl)
1 year ago
As a concerned citizen and voter, I believe that we need to pay attention to the outrageous number of animals that are used and discarded like tissue. I have seen people return for their patio furniture, but leave their pets.
Money for spay and neuter is only the beginning. There must be help for the elderly, sick, and disabled to catch and transport their animals. Otherwise, you make them cruel victims and those that enforce the spay and neuter laws bullies.

Lynette
Posted by Lynette (Nettie2468)
1 year ago
We need major political help with the pet overpopulation issues! Raise support! Sign the bills in to laws!

Marycarol K.
Posted by Marycarol K. (marycarol)
1 year ago
There are many issues to concern yourself with in this election. Health Care, The War, The Economy, No Child Left Behind - but we also need to know where our 4-legged creatures stand. Someone needs to stand up for them. They are living-creatures and they need someone to care for them. Please Senators - What is your views on the needless euthanizing of our dogs and cats in this world.

Starr R.
Posted by Starr R. (starr6550)
1 year ago
We need someone to stand up for animals. Barak, Hillary...who can answer the call?

Paul S.
Posted by Paul S. (prsgymrat)
1 year ago
I truely think if our politicians took an active role in trying to help the whole nation become aware of the unnecesary lives being lost to some of Gods most precious creations then maybe we could all help make a difference in providing home for pets of all speices.

ascal
Posted by ascal
1 year ago
I am the owner of three adopted dogs from a shelter. These dogs have unconditional love for their owners and bring so much fun and happiness into our home. How can you, Senators Obama, Clinton and McCain, stand by and allow so many dogs to be euthanized each year? I know the economy is one of the main issues this election year, but we shouldn't forget those pets. Many shelters are run through charitable contributions. Just think if the federal government helped out, how much more these shelters could do and how many pets could be saved. I hope that you will give this consideration, and I look forward to hearing one of you address this situation during your campaign!

Laura R.
Posted by Laura R. (ltrpilot)
1 year ago
A changed world must include our precious animals. Killing these innocent pets is a waste of time and money. If you want the pet lovers vote and be favored in the animal world this is an issue to be dealt with.
thanks you

ZippieJulie
Posted by ZippieJulie
1 year ago
Yes! Yes! Yes! Let's find out where each candidate stands on these issues, and the level of their committment to follow through on ensuring that animal shelters and spay/neuter programs are adequately funded. This would be a good time, as well, to bring to discussion and legislation other issues like puppy mills, dogfighting, and the humane treatment of farm animals, to name but a few of the many issues that should be confronted and acted upon. Senators Clinton, Obama, and McCain please listen to our voices, answer our questions, and begin the discussion.

Jennifer S.
Posted by Jennifer S. (kotterpotter)
1 year ago
This is a great opportunity for animal lovers around the United States to unite. This is long overdo, but I am grateful that it has come. I am always so sad to hear about how many animals are needlessly killed each year or are abused. Just because they were brought into this world and are not able to speak for themselves, does not mean that they should be allowed to die or be treated cruelly. As a nation we need to take action now. Things are not getting any better. In communities we will continue to do what we can to improve the lives of animals in this country. Now, however, we are asking for our politicians to take notice. We need their help to take the next step. Through nationwide legislation, we could make improvements that we have not been able to make on our own. Also, we need to make a point to make sure that people are educated about the animals they take care of and what they can do to make their lives better. We need to punish people who over-breed just for the money, or who abuse their animals. We also need to have stricter laws put in place to help make sure that animals are able to live the lives they were meant to live. For example, it isn't acceptable anymore to have laws that allow pet owners to leave their dogs chained outside as long as the animal has food and water. What kind of life is that? And as someone who volunteers at a local shelter, we need to start putting greater funds into animal shelters to help support them better. With the help of politicians, we can help make this happen.
As a concerned citizen and an animal lover, I am asking Mrs. Clinton, Mr. McCain, and Mr. Obama to please make animal issues an important part of your platform. You can have a tremendously positive impact on the lives of our animals. If you won't help by being their voice, who will?

Thanks.

DebbieKelley
Posted by DebbieKelley
1 year ago
I could not be happier about this. It is way overdue for politicians to pay attention to the millions of animals and the people who love them. I hope we get enough people so they are forced to listen to us. There is no reason that animal testing, puppy mills, dog-fighting - just so many horrific things cannot be stopped by some national legislation. This is one civilized country. There shouldn't be a different law and punishment for animal abuse just because you cross an imaginary state line. The politicians will listen when they are forced to listen. Thanks to Richard, this is our chance. Animal shelters and caring for the animals shouldn't just be an afterthought in a city, county, or state budget, and it surely shouldn't be ignored completely by Washington politicians. It's time we were heard as the voice of the animals.

CAG
Posted by CAG
1 year ago
It is unconscionable that animals are bred as "cash crops", while so many end up in shelters, where most are euthanized. We call ourselves a civilized nation, and we can do better than this!

Barack, Hillary and John,
Please take a stand for those that cannot speak for themselves. End the senseless killing of so many innocent animals.

^ ^
=o=

scoobycat96
Posted by scoobycat96
1 year ago
GO BARACK OBAMA Please help animal shelters. I <3 Animals

Beatriz  U.
Posted by Beatriz U. (midnight03)
1 year ago
I completely agree with this. If they used some money to create spay/neuter programs this would help to reduce the number of animals that enter shelters. They focus on issues that cannot be helped or prevented. Things like immigration.Immigration has and always will be here. Why not focus on something they can fix, like the over populace of animals, or the amount of animal abuse that goes on. These animals give us so much love, compassion and friendship. Why do so many turn away from them. They have no voice. We are their voice and the people with the biggest voices are turning away, and keeping silent. This is not right. Whats even worse is, not how they DO NOT see, its how they CHOOSE not to see. Even more with all the economic issues going on, more and more pets are being dropped off at the shelters. I feel sorry for every single one of them. For those who have had a loving family, do not understand why this is happening. Those who havn't had a loving family havn't experienced the joys of life. This is so sad. I thank all who have enough of what it takes to stand up and do something. If we can do it, than why can't these candidates. It takes a lot people say to run for office. Well I can tell you, it takes even more to spend your weekend making 4-5 hour transport to get these dogs out of these overly packed shelters. It takes more to open your home and come home from work to take care of your family, and fosters dogs. It takes more to We do not get paid for doing these things. We do all of these things with a light heart and a smile on our face. Why can they not do the same. You hear them say in their campaigns that we must stick together and work together to make things better. Well why do they not stand up and work with us. Follow as they speak and do something about the abuse, the euthanasias, the over populace. I hope all of our voices will help them to open their eyes and hearts to the cries of those we speak for.

Starr W.
Posted by Starr W. (misticmisty)
1 year ago
I would like to see the senators to commit to helping dog shelters through out the United States.

kathy m.
Posted by kathy m. (jakeslave)
1 year ago
i have become so sick of political speeches and empty promises that voting is a chore anymore. If even one candidate would focus on our problems here at home and include our furry families i would jump on that bandwagon no matter what the party. If even one would try to convince all the states to pass a law banning puppy mills or the backyard business of selling animals for extra income they would have my support and thousands of others. Just a law requiring spaying and neutering and i would bet they would be amazed at all of us behind them. I've seen what a few can do as my county is one of the 20 in the running for the shelter makeover.
So lets let them know ......we want to hear something thats close to our hearts, will make us believe and give us a reason to get out there and vote for someone we believe in.

mdhanbery
Posted by mdhanbery
1 year ago
The shelters in my area still use the gas chamber to euthanize animals. This is barbaric. Please help to stop this practice and promote spay/neuter to stop the over population of defenseless animals. Funding to promote "no kill" shelters is desperately needed. Shelter facilities are inadequate to provide a proper environment for animals in need of adoption.

jgutman
Posted by jgutman
1 year ago
As Americans we need to show the world our compassion towards animals. We have the resources and the knowledge to treat animals humanely, but have not been using them effectively. There should be no homeless or unwanted animals, which can be achieved through humane education and spay/neuter. There should be no 'kill' shelters, only places that help find loving, forever homes for our companions. Animals are an extension of ourselves. They are our companions and they bring us unlimited joy. We, in return, should love and respect them and treat them with compassion.

bandmanager007
Posted by bandmanager007
1 year ago
To all of the candidates running for office, please lend a hand in helping out those animals that give us love, warmth and companionship unconditionally. We are all fellow creatures on this planet and we should help each other out. Help out those that don't have a voice, like we do. That includes those who are really in need in laboratories, or on the street. We made them domesticated, so the least we can do is help them out whenever we can. Please help make a difference. Thank you.

Julie G.
Posted by Julie G. (goodj)
1 year ago
As a registered voter, I'm asking you to support the animal shelters.

Bonny M.
Posted by Bonny M. (Bonny3839)
1 year ago
I have read the comments below.Everyone has had a lot of good things to say.This is a very depressing subject.I don't think they care about the ones that don't have a voice.If they did they would of been fighting for them a long time ago.If they do own an animal ,It's hurray for them and the hell with the rest.I think when they go to bed on a cold winters night,they make sure their own is warm and snuggled in.For the ones that are left out to freeze to death,they justify it in their minds of, "Sorry Can't save the world.It's someone else's problem.That's why we have shelters."Not even thinking of how those shelters are doing it.Can you really picture one of them walking into one???Oh my God, they might get shit on their shoes!!!

Becky H.
Posted by Becky H. (beckyhaisma)
1 year ago
If cities had proper funding for spay & neuter programs there would be less overpopulation of dogs and cats resulting in less tax payer dollars spent killing excess dogs and cats. Many cities/states have passed legislation for mandatory spay/neuter and have seen incredible results. Exceptions can be made for licensed breeders. This would also put an end to shady puppy mills. Remember how appalled the public was when pets were left behind during Katrina? Legislation was passed to fix that issue. It is time for legislation to be passed to stop the killing of dogs and cats due to lack of space at shelters. And there needs to be stiffer penalties for abusing innocent creatures. shelters have to put animals down due to lack of space. Our politicians should be doing more to put an end to this.

Kayla A.
Posted by Kayla A. (jade)
1 year ago
i think they are right! we should pay more attention! i agree!

kyoXobsessey
Posted by kyoXobsessey
1 year ago
This is a great idea! I hope enough people speak up, so that we're heard by the candidates. Best of luck!

pbelt71
Posted by pbelt71
1 year ago
I agree with this and hope that the next president (hopefully not McCain) can help with the problem of homeless animals in this country, and will create more stringent consequences for those that torture animals.

jacklynn s.
Posted by jacklynn s. (TreeHuggers)
1 year ago
More awareness is needed for our abused and neglected animals. Our animals give us unconditional love and devotion. We should be worthy of such. Please help our needy animals.

Katie L.
Posted by Katie L. (dogkitt)
1 year ago
None of those animals needed to die. Help them, president! (Whoever that will be)

Lees6639
Posted by Lees6639
1 year ago
Our local radio station is asking for queries they should ask the candidates - well, here we go!

aba1964
Posted by aba1964
1 year ago
As president, Obama, Clinton, or McCain will have so much to focus on. I hope that they will also remember the ones who have no voice and no vote - the animals. Whenever legislation is brought to them that encourages programs to decrease euthanasia in shelters and humane treatment of animals in general, I hope that they will remember this blog from Zoo Too and vote in favor of the animals.

Karen S.
Posted by Karen S. (KarSk)
1 year ago
It would be incredible to get them to stand up for the homeless pets that do not have a voice! It is unbelievable that 9 million pets get euthanized every year. I am a volunteer with a rescue group and it is heartbreaking to know that we cannot help each one. We need their help - desperately!

Roxann
Posted by Roxann (FoxyRoxyRaceBabe)
1 year ago
This is something very near and dear to my heart as well as many other Americans. I think the topic should be debated for it is as major of a crisis as other things that are debated that are not so life threatening. I know Bill and Hillary had Sox the cat and Buddy the lab not sure about the others having pets. I'm sure the candidates have love for animals. If we could get Presidential candidates attention and views maybe local officials will open their eyes as well for ignoring the issue that has plagued this country has gone over looked far too long.

Blackie
Posted by Blackie (jaymeedee)
1 year ago
I am totally behind this initiative. Just today, Danbury Animal Welfare Society received dogs from another shelter that was ready to euthanize. If all shelters had the proper funding for spay & neuter programs than euthanizing animals only because there was no more room would be a thing of the past. My heart breaks whenever I hear that shelters have to put animals down due to lack of space. Our politicians should be doing more to put an end to this.

Dorimer
Posted by Dorimer
1 year ago
This important national discussion is long overdue and I would challenge all of the presidential candidates, and any other candidate for public office to determine a plan of action for creating a national support program for animal shelters and welfare groups that would enable more spay/neuter programs to limit the number of homeless animals that crowd the already taxed shelter system in the US.

While this issue is not likely to cause enough unrest among the American public to warrant much if any coverage during the upcoming election, anything that we can do as pet owners to raise awareness of this issue is certainly worth the effort of our growing numbers.

Amber Z.
Posted by Amber Z. (AZinser)
1 year ago
Politicians- please take seriously the problem we have in our country with homeless animals and animal shelters. These shelters desperately need our help with food, more room, donations, and workers to help America's homeless pets.
It is our responsibility to help keep our animals fed and kept in good health. Many shelters need money for supplies, medical care, and the like. The animals need our help. Together, lets do everything we possibly can to support our shelters and animals across America. Thank you.

Sincerely,

A. Zinser of Placerville, Ca

Amber Z.
Posted by Amber Z. (AZinser)
1 year ago
To all politicians; Animal Shelters across America need your assistance. Food, blankets and beds, adoption services, more workers or volunteers, and the like to help save our homeless animals. It is not only our responsibility to take care of these animals and this desperately deserves your attention.

farmingmom
Posted by farmingmom
1 year ago
you are 100% right. I work at my county dog pound and we are in desperate need of blankets, food, animal frindly cleaning products, more staff and so much more. I think our countrys leader should take a stand and help more. On another note, I would like to add that not all pounds uthenize animals. We keep our animals untill they find homes. The only time anything else is done is if there is a medical problem and one of our vets feels it is all we can do.

Sarah A.
Posted by Sarah A. (saraheangelo)
1 year ago
I definitely think that the presidential candidates should care about what happens to animals as they play such a pivotal role in our lives. I believe that a stance on animal welfare could change my mind on where I stand. My heart breaks for the animals that are abused, mistreated or used for terrible purposes (i.e. dog fighting) and I think that there should be severe penalties to these people in order to stop this. I think abuse of an animal should have the same repercussions that a child abuser has. I know that most animal lovers consider their pets to be their children. Let’s see the presidential candidates actually take a stance and stand up for something we all believe in!

Ashley B.
Posted by Ashley B. (ashcats1104)
1 year ago
Though animal welfare often gets a rap as being a more "liberal" cause, pet owners across the nation are of every creed, race, gender, religion and political party. The love of animals knows no limits, and legislation to protect them from abuse and cruelty should be a common sense, non-partisan effort. I encourage all of the presidential candidates to adopt a pro-animal, pro-pet platform, seeing as how the majority of voters are pet owners.

Dawn G.
Posted by Dawn G. (babygirl8281)
1 year ago
I think that is is very important to have the government involved in providing funds for animal shelters. We can't do it alone, and other than the oil companies, the government is next on the "rich list". They need to spend a little less on cell phones and cars and more on animal welfare!

drband36
Posted by drband36
1 year ago
Obama has said that his girls will have the dog they've been wanting if and when he gets to the White House. Their place in Chicago is too small, and the family too busy for a dog right now. I'd say that amounts to responsibility about how/when/whether to fit an animal into a family's life.

Elise M.
New Ipswich, NH

smilingturtle
Posted by smilingturtle
1 year ago
I think that the presidential candidates should pay attention to the issue of animal welfare and the conditions that this country's shelters are in. I think that each candidate should visit the shelters in different areas of the country to get an idea of what a dire need they are in for government funding and help. I think that there are a lot of people that feel this was and really feel that animal issues are as important and some of the other issues that the candidates are covering.

kim p.
Posted by kim p. (kmi)
1 year ago
way to go. i work for the shelter in henderson ky that you will be coming to. i have asked the governor of ky to attend the celebration on april 30. i was planning to ask him for help for shelters in ky. i hope that we can get them to listen to us. shelters everywere all have the same problem to many animals am nd not enough people to adopt. they also need to make laws stiffer on abuse cases and dog fighting. they also need to get more low cost spay and neuter clinic in the united states and get laws passed to get your pet spay or neuter. i hope we can make a differ in the world for the animals in the world way to go richard. thanks for all you have done for the pets everywere.

michelegoodyear
Posted by michelegoodyear
1 year ago
I agree. We all need to do more for the care of animals. They rely on us for life. The U.S. should contribute.

Kathleen B.
Posted by Kathleen B. (katbalas)
1 year ago
I thought I had already made up my mind about which candidate I was going to vote for in this Presidential Election. This topic can definitely change my mind. I would love to hear each candidate’s views of and possible resolutions to some of the horrors animals all over the country have endured and will endure unless something is done.

Linda S.
Posted by Linda S. (katlover58)
1 year ago
To all our presidential candidates--

If you truly want to do something humanitarian, help us fight for our friends--the animals in shelters, the puppy mills, the abandoned or stray dogs/cats, and other animals on this earth. We are their only voice in this world, and together with your help, we can save animals from certain death and disease. Far too many animals are euthanized because of overbreeding and neglect. Our pets and the animals in shelters deserve our kindness, respect for life, and love. All animals, whether sheltered or not, deserve a chance in life. Help us fight for their right to live safe, happy, comfortable lives.

kathy C.
Posted by kathy C. (katescamp)
1 year ago
Please add support to the needy animals in shelters across the country to your campain promises. Animals are being slaughtered in "high kill shelters"' We shouldn't have any thing that is labeled "high kill" in our society. Communities have shown their support, now it is time to get some federal funding across the US>

rochelle c.
Posted by rochelle c. (rcrunk)
1 year ago
Obama, Clinton, & McCain- You want the vote? There are tons of animal lovers in this country that would love a president who protects our animals! Whoever can make the biggest difference might get the biggest votes. Think about it.

Ashley L.
Posted by Ashley L. (ashleigh129)
1 year ago
I, as well as many fellow animal lovers, feel helpless when I read stories about the treatment and/or killing of dogs that are used to fight, seal pups being brutally killed in Canada or cats being abused by violent people. I want a politician who is willing to enact legislation that will severely punish people who commit these sort of disgusting acts. I want someone who can bring attention to animal issues and actually do something to improve conditions for all kinds of animals, our loving pets and livestock animals.

pussylover
Posted by pussylover
1 year ago
TOUCHE! Anyone who doesn't realize what happens on the way to the dollar menu should see "Peaceable Kingdom". It made me a strict vegetarian. I WISH SOMEBODY WOULD'VE TOLD ME SOONER.

nan b.
Posted by nan b. (nanjan)
1 year ago
Senators Clinton, McCain, and Obama---Please stand up for our pet shelters. We love our furry pets and want to see them humanely taken care of at all times. They are loyal, true friends to their owners and should be treated kindly. Thank you.

katyD
Posted by katyD
1 year ago
You can't be serious--Hillary gave Socks away when she left the White House, and Buddy, the beautiful chocolate lab got run over by a car. You don't honestly think they care about your animals do you?

debbie l.
Posted by debbie l. (gracielilbear2)
1 year ago
yes, i agree the voices of the animals should be heard, and we are the only one that can give them a voice.

Sharon M.
Posted by Sharon M. (GeneralSherman)
1 year ago
We should care for our pets, they are our Best Friends!!!!

Barbara
Posted by Barbara (bcsan111)
1 year ago
Obama, Clinton, and McCain,
I would like to ask you "STAND UP" for our Pet Shelter's all across America......... "STOP" the euthanizing of these poor homeless pets and "BAN" all Puppymills across the United States. I would like to see all Pet Shelters be "NO-KILL" Shelters wth the financial aid that they need to properly run these shelters. One of you will have the power to make this happen and with your help, "IT Can Be DONE" Also one of you will have the power to close down every puppymill in the U.S. and to make it illegal to operate one. Let all these foreign countries take care of themselves and use that money instead to take care of our homeless animals and also the elderly who in most cases can't afford to buy the medicine that they need each month.

mash
Posted by mash
1 year ago
CLOSE DOWN ALL puppy mills!!!!!!!follow up with severe fines and community service. double all animal cruelty penalties!!!less .In regards to dog fighting, you shouldn't have to see it to believe it. in the majority of cases, there is more than enough proof of fighting, abuse, neglect. these cases should be easier to prosecute. penalties should be harsh. It is disgusting that animals are treated as disposable garbage. what about banning horse slaughterhouses? what can we do???? people like me do not have $$$$ to put the lawmakers into my pocket.

Jessica L.
Posted by Jessica L. (JessThomas21)
1 year ago
Absolutely this is a priority! I truly believe that pets are furry little angels (or in some cases scaly, hairless, etc.). They are such wonderful, devoted creatures who work miracles in our lives with their very presence and unconditional love. Their plight should be given more attention and priority. Beyond just sheltering these animals, I wish there was more funding and education available for pet owners to have animals spayed and neutered to prevent the massive reproduction rates and, as naturally follows, higher numbers of homeless animals that end up in shelters. I would like to hear the candidates' views on this very important issue!

Karina
Posted by Karina (Karink)
1 year ago
We should definitely do this!! Great idea! We need to stand up for our animals

islandgirl
Posted by islandgirl
1 year ago
I was a volunteer rescue worker for katrina, and a direct witness the government officials refusing to allow vets from other states to provide any medical care because "they were not licensed in the state" I stood behind a cameraman during a live interview while the HSUS representative was forced to lie to the world about the cats and dogs that died because marshals guarding the gate would not even allow these vets to go out to help these dying animals. The millions watching the broadcast were assured that this was "only a rumor". Why did he lie? Because the government officials forced all the mobile
vet clinic vehicles, vets, rescue volunteers out, given mere hours to pack up and go. HSUS personnel were the only ones allowed to remain. If the truth were spoken, they would too be evacuated and the 800-1000 animals being cared for by us left to die.
All exits were under continuous guard and lockdown. All vehicles were thoroughly inspected coming in and out. Anyone caught trying to bring an animal in or out were arrested. They actually took people to jail for trying to save a life. I was lucky, I got some out without being caught. Two dogs are in wonderful homes being loved and cared for, another fostered and re-united with her owner, and a duck swims on a beautiful pond.
We need more from our politicians than funding for our homeless. Every state needs a "child protective services" for our fur and feathered angels, and the same punishments should apply for those who abuse, neglect, murder. Jail.
I wonder how those who threw us out, and let those animals die would feel if they were injured or near death, and I, an emergency-trauma trained RN said, "I am sorry, I dont have a license in this state, so I will just have to let you die".

mash
Posted by mash
1 year ago
evacuation shelters should be mandated to have pet areas. we should NEVER be forced to leave our best friends behind. in some cases, a pet is all the family /friend a person has

pussylover
Posted by pussylover
1 year ago
How horrifying! Thank you for relaying this!

LadyNoah
Posted by LadyNoah (LadyNoah)
1 year ago
Amen! Yes please, a cry for help for the innocent critters. Animals can not speak for themselves and therefore;we have to speak up for them. The world should have respect for all God's creatures.

Please help the animals.

Mrs. SA Haas
MsSAHaas@aol.com

pam m.
Posted by pam m. (pamdenver)
1 year ago
If we could get them to comment and understand how many animals need help, especially in this economy it would go a long way. These wonderful animals never did anything to deserve the abandonment and sentences they are serving. Money and awareness to spray and neuter would certainly go a long way. If awareness could be created for the conditions maybe more would step up. If politicians would visit shelters with the press they would create votes for themselves and help for the shelters.

Irineyuma
Posted by Irineyuma
1 year ago
Dear Senators!
Please,help to save our pets in the all shelters of our country.
TO use only spay/neuter programs in all country.
Help to stop unhuman euthanasia of so many loving,clever pets.
Nobody do not need this sufferings.
To save pets in the shelters-we save our sauls.

Irineyuma
Posted by Irineyuma
1 year ago
Dear Seanators!
Please,help to save our pets in our country.
Nobody do not need to euthanase more 9 milliones pets in the shelters of our country every year.This animals in our shelters are so clever and so love us,people,trust to us,to the people and wait help from us but not death.
They all understand and in their eyes offten can to see tiers.
They ask us to help and to save them!
It is very,very important for us,people to save this animals in the shelters,to use only human methods with our pets in all shelters -so how spay/neuter programs.
It is so better from all sides.
And then how it is would be better for everybody person and pet.
Shelters without euthanasia but with spay/neuter programs will make people and animals more health,more happy and more strong.



Sheila
Posted by Sheila (HayleysMom)
1 year ago
Okay, Fellow Zootooers & Supporters - we have been called to duty - first step - identifying your most likely candidate for support -
I believe that John McCain towers over the field as a pet owner. He's got 22. More than half are salt water fish. He has four dogs, including Lucy and Desi.
Hillary Rodham Clinton has their Lab, Seamus .
AND Barack Obama is under pressure from his two daughters to get a dog IF he wins the presidency!
So my letters have been written to the candidates and I am VERY proud to be a member of the Zootoo Army and bring forth to the politicians the need & importance of our journey and our message - support for the nation's animal shelters & animals!! Stop Euthanasia! Help to finance nationwide Spay & Neuter programs! Thank you to all before me that have joined - let's hope we welcome a Million more!!!
Sheila

howliesmom
Posted by howliesmom
1 year ago
Dear Senators---Animal welfare is a HUGE deal to a lot of Americans. Where do you stand? Thousands upon thousands of helpless animals are euthanized every year. Thousands of animals that could make such a loving difference in so many lives. Euthanasia is not an option anymore. Ghandi said, and I paraphrase, that you can judge a nation by the way its animals are treated. We're in big trouble. And it's not only dogs and cats. It's farm animals and wild animals of every kind. How can people be so callous and uncaring? Don't they understand that we are all part of the circle of life and what happens to one, happens to all? If the presidential candidates got behind this issue, it could have amazing results. And if the President got behind this issue, it's possible that we could see an end to animal abuse and euthanasia. So please help the animals and at the same time, help all people. When we learn to respect and appreciate all life instead of trying to control it and profit from it, the world will be a much better place.

Erica L.
Posted by Erica L. (ericah26)
1 year ago
I completely agree! We have laws against animal abuse, but yet there are no laws against euthanizing animals. Isn't this just another form of animal abuse? It is in my eyes. Maybe if the government were to help fund or even encourage more Americans to support shelters, we wouldn't have to put so many pets down just simply because they haven't found a good home yet.

Kimberly -.
Posted by Kimberly -. (Kimkim20)
1 year ago
I completely agree! The animals should be saved and SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Are you guys going to have Barak, John, and Hilary read these? I think you should! SAVE THE ANIMALS!

ashley a.
Posted by ashley a. (aa5706)
1 year ago
I couldn't agree more! Something needs to be done about the needless deaths of so many helpless animals each year. I think the main reason why it keeps continuing is because many people don't know about it. If it was brought to the public's attention, I think people would respond very strongly. We need a political leader like on of these canidates, or any government official to bring it into the forefront so that the public becomes educated about it. I really believe that we can make a difference for these shelter animals and prevent so many euthanizations if the public becomes educated. I hope one of the canidates steps up to make a difference- its far overdue!

samantha w.
Posted by samantha w. (slwerksman)
1 year ago
I realize that animal shelters and the creatures in them are not in the forefront of American politics. I don't think they should be. I do think that some effort be put towards helping the shelters and the work they do. Pets are a very important part of our society. Some pet owners, including myself, are fanatical about their pets and helping other animals that they may not be able to take into their homes. Think about how many Americans own pets and hold them dear. I know I would be more sensitive to a candidate that talked, just a bit, about saving the wonderful animals in rescues and shelters.

Rozann W.
Posted by Rozann W. (Rozann)
1 year ago
There is nothing more important to me than the protection and humane treatment of our animals and there is nothing more disturbing to me than animal abuse. I think we need a strong leader in this country and any candidate willing to step up and make people aware and responsible for animal rights would definitely have my vote. Unfortunately, I haven't heard any candidate speak on this issue. The people that love and care for animals make up a large number of the population, and I think if someone would take a stand on this issue it would speak volumes to the undecided voters in America. Please stand up for the animals and make a difference in this world we share with them.
Thank you!

kJauch
Posted by kJauch
1 year ago
I think the government needs to give bigger tax breaks to the all animal shelters and rescue groups. We keep bailing out the rich who really shouldn't get any help. We should also gives breaks to people who adopt from pounds & shelters.

haley k.
Posted by haley k. (kkurb)
1 year ago
im only 13, but i know it would be great for politics to get into shelters and stuff. at my local one their like run around area is barely big enough for 3 small dogs! and im sure with more money my shelter and many across the u.s. could be improved.

Patty S.
Posted by Patty S. (PattyScott)
1 year ago
Thanks Zootoo for taking this on with the presidential candidates. This is important to the people, even though economy/war/health care seems to be more top-of-mind for folks right now. We as a country can achieve great changes if we continue to focus on solutions! I'm interested in hearing the stance of each candidate.

Lynn C.
Posted by Lynn C. (MEKOMO)
1 year ago
What a great idea. I would love to hear what each of the candidates would have to say about helping the unwanted animals that are already needing homes and also a way to set up affordable programs to spay and neuter pets.

bobbye k.
Posted by bobbye k. (hollyandbear)
1 year ago
Please help1 The National Humane Society does nothing to help little community animal shelters who are struggling to save as many lives of animals as possible. We need politicians in Wash DC who are willing to be a powerful voice for those creatures who cannot speak for themselves. Please help to submit and pass legislation that will provide funding for local animal shelters, so that the number of animals euthanized (millions every year) can be reduced to nothing some day soon...

Sincerely,
Bobbye Kopec

maatt
Posted by maatt
1 year ago
My vote is going to the candidate that shows concern and compassion for this very important issue.

lulrich360
Posted by lulrich360
1 year ago
Animal rights should not be an option. A large portion of the voting population are animal lovers. Our leaders should help fight with us for their rights

Animal rights should be a priority for which ever candidate is elected. They need to take action to stop this!!!!! You can tell what type of society it is based on how it treats its animals.

owlplusalligator
Posted by owlplusalligator
1 year ago
every candidate should be aware of the dire situation so many helpless animals who depend on US the PEOPLE to protect them face every day!! compassion and respect for life should go beyond party lines, thousands of lives across the nation are counting on our next president's ACTION to help them face a brighter tomorrow!

nancy r.
Posted by nancy r. (nancyjpr)
1 year ago
Our government wastes so much money on needless and senseless studies. They need to put our tax dollars to better use and what better use than helping shelters! I would very much like to know what the candidates have to say on this issue. It's about time they listen to and act on what the people want.

deevandy
Posted by deevandy
1 year ago
There are many pet owners who vote, so all three candidates should be aware of
how pet owners feel and to ACT on it!

Anonymous
Posted by Anonymous
1 year ago
This comment has been removed.

Orensgang
Posted by Orensgang
1 year ago
Are you reading this, candidates? Stop all the stupid bickering and get going to help those who can't speak for themselves. Otherwise, you won't be getting MY vote!

Sylvia L.
Posted by Sylvia L. (Sylvia1947)
1 year ago
Yes indeed!!!!! Our record of humanely taking care of our pets is not so good. If you can't afford to care for your pet, at least take it to a shelter, not dump it beside some road. Our animal shelters are overcrowded and so many animals have to be put down. How sad. If the government can spend money on some of the stupid, non- essential programs they have, maybe they could help our shelters.

Jilleen510
Posted by Jilleen510
1 year ago
I would love to hear the candidates "talk" about plans for improving animal shelters and it surely would influence my vote. However, I don't want to just hear them "talk" I want to see action!

sherryholeczy
Posted by sherryholeczy
1 year ago
if i heard the views/plans of each candidate concerning the treatment of animals, it would most definitely influence my vote!

christinehdelaney
Posted by christinehdelaney
1 year ago
Shelters do need to be improved in the United States. The government need to start funding these shelters in order to save these pointless deaths. With larger and better facilities, shelters will be able home more animals as opposed to having the hard decision of ending a life simply due to the lack of space. I believe that America is getting more educated in the need to adopt animals as opposed to purchasing them and that spaying and neutering is so important. After Oprah Winfrey highlighting the plight of dogs in the puppy mills and shelters it is my hope that the government will step up to the plate and start taking an interest in the animals and their welfare.

Julie D.
Posted by Julie D. (Jul2kool)
1 year ago
Please help the animal shelters in our country. The needless deaths of so many animals is a disgrace.

Julie Dowdall

ren b.
Posted by ren b. (iLovWeinerDogs)
1 year ago
it would be sooo great if we could get them talking about this and then maybe we could stop it and a bunch more animals would get adopted too!!

Katherine P.
Posted by Katherine P. (waxesglad)
1 year ago
I'd love to hear what ideas the candidates have for our shelters/rescues.

EarlyBird
Posted by EarlyBird
1 year ago
There are many things you can tell about a society by simply looking at the treatment of its animals.

Diane L.
Posted by Diane L. (sydney83)
1 year ago
Earlybird, you said it all!!!!!!!!!!!

pussylover
Posted by pussylover
1 year ago
Ghandi said it, but amen to the one who repeats it.

Diane L.
Posted by Diane L. (sydney83)
1 year ago
It is a sad fact that all policitians do not even work for the people of this country because they are too busy getting themselves ahead and noticed in the political arena. We all need to send a message to all politicians that we WANT to be heard. For ourselves and for our pets. They are killing us with gas prices (rigged until the election is over when they will go down again), government agencies that can ruin our lives and ignoring the fact that genocide of a furry kind is wide spread throughout the US. STOP puppy mills and STOP kill shelters. Go to your representatives office and make your voice heard. They are supposed to be acting on OUR behalf. Make them do it.

suziq007
Posted by suziq007
1 year ago
yes yes yes stand up for the shelters the rescues more needs to be done to help the animals lets get them more involved with getting rid of puppy mills as well.

Zorra7
Posted by Zorra7
1 year ago
It is time for someone to take a stand for our children, our protectors, our friends, yes, our animals who do not have a voice without us. Puppy mills and poorly kept shelters have gone on for way too long. It’s time we take responsibility for our companions who we domesticated. Without proper education this problem will go on, and countless more innocents will die at our hand. Funding needs to be provided to organizations like the ASPCA so they can help stop animal abuse to begin with. Shelters need funding so that they can provide proper care and reduce the amount of their ‘kill rates’ should they not be a no kill shelter. Shelters should be provided with proper veterinarians who use good judgement and do not spay a puppy only weeks old when they are not fully well and are too young to handle the cheap anaesthesia often used. We lost our baby Georgia due to this after 3 long months of trying to save her helpless little life that fought as hard as she could under our vet’s care. Nothing could undo what the previous vet had done, put her under with lungs that were already compromised. There was an illness going through the shelter we were not told of and she was one of it’s victims. I understand that they must spay/neuter all animals before they leave, but doing this to such a young pup is unacceptable. This shelter was once an 80% kill shelter and is doing better at 52%, but is that really ok? We need to see our next representative take a stand for them and know that they will start supporting all of our shelters and rescue organizations who so desperately need the help. Do not sit back and let them fend for themselves. These are volunteers who devote their time, love and resources to these animals, so is it so much to ask that our next representative sets aside a little of thier time to make some changes? I know you have a lot on your plate but don’t forget that one that greets you every day like you are the most special person on earth.

melissalveal
Posted by melissalveal
1 year ago
Euthanization should be a thing of the past - it tugs at my heartstrings to think of all the loving animals that lose their lives because of irresponsible humans. Animal legislation is one of the most important issues that needs to be recognized by the future of this country. I hope we all will encourage the fight towards kill free shelters and education for pet ownership.

cbucz
Posted by cbucz
1 year ago
It is a shame that so many of mans best friends can not speak for themselves and are wasting away. So much love to give a world filled with such heartache and pain. My dogs are the love of my lives. I have 4, all from shelters. They are the best of my day, everyday!

K K.
Posted by K K. (styx79)
1 year ago
Please help save the animals. Euthanizing pets is not the answer for the innocent animals. People need to learn to spay and neuter their pets in order to stop the cycle of overpopulation. You can also find a wonderful, loving pet from animal shelters that will love you forever because they "know" when you save them. You don't have to always have a puppy or kitten to find fulfillment from a pet - older and young adults can make the best because a lot of times they are already trained and housebroken.

JMH77
Posted by JMH77
1 year ago
I think there are many ways that we could avoid animals ending up in shelters at all, if the right laws or bills were created. 1st I think there should only be so many breeders allowed in each state and only so many that were breeding each breed to keep animal population under control. 2nd I think that it should be required by law to have your pet fixed right after they reach 6months. 3rd I think anyone buying or adopting an animal should have to go through some sort of interview process the same as if you were adopting a child. I know that may sounds extream, but I do believe that if animals were placed in the correct homes the abuse rate would decline and shelter population would decrease. I also think that crimes against animals should carry heavier fines and jail time. By being so lax we are enabling these abusers to continue to abuse because they know there will only be a slap on the wrist for their horrible crime.

pussylover
Posted by pussylover
1 year ago
That's funny, because when I tried to adopt a dog, I said that I wished it were that hard for people to have kids. The shelters are the ones in charge of adoptions, and from my experiences, they're pretty strict, except when it comes to my dad's ex wife. She kept taking them back and then getting another. But I really wish people would have to pass some serious tests before they could have children (sure adopt too, but just to be a parent). The world would be a better place.

Whitney M.
Posted by Whitney M. (AUWHIT)
1 year ago
Please help innocent animals live the lives they deserve! Animals are so loyal to us and we should return the favor. A great step in doing so is protecting animals in pet shelters. Thank you!

Joanne L.
Posted by Joanne L. (bobbolew67)
1 year ago
What a great idea. Just because we don't see it in headlines every day doesn't mean that millions of animals are not "put down" or that the slaughter can't be stopped. There is power in numbers and we can make a difference - it's just a lot easier to make a much bigger difference when big names - strong leaders - get involved. Go Zootoo!

Angel205
Posted by Angel205
1 year ago
I think our leaders really need to help out our shelters. After all, these animals were abused in some sort of way by people. Maybe it was as simple as they did not have their pet spayed or neutered and wound up with to many to care for or give aways so they got dumped at the shelter. Please hear the crys and help the shelters.

Cindy O.
Posted by Cindy O. (hannah49829)
1 year ago
I believe that it is the duty of whomever will be our next president to start to take a stand for animals. Almost every president has had a pet or two, yet none seem to take a stand where animals are concerned. It has been proven that people that abuse animals go on to abuse other people. When will it end? Who will be brave enough to take a stand? Who will have a voice fo rall of those that don't? Its time somebody shows the courage and kindness that we have not yet seen in a president. With the millions of pet lovers out there, it is fair to say that it would help for the popular vote!

cmydogs
Posted by cmydogs
1 year ago
Please stop puppy mills!! Allow people to get their pets "fixed" at a VERY resonable cost!! Fund these shelters to these GREAT animals!! They are at our mercy!! We created these domestic pets, now lets take care of them and not just dispose of them for our convienience and funding issues!!! It is NOT fair to these animals who have no voice!!

Shan C.
Posted by Shan C. (scampbell1022)
1 year ago
There needs to be mandatory government funds set aside for shelters and rescue operations for all states. It is NOT the animal's fault they were born or that someone has abused and/or thrown them out on the streets to fend for themselves, which is why they end up at a shelter or rescue operations. These rescue organizations are usually run by volunteers and rely on donations to stay up and running. They are trying their best to do what they can, but they are too overwhelmed. I speak from personal experience this year in the state of Indiana. There are horses up the street from me starving because their owner only fed them cornstalks over winter and for the last month and a half, he has put 5 horses out on a 1 acre “pasture” and has expected them to survive on that. He refuses to pay the high costs of hay this year. I have called every rescue organization I can find in Indiana and absolutely NOTHING has been done. So, I get to watch these horses deteriorate more and more everyday. It is ridiculous!! There needs to be funding and better laws so there can be more rescue organizations and more rescues can be done! It is humans who allow all the unwanted animals to be born into this world and it is humans who allow their animals to starve and/or abuse them. The animals can't stick up for themselves, so I beg of SOMEONE to help them!!

mbrosh1
Posted by mbrosh1
1 year ago
Animal rights should be a priority for which ever candidate is elected. You can tell a lot about a society based on how it treats its animals.

Bookworm5555
Posted by Bookworm5555
1 year ago
This is a great idea, especially since according to the HSUS, Pennsylvania is one of the many states that still have "puppy mills" & that horrible conditions, over breeding & inbreeding are contributing factors to animals being euthanized. The animals are "pure-breed" but not allowed out of their cages (by cages, I mean CAGES, not crates, but tiny wire bottomed CAGES where the dogs' feet never touch the grass). They are outside in the weather (where it's cold, snowing, hot or raining). These breeding females & studs are kept like livestock & are consider as if they were cows, pigs or chickens, but not PETS. Many of the animals are sold at auction to pet stores & when they are sold, they may be sick or have some type of behavior issue that cause them to be discarded at animal control or animal shelters to be dealt with. Oprah had an excellent show recently on the subject of puppy mills. This is not fair! Animals can't speak for themselves, so we need to speak for them. NOW & in a VERY LOUD VOICE with our VOTES !!

Squoggy
Posted by Squoggy
1 year ago
I think this is great. We need to speak for those who can't. It is very important to me that animal needs be addressed. There is no reason that animals are still being killed, all shelters should be no-kill! There are to many adoptable pets being put down when they could be helping elderly and handicap. All candidates should be speaking up about helping animals!!!

Suku S.
Posted by Suku S. (suku100)
1 year ago
Great idea....It's important to know where they stand on this issue.

trancas
Posted by trancas
1 year ago
The US President is the single most powerful person on Earth.
Please use your power to help these little creatures.
It won't take a lot of work on your part, you know it........
Just a few words in their defense, they can't speak for themselves.

1Martini
Posted by 1Martini
1 year ago
All political candidates should realize the importance of pet lovers in their political campaigns - and make a stand for animal rights. I'm not talking the "rights" put forth by those who allegedly are for "ethical treatment" (and we know who that is), but for the actual rights of animals and animal lovers. Abuse of any animal (by owners, or shelters, or puppy mills) should be punished in a manner that discourages others from similar abuse of animals. Puppy mills should be penalized. Currently we see cities/counties etc passing breed specific laws (ridiculous to think punishing a certain breed will stop bites, or abuse). But those same cities/counties do nothing to stop the people who breed 100's of puppies each year for sale to pet stores who do nothing to screen the purchasers. Yet, again, those same cities/counties will punish reputable breeders, who may only breed 1 litter every year or two.
When we see political candidates who are FOR animals, FOR protecting our animals - those political candidates should be encouraged! I'm a firm believer that people who love and care for animals - care more for people also. People who abuse animals, also abuse other people. So let's encourage animal loving political candidates.

SharonVanderZeyden
Posted by SharonVanderZeyden
1 year ago
I am in full agreement with the fact that animal rights need to be addressed. Nationwide mandatory spay and neuter programs are desparetly. The only exception would be for breeders, who would have to pay a mandatory annual liscenseing fee. A communication network needs to be established between animal organizations, ie shelters, humane societies, scantuaries, rescue groups; to find that special pet someone may be looking for. If the Green Bay, Wisconsin area does not have what someone is looking for, maybe Rochester, Minnesota does. A transportation network would also be very beneficial. I would be willing to help with that even if gas is 4.00 a gallon!!!

Sheryl B.
Posted by Sheryl B. (Sheryl2)
1 year ago
I think having the politicians become involved in helping animal shelters is a wonderful idea. Having voices like that in defense of animals would increase the level of awareness in our society even more.

Doris H.
Posted by Doris H. (hargrovel)
1 year ago
Please help the animal shelters.

monsoon g.
Posted by monsoon g. (monsoon)
1 year ago
This is urgent. Please ask the candidates to follow up!

Kara C.
Posted by Kara C. (kcochran70)
1 year ago
With the economy in the toilet, and the housing market the way it is, we are seeing more and more people abandoning their furry family members. The candidates need to recognize that this is causing a huge strain on the shelters who take in and care for these creatures. Horror stories of people like Michael Vick just go to show that there are those in our population that do not value the lives of animals, what about the Oprah show about the puppy mills? There are people in this country who get away with heinous acts of cruelty against animals--who have no way of understanding why this is happening to them. The problem is only escalating people! Shelters and rescue organization resources are strained to their maximum capabilities! This in itself should prove to anyone with a little common sense that MORE can and needs to be done to help!!

Kristi L.
Posted by Kristi L. (kristilee)
1 year ago
I am interested in which candidate is the most animal friendly. I would vote for that person just based on how they felt about helping animals in need. Puppy mills need to be outlawed. That would be the most effective way to start. Also, animal cruelty needs to be a felony more often. People who abuse animals need to be locked up.

ddave21
Posted by ddave21
1 year ago
I think the government should make a bigger priority of animal rights. I am an animal lover and hate the fact that too many animals are put down each year! This is a serious matter! I hope we get some attention!

jonboy123
Posted by jonboy123
1 year ago
Lets just say, who doesn't have a full plate today? That is the answer I receive most of the time (my plate is too full ) when I ask for help with our animal over population problem. Unfortunately humane treatment, over population, and education for the care and welfare of animals are overlooked. Why is it that anyone can have an animal as a pet? Should there be guidelines as to who can and can't own a pet? Our Senators need to take a look at the drastic conditions many abandoned animals go to. There is money, there is time, and there could be legislation that would make a huge difference in the lives of animals. It has to start some where and why not at the top? Just like a raindrop hitting the water....starts as a small drop but then drastically expands.

Barbara-Jean L.
Posted by Barbara-Jean L. (cagmom)
1 year ago
I want candidates that are willing to take the initiative to support legislation to abolish puppy mills; as well as all mass breeding of any pet animals. As well as ban the selling of pets in pet shops. the pet shops have programs to help shelters place animals and helping these animals will be benifitting them, the animals and their businesses.

Continued help and support of shelters and spay/neutur programs will only be supporting mass breeding. We have to stop the flow of unwanted animals to be able to truely get a handle on the situation.

Stopping the mass breeding and selling pets in pet shops will stop the flow of unwanted animals; enabling the shelters, rescues and programs to work efficiently and sufficient funds will then be available to support these animals. There will be no need for euthanasia. We can realize our dreams. We just need to get to the root of the problem. And I am hoping our candidates can see this a the viable solution it is.


Lenore R.
Posted by Lenore R. (aminalsrock)
1 year ago
Our animal shelters need your help!! Also more needs to done in educating people on spaying and neutering their pets. Everyone needs to be more responsible as pet owners.

ireiland
Posted by ireiland
1 year ago
Our shelters are overflowing. Changes need to be made and new laws need to be passed to help our animal friends. Too many animal cruelty offenders slip through the cracks of the justice system.

Deanna K.
Posted by Deanna K. (deedeekramer)
1 year ago
I agree. Our moral society needs to enact laws to protect those who can not protect themselves and look to us for their safe keeping.

Janet B.
Posted by Janet B. (jkbladybug)
1 year ago
I would like the presidential candidates to address the pet overpopulation problem in the United States. This issues has been ignored for so long, and killing animals in shelters IS NOT THE ANSWER. Individuals profit from reckless breeding, then taxpayers must pay to have pet without a home to be killed. This is just inhumane, and we need laws to force change!!!!

Susin1
Posted by Susin1
1 year ago
Animals are as precious and worthy of protection as children are... They are sentient beings, they feel pain, joy, fear... My Vote will go to the candidate that recognizes the tremendous need for SOMEONE, anyone to FINALLY gather our resources and our supposed intelligence and do something already! The No Kill Movement has a strategy, look it up on-line. It's a start. The Government should def. get involved! Come ON PEOPLE!!! This tragedy can not continue! We are all so wasteful. There is plenty to go around. We need a leader and swift action! We can't just talk about it, we need to do something!

Audra K.
Posted by Audra K. (Audra1)
1 year ago
Dear Senator Mcain

Please be aware of the dire need that God's creatures have for us to help make sure they are taken care of. Please don't for get our companion friends. Thank you.

Audra Krummel

Karen P.
Posted by Karen P. (satomommi)
1 year ago
While I do think this is a noble cause, unfortunately I think it's also a lost one. At least for now. With all of the foreign policy, economic and social issues we're facing I think animal welfare is low man on the totem pole. Sure, it'd be fantastic to see a candidate touting their support for shelters and such, but it's not going to happen. The fact is, the majority of people just don't care. I hate to be so pessimistic, but it's reality. Maybe you should have thought about voting for Dennis Kucinich in the primaries.

Janet B.
Posted by Janet B. (jkbladybug)
1 year ago
You are an idiot.....lets first start with something that we can change

SharonVanderZeyden
Posted by SharonVanderZeyden
1 year ago
We can change the animal rights situation. Look what parts of the country have already done. Nationwide mandatory spay/neuter programs are the way to start!

pussylover
Posted by pussylover
1 year ago
I don't think it's ok for you to call somebody an idiot, especially when it merely seems you misinterpreted her response. She said she respected the cause and is all for it, but thinks it's one that's doubtful to get attention over these other issues at this time. The last response she gave, was that if you cared about this issue politically, you (whoever is signing onto this political plea for animal rights) should've voted for Kucinich. He is such a strong animal person that he's even a vegan. I'm not trying to be mean, so if you've got that impression you're interpreting me wrong too. I'm just trying to straighten things out where I see someone wrongly accused. Good luck to you!

Susin1
Posted by Susin1
1 year ago
Homelessness is a problem, World Hunger is a huge problem, AIDS... they all seem just impossible to solve...Would you not hand an apple to hungry person if you had it to give? Start small, do what YOU can, don't adopt a defeatist attitude and give up before you have even tried. Speak for those that have no voice. Say something! Go out and save an animal from a shelter, donate your time, give $20 to the ASPCA...Anything will be better than no action at all.

Mary O.
Posted by Mary O. (maryestelle)
1 year ago
Please help the local animal shelters. They really need it, ours is overflowing with animals right now. Please help them. Thank you.

Pamela W.
Posted by Pamela W. (plward)
1 year ago
More is needed to help animals in need. Shelters should be subsidized by the government just as much as any charitable institution!!! I would never vote for
someone who can not see that homeless animal are important too.

fancybrown
Posted by fancybrown
1 year ago
Please help our local animal shelters. If you have ever owned an animal then you know the unconditional love that they give us. Please don't abandon these helpless animals at our local shelters.

Jamie B.
Posted by Jamie B. (madpanda78)
1 year ago
I think that animals are a very important part of society and I think that it would be very important for the politicians running for president pay attention to the animals at shelters. I work for an animal shelter in Huntsville and I see how many animals get put down every day and I am tired of seeing it. These animals need to be saved and they have the same rights as people and need to be given a fighting chance!

juneehrle
Posted by juneehrle
1 year ago
Americans love their pets! Every American president has one at the White House. It's time to express this love to pets that have been lost or abandoned and give a little support to the animal shelters that work so hard to care for them. So many shelters are barely hanging on or have have conditions that no pet should ever have to be in. Follow your heart and give them support. So many are euthanized and could be saved with a little more support from you!

Thank you from many very wonderful animals.

lovesdobermans
Posted by lovesdobermans
1 year ago
There also should be more laws to protect animals from the abuse, neglect and abandonment that goes on without much punishment. There is no reason to have to kill animals when they can be trained to help sick people or befriend a depressed person. It's not their fault that they were born anymore than it is a child that is given up and we don't kill them.

GodsCreatures
Posted by GodsCreatures
1 year ago
Obama a "smooth" talker is all I see in him, I wouldn't vote for him if he were the only one on a ticket. Hillary, people died under her husbands administration and I remember the "white water" scandal.

pussylover
Posted by pussylover
1 year ago
Are you not aware of how many have not only died under the current administration's harms, and that John McCain wants to continue on with this? Are you also not aware that the Whitewater scandal was just a hoax? I'm not sure how McCain is with all his animals, I give him brownie points if he is good to them, but I've seen georgie porgie be abusive to his dog on t.v. This isn't about how "smooth" of a talker someone is, or who you support politically, it's about getting the candidates to stand up for animal rights, to alleviate horrid situations.

cskitty23
Posted by cskitty23
1 year ago
To all presidentail candidates we need change to happen not only for the american people but also for the animals! To think that more than 9 million animals are euthanized every year in the United States is just wrong. We need to be the voice for these animals and help them find homes. We have to educate people on puppy mills and then shut them down. We need to help the local shelters!

minty
Posted by minty
1 year ago
The Trueluck Dog Orphanage is starting its own letter writing campaign. Gladstone was once a shelter dog.

www.orphansnovel.blogspot.com

bah
Posted by bah
1 year ago
if a person would deliberately abuse an animal, they wouldn't hesitate to abuse a child or any other human being. stop the carnage!

becky h.
Posted by becky h. (lovemycat4ever)
1 year ago
Although I'm sure you have hundreds of issues to address we urge you to speak out about the needy animals in our country. The population of unwanted pets is growing more everyday. Shelters try thier best to keep up but most of them only receive support from thier communities. We need your help to get the message out. Let's get more grants and aide for these wonderful institutions doing our country a wonderful service. And urge everyone to have thier pets spay or neutered.

Sarah S.
Posted by Sarah S. (sarahshed)
1 year ago
For 100s years, humans have made animals domestic by breeding specific blood lines and through training. It's now our job to protect them. You can't just force a living creature to become dependant on you and then abandon it.

tkwool
Posted by tkwool
1 year ago
My hope would be that our politicians would get involved to help american people realize the need to spay and neuter their pets, and be a responsible pet owner. This would solve alot of the problem, and have more severe punishment for people who abuse and mistreat animals of all kinds. But if we are to be real about this, if people want take care of their children what makes anyone think that they will care about an animal. Sad but true.

poohw2
Posted by poohw2
1 year ago
Pets offer unconditional love. If owners would neuter/spay their pets, the pet population would benefit 100%. We need stricter laws against abuse, puppymills, and reckless abandonment of these helpless creatures. Politicians garner millions in earmarks for their pet projects, donating several millions each year to shelters would result in a better quality of life for homless pets.

What a fabulous idea, bring more pet awareness and harsh penalties for those who thrive on cruelty. The Presidental Candidate who talks about these things will get my vote. It's about time!!

DezzysMom
Posted by DezzysMom
1 year ago
I agree on your comment about supporting shelters. I also think the government should impose stronger punishment for animal cruelty. Laws should be put into place including manditory jail time for offenses. Also, lets stop animal testing!!! Hopefully together we can make a difference.

Christine W.
Posted by Christine W. (chriswalton)
1 year ago
We need for this to happen.....the more the presidentail candidates are informed and educated about the needless deaths that occur in our country and around the world, hopefully, the more they will support animal shelters. Let's get the word out!

Oahu1982
Posted by Oahu1982
1 year ago
So great to hear someone speaking up about animal rights in this election!

I would love to hear what the candidates have to say!

muggle
Posted by muggle
1 year ago
We need responsible pet owners and enforced spay/neuter laws. Enforcement can be as simple as a "luxury" tax for unnuetered animals that is assessed when an animal is registered to the county or gets its rabies tag. Charge what would be needed to support the county's costs for dealing with unwanted animals. $100.00, $200.00, whatever. Whoever does not have their animal neutered should be required to have a breeders license and should be inspected annually. If the owner does not intend to breed his/her animals, it often happens anyway due to the call of nature.

mrsmcd
Posted by mrsmcd
1 year ago
The situation with shelter animals, animal abuse and support of the organizations that care for animals and protect them is shameful. - There is so much good going on in this country to combat the bad. The dog fighting, euthanasia, run down shelters, spay & neutering should all be issues on every candidates agenda. It is sad but more people rally around animal rights than some child abuse cases. The politicians should see this and direct some attention in this area if they want to embrace a whole different type of supporter. Thanks for bringing this issue to the attention of so many Americans.

Jason M.
Posted by Jason M. (terp10)
1 year ago
This is an outstanding ideal and I fully support this cause. Politicians represent us and we need to make our voices heard. We need to stop over breeding and help raise awareness to ethical animal treatment.

gail
Posted by gail (adolphe)
1 year ago
I think this is a wonderful idea and I am so glad you are getting this out to the forefront. We always think of other agendas with political leaders. This is very important and hopefully we can find out where they all stand on this issue. After all they are representing us, which includes all our animals. Thank you for doing this.

kplanzo
Posted by kplanzo
1 year ago
I have so many thoughts I don't know where to begin. So I will start with the foundation.

In order to control animal population we need to stop people from being able to needless breed any type of animal just because they want a baby. Then we need to educate and enforce neutering and spaying practices. I understand there are many reasons one must give up their pets but one of the main reasons is because they do not train the animal and give it a proper foundation. There are so many animal trainers out there. Make it part of their education and training that they must donate X amount of hours either at shelters or for private owners how normally could not afford training. By doing this you are address two problems, you provide animals who need training and giving new trainers experience training (hard to handle, abused animals).

If we hit people in the pocket book (monetarily) you better believe they would start to change their behaviors and quick. When someone knows they money is involved and they have to pay the look at things differently.

If we wanted to changes in this country in regards to animals we could wipe out this many of the animal abandonment, abuse and unwanted animals by doing just as I have explained. But no one has the guts to make it happen.

poppet8
Posted by poppet8
1 year ago
Th sad thing about pet overpopulation and euthenasia of unwanted pets is that it doesn't have to be a reality. It can be avoided if awareness is spread and will even happen faster if the government helps by passing laws that will end pet sales on roadsides, implement policies that advocate for spay and nueter programs and implement stiffer penalties for those involved in animal cruelty and animal fighting rings. Go zootoo, help end needless deaths.

Marlene S.
Posted by Marlene S. (marlene77)
1 year ago
We so desperately need our candidates to be on track to help end the unnecessary cruelty to our animal friends. Our shelters are in need of funding....are you on the same page as your voters? Let us know where you stand....your reply and votes depend on your help!

Margaret  H.
Posted by Margaret H. (Marpie67)
1 year ago
I think it is far past time for some one that is as high as the president of the United States to look after and care for the hopeless animals in shelters. Someone has to speak for them, cause they can not speak for themselves. The people that run the shelters and care for the animals need money to get all kinds of supplies for the sweet animals. After all they are working hard to help them find their Forever homes so they will not have to be in a shelter for life, cause that is no way to live. Please get them to help.

shar22459
Posted by shar22459
1 year ago
As I know there are many important things that our leaders have to deal with..I really feel that saving and protecting the lives of our animals is just as important..I mean think of when someone is lost in a destructive disaster..or someone is missing in a snowy covered mountain...what is brought to help us humans find the people? It is ANIMALS!!!!!!! So..PLEASE...Let's consider all animals as "precious"..

Jessie T.
Posted by Jessie T. (Jessie2147)
1 year ago
Wouldn't it be fabulous if in addition to education and health care in America, the candidates also talked about the importance of spaying and neutering our pets to help control the abuse and euthanizaion numbers?! Good 'ol Bob from Price is Right felt strongly enough about it to say it on his closing remarks EVERYDAY for 50 years. I wonder if they realize our pets are our children sometimes and that we love our animals as much (sometimes more) as we do our family and friends, and that their well being is just as important. I bet that whomever spoke up about these issues would rally a lot more support than they realize. We love our animals!!

Lisa S.
Posted by Lisa S. (lialel)
1 year ago
I too think all candidates should remember the animals in our lives. For most of us, our pets are like are children and they should remember that. They need to visit our shelters and help protect our pets.

Sue  J.
Posted by Sue J. (Suejolls)
1 year ago
America needs legislation to address the problems of dog and cat overpopulation in America -to provide readily available low cost spay- neuter programs, and education to convince people why it is necessary. We also need to put an end to the puppy mills and pets being sold in pet stores, and to provide education about humane treatment for all animals. This has been a non-issue in America for long enough!

Mary R.
Posted by Mary R. (MarCat)
1 year ago
I think all political candidates should visit the animal shelters in their respective communities so that they can see the plight of animals in our society. It is important that they educate themselves and others to the needs of all. Improving the quality of life for the animals improves the quality of life for the public as well!

janice k.
Posted by janice k. (mousey3761)
1 year ago
Thank you Richard, for taking the stand to help all the pets of the great nation and letting our voices be heard. I agree there does need to be more funding for the shelters and our politicians need to recognize this. i am sure that if not currently, at one time or another they were all pet owners and know the bond that one gets with there animals. Please let our candidates elect know that we are watching them

Becky  M.
Posted by Becky M. (Saydeesmom)
1 year ago
Studies have shown that children and adults who torture and abuse animals, go on to do the same, and worse, to other humans. With this in mind, one can only wonder what kind of nation we have become where we condone this kind of behavior within our communities, through puppy mills, and even force our shelters to euthanize animals. We must all take a stand to protect those pets who have commited no wrong other than being the product of over breeding. America has fallen from its once highly regarded position and we need a leader who will lift us from the quagmire of disrespect and disregard that we have for animals. If we continue to torture animals, we will continue to torture humans. Our leaders need to give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves! Before we can right the wrongs around the world, we MUST begin at home!

Lisa S.
Posted by Lisa S. (lisasmith)
1 year ago
PLEASE support our pet shelters. We love our animals and are sick of the needless destruction of our valued pets due to the poor condition of our pet shelters. This is very important to me. Plese help!!!

kellympawlak
Posted by kellympawlak
1 year ago
When I do get a chance to watch tv, I sometimes turn on animal planet. It sickens me to see how much more of the animals in this country alone are misstreated and left to die uncared for. It even makes me angry at those heartless people that have given those pets a life of pain. I tell you I would be in prision myself, because I would be so angry at those people on some of these shows treating some of those animals like they do. That I would want the people to feel how they made the animals feel. I would not be able to have that calm anger that the animal control has. I Thank the local animal shelters for saving alot those pets for doing nothing wrong but being a dog or a cat etc. I feel these animal shelter do need help in some way. And the laws against animal cruelty need to be stricter. There really is no reason for animal cruelty at all in any way.

twc
Posted by twc
1 year ago
If these politicians can raise millions of dollars for their campaigns, then why can't they raise money for homeless animals!!!

Nikki J.
Posted by Nikki J. (NikkiJune)
1 year ago
I think we should be standing up for pet shelters across America! Animals also deserve respect, health, and happiness. All of the same things they give back to us and so many. Mills and breeding really need to be stopped. There are so many out there without homes or means, that we need to focus on these animals not bringing more into the world, especially in harmful ways. And we all know about a lot of breeders and every puppy mill in our country. It is ridiculous that something hasn't been done already and frankly it just makes me sick. These are innocent loving creatures, but no wonder why our country is in the state it is in. Look at how we treat animals, it is no surprise considering people come a dime a dozen as well. Just disgusting.

xXlilcutieXx46
Posted by xXlilcutieXx46
1 year ago
Thats good that people are finally standing up for the animals. People may not think this but animals are people too. We have to respect that. We need to protect these animals. Stand up for what we believe in. Post comments on this so we have a bigger voice and power! We need help! Comment now!!!

Lauren  S.
Posted by Lauren S. (LaurenS)
1 year ago
I think that of all of the animal welfare issues going on right now, I would like to see the government passing legislation that would put severe limitations on and/or completely close down puppy mills. Not only would this action put an end to appalling and widespread abuse, but it would also have some effect on the pet overpopulation problem by cutting off the source on store bought and internet bought puppies. The puppy mill issue was recently the subject of an episode of Oprah, and someone on the show said it best. . . What they said was along the lines of puppy mills being a major skeleton in the closet and one that American's should not tolerate. I don't think any American would stand by what goes on at puppy mills if they knew the truth about the situation and what a puppy mill is.
On those lines, kudos to Pennsylvania governer Ed Rendell, a dog lover, who has tried to pass legislation to put an end to puppy mills. Unfortunately, the bill was squashed, mainly due to opposition from breeders assosciations and corporate interests that profit off of puppy mills. Gov Rendell will supposedly be repackaging his plan and trying to get it passed. I am grateful for Gov Rendell, a powerful elected official who IS taking a stand for companion animals!
We need a whole army of politicians like him, and also people who don't pander to special interest groups at the expense of dogs!
Lauren Spagna

Carol Ann
Posted by Carol Ann (camsolares)
1 year ago
America needs a leader who is willing to take care of problems in our own country instead of other countries around the world. Let's go to war with the countless puppy mill owners and animal abusers in our country instead of continuing to be involved in a war that has given us so many casualties. Here there our countless casualities in the fight for humane and safe animal shelters. Pass overall legislation for manditory spay/neutering everywhere in the US.

dawnmendias
Posted by dawnmendias
1 year ago
Thank you for your efforts to have the politicians take notice, and to express their positions on animals in general and animal welfare in particular. Add my voice to the thousands of others asking for answers and let's turn up the volume. Thanks.

gi5559
Posted by gi5559
1 year ago
Having worked for FEMA, it broke my heart that people had to leave their pets behind because they weren't allowed to bring them into the shelters! Assuming that pets have had their shots, you're umpteen times more likely to catch germs off another person than off a pet!

dsg719
Posted by dsg719
1 year ago
All animals deserve a second, third, fourth chance..whatever it takes to find their forever home. Why is that we euthanize healthy animals? That is not the solution. All animals should be taken care of until they find that special home that they are meant to be placed with. Sometimes it takes days and sometimes it takes months. But please, don't let these animals down just because you believe that overcrowding equals euthanization. That is not the answer. Please help those animals that need your help!

Jennifrog
Posted by Jennifrog
1 year ago
"'Life is life--whether in a cat, or dog or man. The idea of difference [between life] is a human conception for man's own advantage.'"

(I don't remember who said that)

KittyCatz
Posted by KittyCatz
1 year ago
Many people own pets and they are very special members of the family. Their should be more laws that protect not only our pets but all homeless pets out there, and federal fundings for those who help animals - such as shelters.

CASEYANN B.
Posted by CASEYANN B. (CASEYANN)
1 year ago
FINALLY THERE IS A CHANCE FOR PEOPLE TO SPEAK OUT TO THE WORLD ABOUT ANIMALS.. MOSTLY, THEY HAVE HAD NO REGARDS, MEANT NOTHING,NO FEELINGS... I THINK PEOPLE ARE REALIZING THINGS ABOUT ANIMAL THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN ALL ALONG BUT NOW, AT LEAST SOME ARE WILLING TO LISTEN.. I HOPE SOON THAT EVERYONE WILL AT LEAST TRY TO UNDERSTAND THAT WE NEED HELP FOR THE ANIMALS AS THEY HAVE ALWAYS NEEDED HELP.. MAYBE PEOPLE HAVE CHANGED ENOUGH THAT THEY WILL SEE THAT ANIMALS HAVE HEARTS AND FEELINGS AND PAIN AND ARE SO ABUSED AND NEGLECTED BY THE PEOPLE THAT GOD APPOINTED TO CARE FOR THEM..I HAVE ALWAYS FOUGHT FOR AND WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR THE ONES THAT CAN'T SPEAK UP OR FIGHT FOR THEMSELVES..I PRAY FOR A CHANGE OF HEART OF THOSE WHO DON'T GET IT OR DON'T CARE.

KaylaVeg
Posted by KaylaVeg
1 year ago
Animals are members of our families, and by reaching out to protect pets and advocate for animals, they'd be helping their own candidacy and animals alike. Recognizing the importance of animals should be a top cause in the political world. Animals have no voice, and need people to speak for them and make laws to protect them.

sadowski2771
Posted by sadowski2771
1 year ago
We can spend billions of dollars in an evil, no win endless war in Iraq, but cannot help the animal shelters save innocent lives. What does that say about our society? Please reverse these thoughtless policies.

debbie b.
Posted by debbie b. (tdbelfi)
1 year ago
As Ben Stein recently said on TV, the government should use federal monies to help the animals that are released to the outside world and abandoned. Our government could save money if only they put it towards spay-neuter, sanctuaries, etc. It is hard for me to believe that this is a "civilized" country, when you witness so much animal abuse and so little done about it.

mandie h.
Posted by mandie h. (penguin3928)
1 year ago
There is no reason why the government can not do more for our animals. They are so important to not only me, but to million's of people. The government spends money on such frivalous things in today's society when they could use that money to save our animals. It's just crazy that our world doesn't care more. It's sad...

Carolinnam
Posted by Carolinnam
1 year ago
The plight of animals that have no voice is very important to me. I have read about the issues that each candidate has voted on regarding animal laws, but they each need to do more to help the homeless animals in our country. We need stronger laws for animal abuse. It is a known fact that someone that can abuse a helpless animal will eventually abuse a human. All puppy mills need to be shut down. I live in Pennsylvania and it is a fact that we have the most horrific puppy mills in the US, especially in Lancaster County. Animal rights issues are very important to me.
Thank you to Zootoo for getting the news out about Animal Shelters! I think the media and TV are the best ways for making people aware of all animal issues.

sunryse42
Posted by sunryse42
1 year ago
These poor cats and dogs are born because of PEOPLE being irresponsible and not spaying/neutering. They suffer from hunger and disease. They are put to death for no reason except that they are often seen as problems instead of living animal beings. PLEASE stand up for the voiceless ANIMALS

BettyJKelley
Posted by BettyJKelley
1 year ago
Too many animals are put to death. It's not the animals fault. Gov't should subdise
these shelters and spread the word about nutering animals so there is not so many
unwanted animals.

jordy140
Posted by jordy140
1 year ago
It would be so great to see presidential candidates speak about the welfare of our animal friends, for ONCE! Animals are such important part of many Americans lives it's a shame it gets ignored. If only dogs and cats could vote, that would be great!!!!

April
Posted by April (hotdog401)
1 year ago
Pets are an integral part of Americans' lives. More must be done to protect and help the pets.

Kathy D.
Posted by Kathy D. (KathyBD)
1 year ago
The welfare of animals is an important subject among many Americans, and the topic is overlooked by politicians. Show us that you are listening and that you care about US citizens and animals by supporting animal shelters.

Monika  C.
Posted by Monika C. (MonikaCartonia)
1 year ago
Please help the stray and unwanted animals at the animal shelter. I volunteer at the SPCA and I see so many lovable and sweet dogs that need good homes, but nobody wants to adopt them due to medical or behavioral problems. If we can educate and encourage people to adopt an animal from the animal shelter instead of from a pet store (Where puppies come from puppy mills) than we can spare thousands of lives of unwanted dogs at the animal shelter whom are euthanized every year.

ashleygill1
Posted by ashleygill1
1 year ago
I am in support for legislation that requires every animal adopted from a shelter in the United States must be spayed/neutered within 60 days. We need to protect these animal lives. A movement on this front would secure my vote!

zephaniahsmom
Posted by zephaniahsmom
1 year ago
We absolutely need to get our leaders to know how important animal welfare is to us. The problems of man were caused by man. The problems of animals were ALSO caused by man. Animals, like children, are innocent victims of our selfish, unthinking, lazy ways. They want only to give love and be loved and their love is unconditional. "What ye have done to the least of these ye have done unto me."- Jesus Christ (the Bible).

Athena
Posted by Athena (KittyCuddler)
1 year ago
Please! Please!! Please!!! spread the word!! tell/email/(whatever you do) everyone you know. These animals need our help and we have the power and the voice to help them.

Thank you so much.
~Athena~
oh, and please pray, for animals to one day be safe.. always. That they wouldnt have to worry about being euthanized, and would have a loving home. Pray that pet owners would be responsible!
Thank you!

Deanne B.
Posted by Deanne B. (deannebriggs)
1 year ago
Legislation on a national level, for the spay/neuter of dogs and cats would have an immediate as well as long-term life-saving significance. It can also save MONEY. We imprison people for violating the law; we imprison animals for being born. It's a nonsensical situation, that we DON'T support legislation to protect our pets.

jzman
Posted by jzman
1 year ago
Whichever candidate comes in support of the animal shelters, gets my vote. Right now I am undecided, this would push me in the right direction.

Rayatia
Posted by Rayatia
1 year ago
I am in total support of the idea for a candidate that will support the animals and the people who do their best to help them.

jeffshields
Posted by jeffshields
1 year ago
Please support animal shelters & promote safe, healthy, happy pets.

BlueStarjmg
Posted by BlueStarjmg
1 year ago
If we could get them to do away with PETA and HSUS and groups like them, we would really be doing something.... These groups may have started out with their hearts in the right place, but along the way the fanatics got a hold of it and went crazy...

Sarah T.
Posted by Sarah T. (stoth)
1 year ago
A little spay/neuter legislation would go a long way in this country! It's about time the issue of animal rights and safety are talked about on a national level. Animals are dying every day in a country with the money and legislative power to help solve the problem.

angel7774xx
Posted by angel7774xx
1 year ago
This is the richest country in the world.it is a disgrace that animals are being killed needlessly in our animal shelters.We need to set an example for the rest of the world of what a great country we are.The people in charge of this country need to wake up and support no killing of animals and get some kind of neuter/spaying program enforced.

Donna M.
Posted by Donna M. (dfmorgan)
1 year ago
Absolutely, the 3 presidential candidates should be made aware of the tragic state of millions of animals all over our country. Animal cruelty is an epidemic, and it must be stopped. It doesn't take much to work toward solving this problem, it just takes caring and what you can donate to help. If we all did just a little, the progress would be staggering.

This will also be a good measuring stick to use to judge the morality of our presidential candidates. Would we want a president who refuses to acknowledge the problem or participate in it's solution? I know I wouldn't!

jaesmith
Posted by jaesmith
1 year ago
I would love to see a candidate take up this cause but I don't believe it'll happen. They focus on what they think everyone wants to hear, like taxes. I want to hear that they are willing to help the animals. As a huge animal lover that would most likely sway my vote.

Zelime
Posted by Zelime
1 year ago
WE ARE THE ANIMALS VOICES! Without us, theyre doomed! Please help! You got the right idea Richard and Zootoo! Let's get pets adopted, not killed. Just a little bit of money goes a long way in the pet world!

I am in no way a political person. That is mainly because most of politics is about money, power and who has them. In every way, shape and form, it all seems very pointless to me. If the politicians would concentrate on real issues, such as animal overpopulation, among so many others, I would be a whole lot more inclined to participate.

kevin h.
Posted by kevin h. (kekky)
1 year ago
Some sort of spaying and neutering law would definitely help the situation in the long run. Less unwanted animal births would mean less crowded shelters which would mean less funds required to care for them all.

Melissa W.
Posted by Melissa W. (meishkia)
1 year ago
I have spent eight years volunteering and working in Veterinary hospitals and the saddest part of the job was euthanizing animals. What happens in the local shelter is even worse because the animals killed there can usually be adopted with a little work but must be destroyed due to lack of space and funding. There are multiple recuses in my area and i, as well as many of my friends have adopted shelter animals and worked with them to become amazing pets, but its not enough! we NEED support from our government.

critmama
Posted by critmama
1 year ago
To anyone/everyone who reads this- Simply put- IF enough people care enough to SIGN a petition(online or otherwise), AND someone cares enough to forward it(maybe even a printed out version)-to the candidates/congress-people, believe it or not...there IS a chance that change can come about, because enough people care to voice their opinions to those in power.
As someone who agrees that our under-supported shelters are in need of all the support they can get, PLEASE count me IN! and add me to any petition emploring the support/change from our elected officials. God Bless & Amen!

marie g.
Posted by marie g. (ladygodiva0202)
1 year ago
I would love to hear the opinions of the candidates about animal rights. I think there should be more severe penalties against people who do acts of cruelty to animals. I think that there should be laws put in place that require all dogs and cats to be spayed/neutered by a certain age, if you want to breed you should have to have a special license that regulates how often you can breed and test that should be done to screen for diseases. there should be funding for all shelters so there wouldn't be any shelter that would have to kill animals b/c of lack of space and resources and tax breaks for shelters and rescue organizations, and even foster homes. Get rid of puppy mills and business that sell for them.
Small note, I am against cruelty to animals, but support hunting as long as you eat what you kill, not just for sport.

Clare K.
Posted by Clare K. (Kavanagh)
1 year ago
We HAVE to speak for those who can't because we love our pets and to do so we have to ban together. I 110% agree that getting our presidents and even local politicians to pay attention to concerns that they often glaze over will help not only with those dear to our hearts but also other concerns. Love your pet. Support your pet. It's as simple as that.

Helen M.
Posted by Helen M. (animalma)
1 year ago
I would like to hear the candidates views on the overpopulation of pets in this country and the condition of the animal shelters and what ideas they have to remedy the problems. I have spent most of my life rescuing and helping animals as much as possible. It is the right and humane thing to do and I think it should be an issue of concern to everyone. The rate of euthanasia for animals in this country is alarming and appalling. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated". The conditions in this country right now are not saying much for us as a nation or a society. There are many of us who quietly do what we can, but much help is needed if we are to succede in true humane treatment of our animals. I will stand behind the candidate 100% who can sincerely address these issues with actions not rhetoric. Something needs to be done soon, before its too late for the animals.

sandralynne
Posted by sandralynne
1 year ago
I am asking our presidential candidates to respond to the needless deaths of over 9 million pets in shelters accross america each year. There are a great many people who love and adore these animals. We are deeply greived by the quality of life and ultimately the horrific death of these innocent animals. These animals don't have a voice! People in office with the power to initiate change are the only hope they have!

Leslie  S.
Posted by Leslie S. (fiddlebright)
1 year ago
I firmly believe that all the candidates should be addressing this issue. A society and a nation can be judged by its treatment of animals ( not original perhaps, but very true ). We have become "throw-away" people in too many senses of the word and every one of us should be taking a stand, but most particularly those with power and high visibility. My vote will indeed be affected by what I hear from candidates concerning our shelters.

BDougher
Posted by BDougher
1 year ago
I think this country needs some spay and neuter laws.
I think this country needs some spay and neuter laws.
I think this country needs some spay and neuter laws.
I think this country needs some spay and neuter laws.
I think I am repeating myself.

Along with the FDA insisting that labs use alternative testing...I sign PETA petitions along with other petitions.

Jayne L.
Posted by Jayne L. (JayneLoughst)
1 year ago
I think that Obama should DEFINETLY be interested in shelters, and in humane treatment of animals everywhere! We need to stop the killing of these animals!

susan k.
Posted by susan k. (heart4paws)
1 year ago
Nonprofits shelters need help! We are understaffed, underfunded and trying to help find loving homes for too many discarded pets. Dogs and cats didn't ask to be domesticated and we owe them the dignity of taking care of them and being compassionate. Because of ignorance, neglect, selfishness and lack of education about the responsibility of being pet owners, euthanasia is done to animals who've done nothing wrong, and others suffer needlessly. In order to continue and expand community education about ownership responsibility, what is in the pet's interest, and ultimately the community so that the need for euthanasia decreases and needless suffering is averted, support is needed.
Susan Kaplan, Indianapolis, IN

stephanie v.
Posted by stephanie v. (dragongirl)
1 year ago
yea i think they should do something for all thewm helpless animals out there, that have no choice on what happens to them they should think about how the animals feel about being put down because no body wannts to help or try to care for them if they did do something for those many shelters any one of them i think they could make the biggest difference in many lives( the pets ) that we love and wish to help in any way possible if they were to help out animal shelters i my whole family probly would vote for them no matter what just because they want to help those in need.
stephanie vergason

Gene M.
Posted by Gene M. (lablover60)
1 year ago
All 3 canidates claim to be Christian, it would be nice to see each of them address how we can help the helpless among us. If one of the canidates can take on the cause of Homeless Animals, imagine what they could do about people issues. I truthfully doubt any of the 3 will answer our question.

FrankieAvocado
Posted by FrankieAvocado
1 year ago
You guys are a joke. Nobody gives a damn about internet petitions. What a laugh.
If you want Clinton or Obama to read your opinions, write them a letter: they'll have a random "letter answer" guy reply to you with a generic "thank you" and you can go on with your idiotic lives.

Let's do some critical thinking here:

How many hours per day do you think Clinton and Obama spend surfing the web for petitions that address them? If you've guessed more than "0", you're a fool.
T3h interw3bz ar fo' PR0N.

You tards.

Vickie A.
Posted by Vickie A. (Recessqueen)
1 year ago
I want our new President (whoever it is) to help the helpless animals who are victims of neglect and cruelty every day. I want our next President to support the shelters and rescue organizations. I want our next President to support legislation that increases the penalties for animal abuse throughout our country. I want a President who is just as interested in animals rights as they are in human rights. I want a President who is repulsed by the deaths of millions of animals each year because there are not strong enough laws to protect them. I want a President who feels "pro-life" doesn't just apply to people. It is my dream to someday watch a telethon raising funds for animals just like the ones that help fight disease or other problems for people. It's a dream sealed with prayers every day! IT'S TIME!

SanatanaMaya
Posted by SanatanaMaya
1 year ago
I hate to be pessimistic, but I really don't think change will come. I would love it to, but when's the last time we heard anything supportive from legislation? It's so hard to work in a shelter and know that if we only had more support or resources, we would be able to save more lives.

I'd like to see it happen. But it likely won't.

beachxgirl
Posted by beachxgirl
1 year ago
I would love to hear how each candidate plans to eliminate the euthanizing of healthy animals in animal shelters everywhere. The one who has the best idea would get my vote!

Maggie S.
Posted by Maggie S. (stady5)
1 year ago
I want Senators Obama, Clinton and McCain to stand up for pet shelters and commit to stopping the needless massacre of more than 9 million pets. Our politicians must step forward and speak to their committment for our "fur friends". The states that these senators represent profit from the sales taxes that we pay on all of our pet products. That should count for something. It is time to "give back" to the animals in need. I truely hope that the next President of the United States will be an 'animalitarian' with heartfelt concern for our four legged citizens! Maggie Stady

Helen L.
Posted by Helen L. (vassgirl3)
1 year ago
I liked the idea I heard on the news commentary this past weekend. It suggested that we are rewarded for rescuing a "furkid" from a shelter with some sort of tax rebate or something along that line. We are in a mess. Too many of our friends are put to sleep. Dog fighting has become a sport of the wealthy. I'm not sure what the answer is but I bet if Hillary Clinton put her mind to it, she could find a way to start the begininng of the end of this mess we put ourselves in.

sweetj
Posted by sweetj
1 year ago
Dear Senator McCain please help us in our fight to save homeless and helpless animals. I myself have three cats I brought in off of the streets and have been with me now for years, and are wonderful. I also rescued a pitbull two years ago from a Chicago kill shelter and she is the sweetest most loyal friend anyone could ever hope for. We need to save these poor creatures, we need to give them a voice. Please help us to also prosecute the evil people who breed these poor animals under deplorable conditions, people like Michael Vick for instance. Thank you in advance for your consideration, from a loyal Hoosier.

Karen A.
Posted by Karen A. (kehala)
1 year ago
I would to hear one of the candidates ... or all three to discuss the current situations of this countries animal shelters. The best solution may be the winner of my vote. Animals are important to so many individuals that vote.

kellybray
Posted by kellybray
1 year ago
I am 150% behind any candidate who will take the initiative to speak out for those who can not speak for themselves. I would love to see some changes in how animals are regarded in this country. I as well as thousands of other animal lovers have suffered enough heartache, just in this past year, to last a lifetime. Lets make this one of the "CHANGES" you are all promising us in your campains......

Amanda K.
Posted by Amanda K. (akasun)
1 year ago
I would love to see the candiates speak on this pressing issue. I would be curious to know if any of them have adopted animals from a shelter and what that experience was like for them if they have. That would be a good question to start off with. The MOST important thing is to SPAY and NEUTER the animals that you have. I wish the Humane Society would do that immediately upon receiving an animals, but alas they do not have the resources to do so. We recently saved a cat from the shelter, a one year old and we took her to the vet today and the vet says she may be expecting!! We certainly hope not, we ALWAYS have our animals spayed/neutered but we just didn't get the chance with our new little lady. We're going back Tuesday and hopefully we'll find out that she isn't!!!

eightisenough
Posted by eightisenough
1 year ago
Unfortunately, all 3 presidential candidates think that bragging about how much they like to kill animals is the way to get votes.

Mary1212
Posted by Mary1212
1 year ago
With your help to get the word out about the condition of some of the shelters for these poor animals that depend on the kindness & care of the people trying to give of themselves to see that they may be taken care of in a humane way, things will get better. Please see it in your heart to try & make a difference so that so many helpless animals will not lose their lives needlessly. This is a serious problem that must be addressed & made public so that more people will understand & see what goes on & hopefully good will come of it,

Thank You,
Mary Denham

GerriL
Posted by GerriL
1 year ago
I agree, but don't think it is going to happen. We also need to crack down on puppy mills and those who abuse animals. I think those who abuse animals should be treated the same as they treated the animal. As for the puppy mills they seem to get closed down but reappear. Pet stores should not purchase dogs from puppy mills. I am not sure who I am going to vote for, but the candidate that puts shelters and puppy mills on their agenda would get my vote. Gerri

cindy  o.
Posted by cindy o. (welovestuie)
1 year ago
There are many ways that animals help humans. Besides companionship with their owners, some dogs are also pet therapy dogs in nursing homes. Others are leader dogs for the blind and many others help people in ways we will never fully know or understand. The candidate that I support must understand and support the vital role that animals have in our symbiotic relationship with our environment.

bananya5
Posted by bananya5
1 year ago
It is a shame that such a great and rich country can not take care of the ones that really need us and depend on us. It is a disgrace. I have two animals adopted from the shelter and always donate to Bideawee and Little shelter. But I think more should be done, like making selling puppies and kittens in the stores illegal, prosecuting all the animal abusers like they were abusing children or other people. Because we all know: the ones that abuse and kill animals, would abuse and kill human being. It is just a matter of time.

mary t.
Posted by mary t. (marytodd)
1 year ago
Dear presidential candidate clinton, Please do what you can to help all the homeless dogs and cats. There are millions of animals that are massacred. We need people like yourself who can help these animals. I know you will do the right thing. I promise that I will do what I can to help these poor animals. I all so hope you are our next president. then you could put the US back to the way she should be. THANK YOU: MARY TODD.

JuJuBug
Posted by JuJuBug
1 year ago
I would love to hear someone comment on these issues, it would lead me to look at a candidate I otherwise might not have.

Er1n
Posted by Er1n
1 year ago
This issue is actually a big deciding factor for me (this will be my first time voting). I would love (and find it pretty necessary) to unearth how the various candidates feel about these atrocities commited every day, but as of yet, I had had no luck. I'll let some of the more eloquent members write/type now, but I will sign whatever I can to help!

jeanlfox
Posted by jeanlfox
1 year ago
I agree. Politicians do need to pay more attention to the treatment of its animals in this country. That applies to the highestest on down to the local levels. A group that my husband and I belong right now are working to try to get more attention paid to adopting animals at the Fort Worth, TX, Animal Care & Control Center. They have no adoption center and we are attempting to do something about that. Let's keep working for the animals and giving them the voice, attention, and affection they deserve.

pat s.
Posted by pat s. (PatShelton)
1 year ago
YES, I want my candidate to stand up for helpless animals and help spay and neuter all over the country. Protecting animals and the environment is very important to me. I want to see how Barack, Hillary, and John view this issue!

Lisa
Posted by Lisa (Spaceylisa)
1 year ago
I agree the canidates need to help out the animals. None of them seem to have a stand point on them. I hope this gets our point across. They need to get informed and help out

ed375907
Posted by ed375907
1 year ago
Animals are the silent victims of this country. There are so little laws protecting the rights and safety of these precious creatures that not only enhance our lives, but can give them meaning. I have dedicated my life to helping animals and i wish that this would become a major issue in the elections. There are so many other issues that arise from animal abuse and endangerment so why not stop the problems at the source. I'm not just talking about pets, i'm talking about the animals that have been we have used for our own amusement, food, and clothing and that we never even think to look at and say thank you. we spit in their faces. hopefully this years candidates can help solve this problem!

Sandy Y.
Posted by Sandy Y. (JCSPCAVet)
1 year ago
This is an issue that never makes it on any politicians political agenda, yet Zootoo has proven how powerful and devoted animal lovers can be. The politicians should sit up and take notice! (Good boy... or girl. :-) Humane education should be a part of every school curriculum-- responsible pet ownership, the math of exponential breeding, and the lack of homes to care for all of those animals. Animal shelters euthanize because there are not enough good homes for all of the animals born. I'd like to see a politician provide funding for shelters and take steps towards curbing the overpopulation problem.

fatima c.
Posted by fatima c. (fatima)
1 year ago
that would be nice to see somebody stick up for the animals because no one ever does and everyone has the thought that the animals dont make a difference in the world when really they are pretty much the things that make up the world.seriously when have you ever heard someone say for the animals in their run for pres. or etc.

fatima,13

Ronni K.
Posted by Ronni K. (RonniK)
1 year ago
I would love to see them stand up for this...But will they?

maybell31
Posted by maybell31
1 year ago
I agree about shutting down puppy mills. That would mean reaching out to the Amish community. They have puppy mills too. Animal abuse is animal abuse even if you are Amish. On a different note, more low cost spay/neuter clinics need to be brought in to rural areas. Cities are doing wonderful things but the rural areas are really hurting and over run with strays. I have saved 4 stray cats with in the last year.

deborah m.
Posted by deborah m. (moggyjack)
1 year ago
Great point! Low cost spaying in rural communtities is definately needed but I think alot of the problem is cultural. Most of my family lives in Georgia , Delaware and Tennessee and they tell me pets are treated differently down there. Cats are outside and dogs are tied to a tree with a dog house. Just think it's a different level of commitment to one's pets in the South. Any Zootooers down there wish to comment?

Heather
Posted by Heather (hmcnc)
1 year ago
Being a presidental candidate, you not only represent human Americans, you also represent animal/pet Americans. There should be more education on pet shelters, puppy mills, breeding, all animal rights and issues. There will be no great change in this manner, until those in a higher seat in the political arena address these problems and make change happen. This is the kind of "CHANGE" I want to see happen!

CadeauChateau
Posted by CadeauChateau
1 year ago
My presidential candidate is John McCain. Senator McCain, as one your staunch supporters I implore you to support needy pets in animal shelters across our great nation. These abused, neglected, and dejected creatures are worthy of advocates who give them the voice they deserve. Please act to stop the unnecessary mass slaughter of innocent pets every year. Thank you for your kind and compassionate attention to this matter.

Denise D.
Posted by Denise D. (dmd922)
1 year ago
I know there are many important issues that our Presidential Candidates have opinions about - but this one is very important as well. To think that 9 million pets are killed yearly is horrible. I hope we are able to have an impact on this situation and get their attention. I can't even imagine my life without my two dogs & two cats or my three grand-dogs!!!!!

deborah m.
Posted by deborah m. (moggyjack)
1 year ago
I am a politics junkie, clearly I follow all the issues, but this election none of these candidates thrill me. They are pretty much all the same with more of the same. Anyone that would take a stance on animal welfare would definately more to the top of my list. How about an online petition that could be sent to the candidates?

karajo7332
Posted by karajo7332
1 year ago
It is time for animals to get a look from some higher-ups in the political world. It is a major problem in America. Animals are God's creatures too!!! They can not help themselves. People can.

cyee
Posted by cyee
1 year ago
I think one of the ways to decrease the number of animals in shelter is to shut down the horrendous practice of puppy mills. So many of these sick animals end up in our over crowded shelters. Also, the abuses that are placed on the animals in puppy mills should be illegal. The way these animals are treated are inhumane and should be stopped.

charlesrfree
Posted by charlesrfree
1 year ago
I totally agree with what you wrote about the puppy mills. They are dispicable. There is no need to breed dogs until they die. That's why there is such an over abundance of dogs today. People just don't know when to quit breeding. They get greedy and only see the dollar signs. It's time for someone to put a stop to this practice.

deborah m.
Posted by deborah m. (moggyjack)
1 year ago
I so agree! I can't believe these hell holes aren't regulated and inspected. Lacking that there is little one can do except get the word out that buying a dog from a puppy mill will likely lead to a sickly and genetically crippled animal.

hounddog
Posted by hounddog
1 year ago
It is time for this to become an issue. It is a problem that has been ignored for far too long. Many of us consider our pets to be members of our families--and we wouldn't allow our family members to be discarded in such a way as countless homeless animals are each year.

calcajuns
Posted by calcajuns
1 year ago
Animals may seem like the least of their worries now but it's not. Pets and animals are at the heart of millions of Americans. I have 3 and often foster unwanted dogs. My three are rescue and they are the best!! I love them very much. The politions need to wake up and listen to us Americans. Do something now for the unwanted members of our society. Debbie Lowry

Lynne N.
Posted by Lynne N. (sissy1221)
1 year ago
As with children and the elderly, someone needs to speak for our furry little friends. Animals ask only that they be loved, fed and watered and they will give so much more in return. Having never had pets as a child and young adult, and then meeting and marrying a man who came with two dogs (best part of the deal), I now cannot imagine my life without at least two dogs. They are like having my child back at a young age when I was the most important person in his life and he couldn't wait to see me each day and share my life. The big difference is, tho my son turned out great, these dogs and other pets will NEVER disappoint me, and give me total, unconditional love. What more can you ask for?

Carrie W.
Posted by Carrie W. (tenderheart101)
1 year ago
If more people would help to raise awareness about all the animals out there searching for homes it could do a world of good. if the candidates could help make this cause a priority it could help to save thousands of animals and help to educate people on the need of spay and neutering their pets. Sometimes it just takes one person's voice in a political position to get people out there to listen.

Yes, please bring this to the candidates. Always those who give so much and ask so little are treated as if they don't have feelings and can't feel pain. We owe it to them and the GOD that made us to honor these marvelous creatures and treat them kindly and with respect. Joe biden stood up for the helpless baby seals who are slaughter hideously and cruelly every year. Canada allows this. He would have had my vote. Now I would vote for the candidate who speaks up for animals, they can't speak for themselves. thanks Zootoo for trying to bring this out.....

mgm76
Posted by mgm76
1 year ago
Save all of our pets! They are great companians. They deserve our help!

lkerns
Posted by lkerns
1 year ago
I agree that the political candidates should get involved with helping out animal shelters. Who wouldn't be touched by them reaching out to help the animals in our country. There are animal lovers everywhere and there couldn't be a better way to make more people aware of the many needs of the shelters. It would be a great way to reach out and touch many American voters. This is just as important of an issue as an other.

Clyde B.
Posted by Clyde B. (cbenedix)
1 year ago
Count me in! Having spent the past Saturday helping a wonderful group of volunteers to clean the Gadsden (Florida) animal shelter, it is apparent that our potential leaders take a stand on ending needless euthanasia! Rather than going for a sound bite, I wish the candidates would tell us where they stand regarding abandoned or unwanted animals. Clyde B

Bellamy
Posted by Bellamy
1 year ago
I am undecided as to who I will vote for, and I must say whichever candidate valued animals the most would most likely get my vote. There's three main factors in choosing who I'd vote for: animals, abortion rights, and gay rights. Animals play a massive role for me. It would really show how good-hearted they are if the candidates would draw more attention to the serious issues concerning animals, and use their position and power to help the animals who cannot help themselves.

summer h.
Posted by summer h. (alienpsychomom)
1 year ago
We need your help. Dogs, cats, birds and ect. are as human as we are. They have feelings and are very smart. They help disabled people. They work on farms. They keep the lonely happy. They bring love into our family. They are part of our family. You wouldn't kill a member of your family would you? I will vote for the candidate that stands up for our pets. Summer Himes

zappy
Posted by zappy
1 year ago
hey ill be in this army thing
i am totally for having the polititioners look more toward pets
everyone should care about every living thing
so count me in!!

CMarPA
Posted by CMarPA
1 year ago
Dear Candidates,
It's about time that our government and leaders speak out and stand up in support of animal rights and make our country truly great by helping the most vunerable that have no voice. Help is needed to support shelters and protect our animals friends who give unconditional love and who often are abused and unwanted. We need the government's voice and help with spaying and neutering and education to control the overpopulation. We need to be able to continue providing save, clean shelters and funds to staff the shelters. With the hardship of the rising cost of gasoline and food the donations are likely to drop sharply in the coming months so we need someone in a leadership position to take a lead in animals rights. Also, it is of the upmost importance to enact and enforce laws that protect animals and prosecute abusers. I just heard of another horrible abuse of a dear cat and I am sickened. The abuser, if caught, will most likely get away with a slap on the wrist. We need to make abusing an animal a serious offense and our judges need to enforce those laws with strong sentencing. Please take up the cause!

teri t.
Posted by teri t. (terit)
1 year ago
Ditto!!

LinstadT
Posted by LinstadT
1 year ago
I agree that all politicians should be involved with helping shelters. You hear the political analysts talk about the candidates appealing to the womens vote, the black vote, the religious vote, etc. They would do alot better if they went after the Pet Owner's vote. It's probably larger than most of the other groups. It DEFINITELY crosses the boundaries into ALL the groups. How many of these people feel stronger about their pets, than fitting in with one of the other groups?

Angela H.
Posted by Angela H. (ang77)
1 year ago
I could not agree more! The animals need us to speak for them. Shelters need help and it is up to us, the animal lovers out there, to help. So many animals in shelter are put to death because of overcrowding. If people took more responsibility when they get a pet, this would not occur. People need to realize that pets are like children. They require a lot of work. People give up too easy because they don't want to take the time to train their pets. They just give them up! People also need to realize how important having your pet fixed is! There are so many homeless animals out there because of avoidable litters of pups. Overcrowding in shelters would not occur if people were more educated in their respnsibilities of being a pet owner.

Mimi2547
Posted by Mimi2547
1 year ago
HILLARY!!! Save our pets! They need you as much as our country does, and they deserve your support! Think of all the animals that are killed, they're like people in a way, people who need to be stood up for and taken care of. If you don't take charge now, who will?

miztake2002
Posted by miztake2002
1 year ago
I love animals and it's such a shame and waste to see animals (horses, dogs, cats, mules, tigers etc) either destroyed or abused in this country. I agree that there should be stiffer penalties for people who abuse, starve etc their animals, not just a slap on the hand and a fine. Totally agree that top political figures should show some concern in some measure about the plight of animals and animal shelters. With the worsening economy ALOT of people can no longer afford to donate money (I know that this is my case at the moment) and that places shelters and animal help centers under alot of stress. EVERYTHING costs money and if the 'candidates' spent some of their campaign money on shelters that would be great (but of course that is never likely to happen).

Kasey N.
Posted by Kasey N. (kmnaples)
1 year ago
I'm undecided on who I will vote for in this election. I would definitely vote for the candidate who supported animal rights.

grnbean30
Posted by grnbean30
1 year ago
there are way to many shelters and animal control facilities in this country that believe euthanizing is the only way simply because they don't have the means and support to change.

tony7737138
Posted by tony7737138
1 year ago
The fact is that many of the things we support can be considered down right silly. Here is a cause that is down right serious. Help animals live a decent life by supporting animal shelters.

Sydcher
Posted by Sydcher
1 year ago
Many people get a pet without taking the responsibility of pet ownership, which means no matter what- they need to care for the pet for the life of the pet. Pet parents have the same responsibilities as human parents as pets are like our children. Deaths of pets would be needless if people would take responsiblity. I feel the candidates should stand up for pet shelters to place pets in good homes that will keep the pets and find good home for them with responsible pet parents.

evelyn f.
Posted by evelyn f. (luvctz)
1 year ago
Yes, politicians need to get involved and making a commitment to help animals in shelters. Laws need to be tougher on spaying and neutering animals. I don't hear Clinton, McCain or Obama making any stands to help shelters or the environment for that matter. I agree with other comment about politicians having the power to make a change. I have always thought animal shelters and the overpopulation of cats and dogs need to be addressed by the government. They have been ignored for too long and it is time to do something serious about it.

s m.
Posted by s m. (sophie9644)
1 year ago
i agree! i like obama and if he stands for animal shelters in america i will love him!

Barbara2c
Posted by Barbara2c
1 year ago
I want a firm commitment for animals from any candidate I vote for. That is the change I am looking for.

Tami O.
Posted by Tami O. (tozogar)
1 year ago
I wish congressmen and congresswomen would support SPCA's like the SPCA in Cattaraugus County. This SPCA has a no kill policy. Almost every pet we have ever had came from this SPCA. They are the best most loveable animals ever.

One person who adopted a pet from this SPCA stated that the SPCA in thier county didn't have any pets to choose from. They had several dogs in the back that they refused to show, because they were already scheduled to be destroyed. How many wonderful animals never have a chance, how many families miss the opportunity of adopting a wonderful, loving, loyal pet.

I would support any candidate that would stand up for those who are unable to stand up for themselves.

wendym0221
Posted by wendym0221
1 year ago
Currently, I am undecided as to who I will vote for in the upcoming presidential election. If any of the candidates would commit to paying more attention to the needs of so many animals and shelters in this country, that would decide my vote. There needs to be stricter laws passed against dog fighting, animal abuse and neglect. People who commit these crimes get a slap on the wrist and told not to have any animals for one or two years. This is outrageous. There also needs to be more funding for the shelters around the country. If one of the candidates would create a more powerful voice for the animals, I wouldn't hesitate to vote for them. Animals don't have a voice. We need a leader in this country who will speak for them, and loudly.

CiCi4
Posted by CiCi4
1 year ago
A long hard road but also one that needs to begin at the local political level.

hea23th
Posted by hea23th
1 year ago
Politicians need to get involved! There are so many neglected and abused animals in this world. There needs to be tougher spay/neuturing laws and stricter regulations on animal abuse. Animal shelters need some funding and support. Why is it we can help everyone else but can't help our own furry friends? It's time for change!

Erika  P.
Posted by Erika P. (erikashine08)
1 year ago
This issue should regularly be addressed by the current presidential candidates and I have yet to hear anyone remark on it. The condition of overpopulation of pets continues to worsen as puppy mills continue produce dogs as if they are commodities and as breeders continue to breed....These things need to stop and we need to care for the pets that are already in this world. If one of the candidates would remark on this issue it would heighten my respect for them.

Maple C.
Posted by Maple C. (13chenm)
1 year ago
I definitely agree. Since they are all powerful government officials, and one of them will be president, they have the power to do something about this. When they speak, people will listen, and if we get more people to join this cause, it will be hard to ignore.

melissa
Posted by melissa (dragonkitty)
1 year ago
I agree! they really should take this Issue and do something about it.. Its very important, We should help are Furry friends.. I dont beileve in putting an animal down just because they can't find a good home for them.. I also think there should be stiffer laws, protecting them, for animal abuse, cruelty laws.. Its wrong and we need to speak for them! Since they Cant.. I think there should also be a place where you can take your pet and have them fixed, so the population doesnt keep growing and more unwanted animals are here on earth.. WE need TO take A stand and push for this!!

Anonymous
Posted by Anonymous
1 year ago
This comment has been removed.

KikoKiko
Posted by KikoKiko
1 year ago
A few months ago, the legislative arm of the Humane Society sent a questionnaire to all the presidential candidates. A few answered. Among those candidates who take animal issues serious enough to respond was Sen. Obama. You can read about it here:



Be sure to click "questionnaire" to read his direct responses. He covers a wide variety of issues concerning animals, not just pets but livestock too. I was very pleased with his responses and assume other animal lovers will be too.

KikoKiko
Posted by KikoKiko
1 year ago
OK, it looks like the URL I posted was too long for this comment section. Please copy/paste the link I provided above to view the website. Sorry about that.

Sarah B.
Posted by Sarah B. (sbutler1976)
1 year ago
This is an issue that has never been brought up in Presidential debates. With animals & pets becoming more & more important to American families it certainly should be brought up. The care & welfare of animals is a very important issue concerning every American citizen. Senators should be using all their publicity & power to change, to help animal shelters & rescues. Also to strengthen & implement animal abuse, cruelty laws. WE ARE AMERICANS & WE ARE SPEAKING UP FOR THE ANIMALS THAT CAN'T!!!HEAR OUR MESSAGE LOUD & CLEAR!!!

Carla L.
Posted by Carla L. (CarlaL)
1 year ago
I find it shameful that as a society, we allow animals to die needlessly. We are caretakers of the animals in this world - as domesticated animals, we are supposed to care for them, not kill them when it becomes inconvenient, or because we do not want to take the time to spay/neuter them. Senators, we are tired of it, and we want you to take notice! We need someone in the White House who cares about all living things and will do something about it to stop the needless killing of innocent animals. I can't make you listen, but I can do the one thing that will get your attention - not vote for you! Pay attention to what we at Zootoo are telling you. Stand up for the innocent victims of a heartless society. I'm grateful that some people in this world care for the innocent. I adopted two cats from the humane society near my house, and they are the loves of my life. I can't imagine life without them! Please, help the innocent victims by changing the laws so that less animals (or hopefully, no animals) have to die needlessly. Thank you for your time and attention in this urgent matter.

heimichelle
Posted by heimichelle
1 year ago
I think there are far more important issues which need discussion at this time in the world than the welfare of animals. In my mind the human race is far superior and if we are not careful we will be in trouble as well. I love animals, have 5 of my own, but I also know in which order our priorities should lie as well.

KikoKiko
Posted by KikoKiko
1 year ago
Well, for one, few people agree with your opinion that animal issues are not important. Thank goodness!!!
Nevertheless, what you should realize is that so-called animal issues ARE people issues as well. For example, many of us lost pets last year after poisoned food products from China were put into our supposedly-American-made pet food. While you may not care about the hundred thousand pets who died or became ill, you should be aware that this fiasco had an impact on the ecomony. Many consumers stopped purchasing commercial pet food, and the pet food manufacturers are suffering for it. Our economy is not in any shape to take such hits.
Similarly, those tainted grains (rice, wheat, corn, and soy) that killed pets were sold to American food manufacturers as "human grade," meaning that they might have ended up in the food you eat and serve your family. Pet owners are greatful to legislators like Senator Dick Durbin who introduced and passed legislation requiring that our food actually be inspected (crazy thought, huh?) and not full of melamine or other toxic substances. When our pet food isn't safe, our human food isn't either. Food safety is not just an animal issue, it's an issue of national security.
Moreover, whether you like it or not, your local government is spending money on animal control issues, shelters, euthanasia, etc.... Wouldn't you prefer your tax dollars go to effective programs than to wasteful ones? After all, you're paying for it.

Becky M.
Posted by Becky M. (bmonty)
1 year ago
Wow, I think you're on the WRONG site then. This site is for people who'd like to see our "far superior" species take more responsiblity for the lesser creatures rather than breeding them and dumping them on the roadside. It's people like you with that "far superior" mentality that have this planet in the horrific condition it's in currently. Just use and abuse because you can, eh? Lots of people with evolved thinking would call you selfish and stupid. When was the last time an animal bombed a city? When was the last time an animal lied to gain power? Stick to a website like www.rednecksrule.com you'll be happier there.

Desiree A.
Posted by Desiree A. (alleycatd)
1 year ago
Elected officials need to focus on humane animal population control. TNR programs should be the standard not the exception.

Toby B.
Posted by Toby B. (northfacet)
1 year ago
We should all stand up for the less fortunate animals in our area. Those in our communities that have no voices of their own or the ability to stand up for themselves. I hope that each of the candidates will tackle this issue and offer more support to animal causes than just playing with their dog on the white house lawn.

seuuu
Posted by seuuu
1 year ago
This is an issue that doesn't ever seem to come into focus in the debates, etc. and it really should. It would most definitely influence my vote. I would love to see how they feel about animal cruelty and testing issues. Someone needs to speak up for these wonderful creatures at the executive level. Thanks for bringing this up!
Seuuu

Kathy M.
Posted by Kathy M. (Cookiesmommy)
1 year ago
As an addendum to what I just wrote:

We also need a politician who sees the OBVIOUS, BLATANT need for strong regulation of the pet food industry; this should also regulate all pet products so that animals are not dying one after the other from things like intestinal blockages from unsafe chew toys, etc. I want to know EXACTLY what is in my dog's food and that it is safe. Perhaps we need to create a position in our government to improve these backwards practices regarding pets in our country.

Lora M.
Posted by Lora M. (LCat)
1 year ago
We that Senator Obama has promised his girls a dog after the election. Senator Clinton and her husband have a dog as well. I don't know about McCain. It would seem to me that after the tragedy of Katrina that candidates would be particularly interested in seeking the votes of pet lovers which are the majority of the U.S. population. Let's get them to commit to making spay/neuter programs a major part of any initiative to help shelters. Afterall, we have to stop the over population of pets at the source.

Kathy M.
Posted by Kathy M. (Cookiesmommy)
1 year ago
I teach English as a Second Language; all of my students were born in other countries and have moved here. I showed them Oprah's episode on Puppy Mills, and they could NOT believe that such a thing could be LEGAL here in the United States. They also were shocked that the Humane Societies receive no funding from the government. We are, by the way, doing a huge fundraiser for the Humane Society this Saturday in Pittsburgh, PA at our school, Keystone Oaks. I have found through soliciting donations from the community that people care A LOT about pets (we have 69 donated products for our auction).

We need a politician who will say that puppy mills are ILLEGAL. PERIOD! We need someone who won't care about stepping on toes and who will do the right thing. It's horrific that the Amish treat dogs like livestock in the U.S. We are not a third world country!

We need a politician who will fund Humane Societies so that ALL of them can spay and neuter prior to adoption.

We need a politician who creates STRONG laws against dog fighting and against those who attend dog fights.

We need a politician who recognizes that cruelty toward animals is one sign of a person being a sociopath. If we give that person a slap on the wrist, who knows what the person's next crime will be. We must say that cruelty toward animals is a felony.

Our youths see what we as a society tolerate, and when it comes to pets, it's INTOLERABLE!

Often, how a society treats its pets reflects the kindness and gentleness of that society. As people, we must stand up for animals because, like babies, they are unable to stand up for themselves. Every person that I know treats his or her pet as a member of the family...not like livestock!

Anonymous
Posted by Anonymous
1 year ago
This comment has been removed.

mochiluvs523
Posted by mochiluvs523
1 year ago
There are people in this world that see their pets as their own kids. Of course we see all other animals as children too. For people who don't honor animals as we do, all they have to do to understand how us animal lovers feel is to look at abandoned and needy children. Only then will they know.

So obviously the individuals leading our country need to have compassion that has no limits and stretches to the lives of animals as well as children. There's a lot to be said about a person who treats animals badly. If they had their way, think of what they would do to humans if they could get away with it.

Anyway, that's about it. Someone in a high rank NEEDS to stand up for the animals. Give them a voice! Thanks!!! And all the animals thank you as well!!

ashrifia
Posted by ashrifia
1 year ago
The Humane Society where I live may be a no-kill shelter, but not all of them are. It's not fair that animals are killed just to make room for others! Public awareness needs raised for those animals that are abused and put down!

cheri h.
Posted by cheri h. (cherih50)
1 year ago
It's time that the powers that be in this country recognize the horror that is occurring to helpless loving pets in so called "shelters" all over this country. Public awareness needs to be raised and those that abuse animals must be severely punished. Spaying and neutering should be mandatory for all but legitimate breeders.
We would be much better served by providing secure "no kill" shelters than by most of the pork barrel projects that we spend billions of tax dollars on now. All of the presidents parade their dogs in front of the media. Why can't they show their fondness for these creatures by going to bat on the behalf of homeless animals with the legislature?

arlene g.
Posted by arlene g. (agrosso)
1 year ago
If you want my continued support you need to help the helpless animals by supporting the many needy animal shelters accross America. They are too many unecessary deaths that could be avoided if more funding would be available for the shelters. Thank you for reacting to this, Arlene J. Grosso St. Petersburg FL

357lionsslot
Posted by 357lionsslot
1 year ago
HOW ABOUT YOU POLITICIANS.
LETS GIVE A LITTLE ATTENTION TO OUR ANIMALS. IAM SURE IF THEY LOOK HARD ENOUGH, THEY CAN RAISE SOME $$$$$$$, MAYBE EVEN FOR THERE CAMPAIGN.THESE ANIMALS NEED OUR HELP DESPARETELY SO WHY CANT YOU POLITICIANS DO SOMETHING? IF WE THE PEOPLE PRESSURE THESE PEOPLE, INSTEAD OF THEM PRESSURING US FOR A VOTE.

Tim
Posted by Tim (Rafiki)
1 year ago
Relative to the billions wasted by Washington every year, the cost of upgrading needy shelters to save the lives of millions of animals is minimal. But someone has to champion the cause. Let's make it happen!

kkingins
Posted by kkingins
1 year ago
After working with rescue for 3 years and seeing how hard those people work and how desperate shelters are to help the animals that show up at their locations, it seems sad to me that there is not more governmental support. Shelters fight to scrape enough money together to get by, depending on donations, grants, and whatever federal/local money they can get. It's time more is done to help those who have no voice of their own and suffer, not by their own fault, but by the hands of humans who are thoughtless, cruel, and insensitive to their needs. You want my support? Help these people who have stepped up to the plate do their jobs. Get spay/neuter programs running. Educate about pet care. Do something to make a positive change in the lives of these animals.

YVONNEMARIE
Posted by YVONNEMARIE
1 year ago
We are judged as a people by how we treat our animals. If that saying holds true, then we must be judged as a selfish, greedy and insensitive people. And that has to change. It's is long past time we started to accept and understand it. For too long, too many defenseless and innocent animals are put to death needlessly. We need to be agressively pro-active towards becoming a "no-kill" policy country, appropriating more funds for spay/neuter programs, education programs to end cruelty, and strongly promote better care and compassion for both companion and farm animals, and stop treating these caring, loving creatures as dispensiblel All of these creatures are feeling, sensitive living beings, and we (as the alleged "intelligent" animal) have oppressed, abused and neglected them for too long. The time for rhetoric and ignorance has to come to an end. We must now come to a time for compassion, understanding, respect and action.

rroraback
Posted by rroraback
1 year ago
I have long thought that if the government would get involved with spay/neuter programs and educating the public about animal care and responsibility, we could save a lot of animals and approach the dream of no homeless pets, no euthanizing animals for no reason except there are too many.

Dianamf
Posted by Dianamf
1 year ago
How about a dog from a shelter for the white house once one of you is elected? I'm fostering two beautiful, sweet dogs that were rescued from euthanasia at a WV kill shelter ... come and take your pick. They would make wonderful first dogs!

draggar
Posted by draggar
1 year ago
Unfortunately politicians never realize where the problem is. I live near one of the highest kill rate shelters in the US. My wife also did malinois rescue (BTW - NOT listed in your affiliated rescue groups). They worked with us, they allowed us to pull dogs out of the shelters without all the red tape other shelters force upon rescue groups. They allowed is to pull dogs several hours before they opened at all hours in the night. The staff are very kind and willing to help people adopt the animals (as long as they were a good home). They'd call us for evaluations, temperament tests, etc. All this from "one of the worst shelters in the US" according to an ASPCA report. Worst because their kill rate was so high.

The problem is NOT with the shelter. It is with an abundance of irresponsible owners and breeders. Puppy mills and back yard breeders who just dump their unwanted, sick and injured dogs at the gate, usually tied to a pole on the street. This is where the problem needs to be stopped. Unfortunately all pet-related legislation only makes it harder for RESPONSIBLE owners and breeders to do what they love.

Europe does not have a problem with this and if they do it is NO WHERE nearly as severe as it is in the US. Why? They have strict standards on breeding. Dogs have to be titled in order to be bred (and they're not titled, no on would buy them). Of course, people in the US don't want an "expensive" titled dog, they'd rather get one for $500 at a puppy store (which has a much higher rate of very high vet bills). Most people don't know that a reputable and ethical breeder can get you a very good "pet quality" dog for less than a puppy store dog (a puppy sometimes go for the price of a spay or neuter!).

Here's a good list on how to tell a good breeder from a bad breeder:
www.casadelmango.com

Yes, you can give billions of dollars to shelters but it will not solve the problem, it will only make one leg of the animals sad journey a little more comfortable. Irresponsible breeders will still dump their animals wherever they can.

Joan D.
Posted by Joan D. (joandela)
1 year ago
Given the proven health benefit importance of peoples' interaction with pets and their becoming part of the American family, will you support cruelty protection and legislate for spay and neuter for these pets and other animals?

Nancy W.
Posted by Nancy W. (Greynanch)
1 year ago
My response to this comment will be highly unpopular related to what ZooToo animal advocates have written so far. I do not think it within the purview of presidential candidates to end euthanasia of unwanted animals. Rather, I think it is the responsibility of every pet owner to spay/neuter their pet and of every breeder to meet, not make, a demand for their chosen breed. In an ideal world, if pet overpopulation was controlled, then there would be no unwanted pets and consequently, euthanasia would be a non-issue. I believe it can be done, but by us not the government. Should the government attempt to put puppymills out of business, the issue of free enterprise would arise. Were we not to patronize puppymills or "buy" dogs, the industry would wither - where there is no demand, it is foolish to maintain a supply.

angie p.
Posted by angie p. (redfire)
1 year ago
I agree we the pet owners have the sole responsibility to control the over population of animals. I don't think the government should be involved after all they are the reason for the prices going up. I think they would put a dollar amount on owning our pets like making a special tax we would have to pay to keep them.

Melissa M.
Posted by Melissa M. (ladyk)
1 year ago
In this day and age I would hope that All the candidates had ALL of our "family" members included in their thoughts and plans especially when it comes to disasters!! Did Hurricanes Katrina and Rita not teach us anything??
I volunteered with my local humane society back in the 80's yes thats 1981 to 1983 to be exact and it seems the problem has only gotten WORSE not Better when it comes to the care of our beloved friends when not if disaster strikes!
As a registered voter I will NOT vote for ANYONE who DOES NOT have MY bestfriends' interest at heart!
I support only pet friendly businesses so why not support only pet friendly candidates?
Please help spread the word!!!

aed
Posted by aed
1 year ago
Animal shelters should not be the final stop for animals but a nurturing halfway house on their way to loving homes. We need funds to update and to build more shelters so that wonderful pets are not killed for lack of space.

eknudson
Posted by eknudson
1 year ago
YES! Please mention the animals, candidates. We need to be a more humane nation in so many ways. Too many animals and children suffer in this country. Let's help them by making this a more high-profile issue.

lkitteecatgirl29
Posted by lkitteecatgirl29
1 year ago
Its nice to see others who care about animals as much as I do!! I hope we can count on our politicians to stop the madness and insanity that goes on just in the US. What are we barbarians? Animals are dependant on us just like children so they need protection from the uncaring and shallow humans that the rest of us are forced to live with!!!!!

Silverrain01
Posted by Silverrain01
1 year ago
Now is as good of time as any to help out animals all over the U.S.; we are their voices and we need to stand up together and help out our beloved friends. Everyday there are many people lending a hand by fostering, adopting a rescue/shelter animal or volunteering at their local shelter but there is a need for help. If we stand together on this issue we can together help a great deal with overcrowding of shelters, demand of supplies, and food and much more.

julie b.
Posted by julie b. (julieburger)
1 year ago
I am sure most politicians have beloved pets and I don't understand why animals are not more important to them.

kshark
Posted by kshark
1 year ago
I agree our politicians should support humane legislation and help us reduce unwanted and euthenized pets.

Carryl D.
Posted by Carryl D. (carryld)
1 year ago
You are right..this does need to be addressed. And their actions SHOULD speak louder than their words!! Don't make empty promises.

AnimalAuthor
Posted by AnimalAuthor
1 year ago
It's about time that politicians addressed this horror, which has caused me many sleepless nights since the age of 12, when I discovered what happens to unwanted animals.

casey26
Posted by casey26
1 year ago
I realise that there are many important issues facing all of the presidential candidates, but what the candidates must also realise is there are issues that are important to the people. Animal cruelty, in any form, is my second most important issue in choosing a candidate to vote for. I sickens me that over 9 million dogs and cats are euthenized in the US for no ther reason then that they need a loving home. This needs to be addressed immediately and a better solution found.

nancy c.
Posted by nancy c. (nancam)
1 year ago
This is a great idea! What better way to see where the candidates hearts are really at. If you don't have respect for our furry friends you certainly aren't going to respect the rest of the things that really matter.

Jasmine J.
Posted by Jasmine J. (Bobalinoca)
1 year ago
Obama, Clinton, Mcain, This is a serious issue that is more important than the war. Animals are like humans in different forms. Please help support our animals and shelter. So mant people to good but that is not enough we need politicians like you to HELP!!!!!!!!!!

Kathy M.
Posted by Kathy M. (kathymartin45)
1 year ago
Presidential candidates: Please pay attention to the plight of so many animals in this country and help focus some of the country's attention on animal shelters that desperately need help from you and their communities. This is an extremely important issue to many people.

janetbuche37
Posted by janetbuche37
1 year ago
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
----Mahatma Ghandi

That pretty much says it all. We have a long way to go in the good 'ol US of A in how we treat our animals, let alone our children and the elderly...the most innocent of our society. Set the example candidates!

Vera K.
Posted by Vera K. (vkordella)
1 year ago
I join my voice with animal advocates nationally asking to help the animal shelters who try as hard as they can to save and place dogs and cats in loving homes. Provide funding for shelters and services so we can cease the needless death of God's creatures.
Thank you
Vera Kordella

broadwaychica93
Posted by broadwaychica93
1 year ago
We need politicians to help!

Shadowfax99
Posted by Shadowfax99
1 year ago
All of the shelters need so much help! They need to be remembered by a great many people. I know all of our cats have been "shelter kitties" and they all have been so loving. They appreciate everything you do for them.

If we could take every animal at a shelter, we would.

Please - these shelters are the only hope for so many animals, and the spay and nuter programs are essential. I only hope they will be rememberd. Even though the animals can't vote - WE CAN!!!!

cat1000
Posted by cat1000
1 year ago
Barack Obama show me you want change in the lives of all the homeless animals in this country. You will definitely get my vote if you promise to help the animals who need forever homes. We are a rich country so lets give some of our wealth to shelters that house animals. Barack, show me you care!

KikoKiko
Posted by KikoKiko
1 year ago
http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2007/12/the-president-3.html

car5ol a.
Posted by car5ol a. (ottiscat)
1 year ago
Senators Clinton, Obama, and McCain: While you are out there listening to the voice of your fellow americans, please take the time to hear the voice of all of the homeless and unwanted cats and dogs.With your power you could really help fight to end the euthanization of 9 million animals a year in our country.We really need your help and it could only help your campaign. thank you- Ottiscat

Jessica K.
Posted by Jessica K. (petluvr01)
1 year ago
This would be a great idea if we could get Obama, Hilary, or McCain to help. This would be a great way to see how and what they think of animal shelter and what they could/might do for them. The only thing is is that there is a BIG difference between them saying what they are going to do to help the shelters and what they will do after they are President or VP. But I think it would rally together A LOT of people and would be a HUGE success. Hey, it might (probably) even make TV, which would generate even more people to help animal shelters. So, all in all, I don't really think you can go wrong if you can get one (or more) of these three to participate! Go Zootoo!!!

Maria
Posted by Maria (okyday2002)
1 year ago
I'm up for it. I think we have to take care of those without a voice, like our pets. I know Hillary is a pet lover, and we can approach her with this issue. We need action, and she's the woman to do it.

hendec
Posted by hendec
1 year ago
I feel politicians should address the issues of poverty in the US first, then issues with organizations for animals, battered women, etc.....charity starts at home.....

Francineforrest
Posted by Francineforrest
1 year ago
yes i think they should help. there are many animals that die each year because they aren't wanted . there are loveing pet owners that would love to have their animals fixed but due to the cost and and their income , they just can't do it.

Vickie H.
Posted by Vickie H. (vbhayden)
1 year ago
I think this is a good idea. I wonder if they even care. I am interested in what the canidates have to say about the animal shelters being in the shape they are all in and the animals being euthamozed because of this. The animal shelters have pleaded for help and it seems they are not important to anyone except us animal lovers. We are voters too and I want to hear from the canidates what they plan to do to take care of this problem that has been ignored to long. I want to here from you so I know who to vote for this year.

sicillia78
Posted by sicillia78
1 year ago
I think of animals as just as valuable as people. They each have their place in the society of the environment. We need to stand up for these animals since their voice goes so often unheard. I hope that this project will allow the leaders to discuss and examine some possible humane ways to take good care of all of the animals in america and the endangered ones here and beyond. G-d Bless all the animals and those that take care of them. =)

kim g.
Posted by kim g. (kimball)
1 year ago
Animals to me are the greatest gift on this earth. Helping animals is a work of the soul, and only those with deep hearts know this and are willing to help when they can.
For they cannot speak for themselves...they give us unconditional love all the time.

DesireeG
Posted by DesireeG
1 year ago
I would love to see the issue of unwanted pet euthenasia addressed by the canidates. To many people see pets as disposible and it needs to be stopped. We already have entirely too many animals ending up in shelters and loosing their lives now. Presently there are people leaving their pets behind during this housing foreclosure mess, and these pets are either ending up in shelters or starving to death locked in these diserted homes. Pets depend on their humane families to care for them and love them. If you choose to bring a pet into your home it needs to be a life long commitment to love and care for that animal, not a purchase to add to the home to be gotten rid of when you are tired or no longer want the resposibility of caring for that pet. I believe our society needs to see that pets are valuable and not disposible. It is just cruel to to a pet to leave it behind or drop it off somewhere. My pets are my family and I treat them as my family. They are well taken care of and I love on each and everyone of them each morning before work and each evening when I come home. When I lost my mom and stepfather within six weeks of each other my dogs are what kept me going. They made me smile and laugh, and provided me the love and warmth I needed to get through that difficult time. I feel it is time for all of us to step and do something about the way unwanted pets are gotten rid of...and we need to stop the puppy mills from providing more animals that will only end up being euthenized. Our laws need to change and make it a felony for these breaders that see dogs as a cash crop and not a living and breathing animal that needs love and family to survive. Until those people are stopped we will have over crowded shelters and rescues. The overcrowding leads to millions of euthenized animals because there just is not enough space, funds, or people who care to aid these pets.

Punky L.
Posted by Punky L. (Gena)
1 year ago
Animals unfortunately have no voice in our world. Therefore those of us who had strong voices (such as anyone in the government) should speak up for them. Sadly so many love animals and wish to help them but have only a quiet voice (hypothetically speaking). If you have the power to help change something bad then being a human there should be no question on what to do.

Wow, I'm SO glad that there is some action being taken for the case of those animals! I truly hope that the presidential candidates can live up to all what they're hyped up to be, and help to save these innocent creatures!

Amanda R.
Posted by Amanda R. (amredman)
1 year ago
The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

- Mohandas Gandhi

For some reason we like to help other countries while our country suffers - Maybe we need to think locally more often. Let us show our greatness with a stable country that thinks of the greater good rather than money and status.

Emily H.
Posted by Emily H. (GettyUp7)
1 year ago
I think this is a wonderful idea and I hope it makes a difference. You never can tell when something as minor as making a comment on a blog could be a turning point. Good Luck!

fitzwater102
Posted by fitzwater102
1 year ago
Our elected officials should be much more active in getting animal shelters more money and in passing laws that ensure that animal abusers are punished to the maximum possible penalty. Abusing an animal is just as bad if not worse that abusing a child. At least the child can tell someone. An animal has no voice to ask for help and no ability to call 911.

MichelleEaleene
Posted by MichelleEaleene
1 year ago
I hope it works too! Great idea! Long overdue.

xdxellex
Posted by xdxellex
1 year ago
hope this works!

cjsharrow
Posted by cjsharrow
1 year ago
They can't even help the people or control the gas prices but i'd love to see them help animal shelters along with the people. If they'd control the fraud on welfare and in the military they would have more money to help people and animals.

Suzanne C.
Posted by Suzanne C. (screacy)
1 year ago
My research shows that 27 million animals were relinquished last year and
10 million euthanized, anyway the point is this has gone on too long and is inexcusable for a country like ours.
Our Presidential candidates need to advocate for protecting and saving innocent animals. They need to commit to developing solutions to end animal overpopulation, homelessness and cruelty, making it the priority it should have been years ago.
In our hurried, toss away society we have made it too easy for people to abandon their responsibilities to defenseless animals. We must change these inhumane practices that afflict too many animals, every minute of everyday.
I will vote for the president who sincerely believes this is a crucial issue and shows true compassion and concern. I believe Ron Paul may be that person, but...
So Mr. Obama, Ms. Clinton and Mr. McCain what will it be?
A stand for the animals or lost votes?
I already wrote to George asking him to please TRY and make a difference before he leaves office, considering his Scottie could have been a puppy mill baby too.
Please don't allow the suffering to continue.
MAN HAS CREATED THESE PROBLEMS AND WE NEED YOU, TO HELP MAKE THE IMPACT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF!

"The Godly are concerned with the welfare of their animals."

"A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel."

Gratefully Yours,
S Creacy

cabowabome007
Posted by cabowabome007
1 year ago
What a wonderful idea. I have often wondered where they stand on animal cruelty, animal homelessness, animal shelters, euthanasia, ect. They never speak about animal welfare issues or how they intend to change things concerning animals. It would be great to if they actually listened, heard, and then spoke to make everyone more aware. I am a pet lover fanatic and I VOTE!

Jackie P.
Posted by Jackie P. (Spikette)
1 year ago
What a great idea...I DO wonder what the candidates think about the poor abused and neglected animals. I wonder if they even give the animals a thought. I would love to hear the questions posed to all the candidates and what their comments would be, and how they plan to address this horrid situation.

LisaJP
Posted by LisaJP
1 year ago
i would LOVE to know if any of these 3 nominees have any compassion or feelings at all towards the millions of homeless and abandoned pets across our country..
the sadness is so easy to see and overcrowding at shelters will only continue unless someone uses their power in a compassionate way to HELP!!! PUT AN END TO PUPPY MILLS !!! ADOPT AND SAVE A PET!

JudyLM
Posted by JudyLM
1 year ago
Even if these candidates did make a statement on the plight of animals in shelters--I can't help but believe that each one is only going to say those words that they believe will get them votes--I don't believe anyone of them to be sincere in anything they say or do!! Once they get in office--they basically forget their promises--This is the one election that I feel there is no viable candidate running for president!

Rose H.
Posted by Rose H. (RosieH)
1 year ago
There certainly needs to be more awareness of the multitude of animals that are euthanized each year & to the deplorable conditions in puppy mills. Pet Lovers voices need to be heard. Action needs to be taken. There must be a solution to all the animal cruelty that is so prevelent in the U.S. It is time for our leaders to join in the fight against animal cruelty by providing money for shelters and stricter laws to punish the guilty.

Mary G.
Posted by Mary G. (Norton)
1 year ago
As a taxpayer, a registered consistent and savvy voter and a person who loves and respects all living things, I am shocked and amazed that in the richest country in the world more than nine million animals are euthanized every single sad year. The reasons for this mass extermination of mostly companion animals are manifest--folks who do not spay or neuter their pets, the deplorable existence of puppy mills which are in turn kept in existence because of pet stores, people's failure to obtain a new furry family member from shelters or sanctuaries or rescue groups, AND the desperate conditions of so many of America's animal shelters!

In every city, every state across this country myriad small and unknown animal shelters try every day to do the very best they can under debilitating and sometimes desperate conditions. They are overcrowded, under staffed, often run down if not down right dilapidated and ALWAYS in need of funds. And the mournful fact of the matter is that when a shelter runs out of room it creates more room by "putting down" perfectly healthy and eminently adoptable animals.

It seems to me that in a country where literally billions of our tax dollars is spent on a questionable war, where millions more are squandered on social programs that do not work, where farmers are subsidized by our government for not growing food, where oil companies are still given money incentives, where we bail out failing financial institutions and huge companies, where special interest groups rule the day, and the list of waste and deceptions goes on an on, that our government (both local and particularly federal) could find a way to step in and help not only bail out but bolster our ailing animal shelters.

This state of affairs simply cannot continue.

While it is not the only issue of concern to me, the candidate for President who proves themselves to be a friend to animals is the candidate that I will look most closely at, simply because it says something about their heart and their character.

Kimberly G.
Posted by Kimberly G. (KimAG)
1 year ago
Excellent comments. Hope they somehow get the message!

Amanda  G.
Posted by Amanda G. (Amandaag)
1 year ago
I would be very interested to see what the candidates have to say about our pet population problems. If this were children in need the problems would have already been addressed. For many pet owners, myself included these pets are our children. I personally can't stand to see all the homeless pets and the ones that are mistreated. What the candidates have to say about these issues could very easily sway my vote one way or another!

Nalalove143
Posted by Nalalove143
1 year ago

I think this is a great idea. More people need to be educated and realize how many animal shelters need attention. 9 million needless deaths is totally unnecessary. If we more people were aware of the situations going on in the shelters then something could be done to prevent this. I am all for the candidate that is willing to take a stand on this issue.

Cyn041
Posted by Cyn041
1 year ago
Finally someone needs to take this serious. I am an animal lover and hate the fact this goes on all the unwanted animals. This is a serious matter. I hope we get some attention. I hate hearing of all the animals that get put down. This shouldnt be happening if people are more educated and so on.

Debbie F.
Posted by Debbie F. (Miniac1)
1 year ago
I do volunteer fundraising for our local shelter and I also volunteer doing collie (purebred) rescue. It never ceases to amaze me that our government doesn't see the correlation between child abuse and animal abuse. And that it isn't in our education system to teach our children that animals are life long commitements, not disposable items that you drop by the side of the road when you get tired of them. Now with the housing market in such a state, there are even more animals in shelters as homes are foreclosed on. I don't want to hear that animals aren't important. I want to hear what the candidates are doing to help.

I'M A DOG OWNER AND I VOTE!!!!

Owen Y.
Posted by Owen Y. (yoyoyango123)
1 year ago
Definitely! This is such a good idea. If these big representatives can make a point, then many more will follow.

Maria  S.
Posted by Maria S. (doggie85)
1 year ago
I think it would be great for a candidate to address this subject. It is not very common, but it is very important. I think it would tell alot about the personality of the candidate and what they are willing to do on a "smaller subject". Overall, it would shed some light on who will make a better president and who will listen to our ideas and suppport them.

tfilly
Posted by tfilly
1 year ago
I am a veterinary technician and whole heartedly feel that we need to help the millions of pets that are needlessly euthanized each year. The shelters and breed rescues are overflowing with animals in need. Please pay attention to this sad dillema. Please help these poor animals. So many are put down due to lack of space and supplies, yet disgraceful puppy mills pop up everywhere. Only adding to the mass number of pets that end up in shelters.
Please help us find a solution.
LT in WI

waponswa
Posted by waponswa
1 year ago
It would be great to hear from politicians on the issue of animal welfare. I don't think that I have ever heard any candidate approach this topic, which affects everyone regardless. We are al responsible for the way in which we treat animals or allow them to be treated.

lucky0513
Posted by lucky0513
1 year ago
I have not had much faith or trust in our government in the past due to the total lack of concern about the enviroment,global warming and animals.As far as our officials are concerned these issues are not all that important to them to do anything about,let alone speak out or enact any new laws concerning these issues.I for one would be very interested in supporting these people if they took these issues seriously and realized just how many people care about what happens to our earth and the creatures that live here.Not only are too many animals euthanized every year but there are serious problems with animal abuse,animal experiments cruelly done in the name of business,puppy mills and many other animal issues that need to be addressed and changes that need to be made.Someone in power needs to step up and become the voice of the people that truly care about not just what happens to our own pets at home,but all animals small and large that cannot speak for themselves.Won't someone please show that they have a heart and truly care for these beautiful,innocent creatures that are in need of so much help?

SadieCrawfish
Posted by SadieCrawfish
1 year ago
"A human being is a part of the whole called by us 'Universe', a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole nature in its beauty". -Albert Einstein-

"For that which befalleth the sons of man befalleth the beast..... We are all of one breath.....Man hath not pre-eminence above the beast".
-Ecclesiastics, III, 19 -

beechgrl122
Posted by beechgrl122
1 year ago
I would love to hear about the politicians' beliefs on animal welfare and shelters. I hope that they realize that the stances they take trickle down and adds up to a huge impact on animals, people and cities throughout the country.

Animals can't speak for themselves -- they us to do it for them.

Katie M.
Posted by Katie M. (katiemanion)
1 year ago
I have been a shelter volunteer for 3 years, and beleive animal (and human) welfare agencies are severly underfunded by our tax dollars. The country's increased interest in animal welfare is not going to go away- only get mor prevelant! Please be proactive and fund more social services, especially animal shelters!

sassylilpunk
Posted by sassylilpunk
1 year ago
I definitely agree that this issue needs to be addressed by the candidates. I would really like to hear what they have to say about it and it would be interesting to see who would be willing to stand up for animals in need. Lets make this happen!

LeslieRoe
Posted by LeslieRoe
1 year ago
I agree that this should absolutely be addressed! I like to think that shows illustrating the horrible way many animals are treated makes people realize just how ignorant some are, but imagine what it would do to have it be implemented as part of a presidential campaign. I would love to hear what they have to say about the way the nation's kill shelters are run.

gump
Posted by gump
1 year ago
It is imperative that our next president represent our animals and their rights.
Enough is enough on the mistreatment of our very beloved best friends.
the punishment for the owners of these creatures is a slap on the wrist...
When they do this to an animal be rest assured this cruelty is passed on to
children. In the Year 2008, why can't something be done NOW
Yours truly Eileen Irizarry

Maarit L.
Posted by Maarit L. (mleppala)
1 year ago
I volunteer for a shelter and know what kind of a situation a lot of unwanted pets are. If the shelter does not have the room, the animals will be euthanized even though they could make pets for someone else. The shelters need more resources in educating people, caring for the animals, etc.

john k.
Posted by john k. (catboy613)
1 year ago
I agree they need to step up and help the shelters in the U.S. not for man but for the animals!!!

-Catboy613

Jenny C.
Posted by Jenny C. (jennyculver)
1 year ago
I desperately would like to hear what Barack and Hillary have to say about animals, pet shelters, humane societies, etc. We need solutions to this consistent problem of spaying/neutering animals conveniently and affordably.

Sonia L.
Posted by Sonia L. (salinge)
1 year ago
Far too many pets have already been euthanized in our shelters. The candidates have all been saying that our country needs a change. What kind of change do they have planned for all our animals in shelters across the nation? Our country needs a leader that will save them from dying and give funding to the shelters so they can better care for and find homes for the animals they care for.

juliequiltsalot
Posted by juliequiltsalot
1 year ago
Our local animal shelter is in terrible shape and they are always in need of food for the animals as well as health care. The building is in need of repair and upgrade. Why can't we help these animals with government funds?
Julie Stewart

Chelsea J.
Posted by Chelsea J. (Cassiphia)
1 year ago
I think that this is a wonderful idea and we definately need to make sure that our canidates are well informed. If one of them start to take an interest then I will know for sure which one I'm voting on. They need to be aware of the difficulties facing animals in America.

I wa watching the news on how a Aquarium in Chicago, if I am not mistaken, gets millions of dollars of ear marks from the government. They profit millions already and the highest up just got a raise. He earns 600, 000 + a year. what is that all about? We have homeless pets, homeless people etc. And this guy and this aquarium gets millions. I don't think this is right. OK I heard in the news we are getting a new shelter in Laredo. I wonder how is it going to run and who is going to administrate it properly? Take a look @ our current shelter. I rest my case. If the government can administrate millions to a aquarium surely they can administer some to our homeless pets. And yes fix our pets and poor people who want to own pets. It all goes hand in hand. I will see what I can do on my end. With this economy supposedly crashing who is going to give donations to our shelters and who will carry the burden.

Christine M.
Posted by Christine M. (cdm325)
1 year ago
Hilary Clinton, you asked for my support and I gave you my vote. Now I ask for your support and please use your political powers to help pet shelters and the animals.

Katatonichaos
Posted by Katatonichaos
1 year ago
The idea that to most political figures, animals aren't an issue worthy of attention is beyond my capacity to understand. If they can't address even a issue as simple as funding for non-kill shelters and rescue orginizations... then how can they ever hope to address the issues that threaten america's people. Especially the elderly. Animals and the elderly have quite a few things in common. Such as the fact that very few elderly can actually feed themsleves, clean up after they get sick, or use the bathroom without assistance and supervision. There are alot, like animals that need medication and treatments to survive... but with animals... it seems it is easier to just give them a shot and make the problem go away. If we continue to let the government do this... you can be promised that the elderly and sickly of america will be next. This is a serious issue that is a gate way to other massive "more important" (as the government calls them) issues of today. What will the candidates do? And how will they address this so called "minor concern"? And will it reflect their true colors on the major ones? I think we all know the answers to that.

lilpaws
Posted by lilpaws
1 year ago
I have not yet commited to any candidate, but could be very much influenced by hearing each of their views on pets. Shelter over-crowding, puppy mills (let us not forget catteries!), lack of spay/neuter, etc., these are but symptoms of how our society considers those that we call pets simply another disposable item. In this "throw-away" world, we are teaching our children that things, living or not, can just be tossed out when we tire of them. I am for the candidate willing to fund not only shelters, but education so that these living, breathing, feeling, and loving creatures are no longer viewed as owned items but as members of the family. Please Mr. McCain, Mr. Obama, and Mrs. Clinton, let us hear your voice in these matters. Let the nation know that you care!

Betty D.
Posted by Betty D. (Broncomom)
1 year ago
I encourage the presidential candidates to work for and on the issue of pet-overpopulation, puppy mills, shelters and rescues. Our nation is considered progressive and humane, however when it comes to animals in our care, many are far from humane. We must help shelters who must rely on donations to exist. People cause pet overpopulation and run puppymills. Therefore this is a public problem. As the wise Ghandi stated: A nation is judged on how they treat their animals. I will only vote for a candidate who is compassionate and acts to help animals.

lesliechang
Posted by lesliechang
1 year ago
I would like to urge all politicians to stand up for all the animals in our shelters. It is a shame how many animals are needlessly put to death. We owe it to them to take care of them. The craziness needs to stop.

Jessica J.
Posted by Jessica J. (dipe128)
1 year ago
With all the attention towards issues like the economy, the "war" in Iraq, etc., its easy for the politicians to overlook issues they may consider to be smaller such as animal shelter conditions. It is vital for our nation's leaders to address these issues because they are important to so many Americans, as we are a companion animal country. The unnecessary euthanization of animals is completely unacceptable. The politicians, legislators, lawmakers, etc. hold so much power in terms of funds and legislation. Please, I emplore you, do all you can to make animals, and especially animal shelters, a priority.

Cindy N.
Posted by Cindy N. (cindylunew)
1 year ago
As a Hillary Clinton supporter, I would urge the Senator as a Presidential hopefull, to consider the problem of some of the difficulties experienced by animal shelters. People love pets, even those who cannot truly afford to keep them as well as they should. Spaying and neutering cost are difficult to find when gas is $3.60+/gal and home heating fuel is even more outrageous. God put man on earth to tend to it's fields, waters, sky and animals. Please make it easier to do so. Thank you for listening, Cindy Newman/PA

Teresa C.
Posted by Teresa C. (IResQK9sNKy)
1 year ago
I think it would be wonderful if our political candidates could take a stand for the homeless, abandoned and abused animals in this country. If they could put out the word on spay/neuters and help raise funds for free clinics for these services, SO many lives could be saved! No shelter wants to euthanize the animals in their care ... but they're simply forced to due to lack of space and lack of suitable homes. Our political candidates could bring a lot of publicity to the plight of shelter animals, and it really could make a difference.

Azar A.
Posted by Azar A. (aattura)
1 year ago
The Greatness of a nation is known by the way it treats its animals.

But how many people know that and REALLY understand that!!!??
And although movie stars and rock stars DO in some cases speak out for the Animals (look at Oprah!! God bless her!), the LEADERS' voices in these matters are VERY CRITICALLY NEEDED !!

Let's hear you speak FOR aimal welfare and responsible pet ownership and the CRITICAL need for Spay Neuter, Obama!! Let's hear you too Hillary-- not only now but AFTER the elections TOO!!!!

Let's keep spreading the message!

Gooblatz
Posted by Gooblatz
1 year ago
You claim to be a candidate for the People ...... Most of whom have pets .... yet millions are euthanized in Shelters every year! What is your opinion and solution to this very serious problem?

jackk1927
Posted by jackk1927
1 year ago
i know there are economy ,war in iraq and health care issues but the need for better laws and help for the animal shelters in this country is always ignored by our poiticians
many dogs and cats need financial aide. how to our candidates address this issue.

Eugenia22
Posted by Eugenia22
1 year ago
My vote depends on how the candidates feel about animals. Its about time someone stands up for the animals. Animals cannot speak for themselves and cannot defend themselves either. We must make our voices heard.Everyone is so concerned with all the other issues that people tend to forget about all the animal issues in the world. We need to stop breeders until all animals in shelters have been adopted! Puppy mills must stop! Shelters need more media attention so people can adopt instead of buy an animal.Something must be done!

eileen510
Posted by eileen510
1 year ago
Americans are the most generous people in the world. We need to apply that generosity to the animals that we were put on the planet to protect and take care of. Animals deserve to live free from abuse and neglect. If all pet lovers band together and say with one voice that we won't allow animals in this country to be mistreated, how can we be ignored? This country's animal shelters desperately need help to allow all animals in their care to be treated with the compassion and respect that all of God's creatures deserve. I would whole-heartedly support representatives who make America's unwanted shelter animals a priority.

Nicole F.
Posted by Nicole F. (RahmsMom)
1 year ago
This is a huge issue that needs to be addressed! if a candidate talks about this issue and shows his or her support, they will gain my attention an my vote!

Julz3613
Posted by Julz3613
1 year ago
I think it would be great if we could get the presidential candidates to help shelters. They just said in the Pittsburgh news how many shelters are over full because of the high prices of gas and grocery. With everyones support, maybe we can get the senators to help out the less fortunate pets in our country. We must speak out for them since they cannot!

Kathy G.
Posted by Kathy G. (kathydmg1)
1 year ago
I have worked at vet clinics and now I work at Pet Cremation Services. We pick up from shelters and yes there are a lot of failing shelters and it's so sad how many pets we pick up that had to be euthanized. The shelters don't have enough space, money, supplies, etc. I think the big problem is spaying and neutering and puppy mills!! There needs to be more funds that help the vet's spay/neuter at a very low cost or no cost in some cases. Puppy mills should be shut down no questions asked. You look in the paper and how can one place have 50 different breeds of dogs??? Can you say "Puppy Mill"!!! I also think there needs to be more of a punishment for animal cruelty.

Karin J.
Posted by Karin J. (Chakar)
1 year ago
How we treat the least of us -- "lower order" animals -- is an indication of how we will treat all. I wonder if those politicians running for office have considered this fact or if they keep pets for appearance alone, rather than for companionship and the unconditional love they give us.

jodiharmon76
Posted by jodiharmon76
1 year ago
I've thought about this before....if I knew how politicians treated their animals or just animals in general, it would largely make a lot of my decisions for me. I have recently read stories about two different former presidential hopefuls that had treated animals inhumanely. One let his son get away with torturing a dog and one strapped his dog to the roof of his car in an open, wire crate for a long journey. Incidents like that would immediately form my opinion basically on whether that candidate was a decent human being. And guess what, if they don't pass that test for me, I would never, ever vote for them!

MyAngelPanya
Posted by MyAngelPanya
1 year ago
I really wish a candidate would step up and help with showing support for the local animal shelters. Whomever does will get my vote! It is an issue that is near and dear to me, it will show they have compassion and can be a trusted leader!

Hairibe
Posted by Hairibe
1 year ago
Please, Senators Clinton, Obama, & McCain. This is a crisis of epic proportions! And it happens right here in America everyday. We are becoming hardened to the desperate conditions some of the least of these have to endure everyday. Please use your strength. power. & influence to do what needs to be done to insure that America is a place we can be proud of, and Americans are people who care and are willing to work together to insure humane treatment for the precious animals among us. Thank you.
Cassie Shepherd

Samantha R.
Posted by Samantha R. (Samantha8526)
1 year ago
Animals are helpless and are completely at the mercy of irresponsible people. There need to be more effective and forceful rules for those that are cruel and irresponsible towards animals. No one should be allowed to own an animal without getting it neutered or spayed and puppy mills need to be outlawed.

samadellagirl
Posted by samadellagirl
1 year ago
OMG that article is SO TRUE!!!!! No one really treats animals like hwo they should be treated: like people. If politicians can spring for some new blankets, food, or even an extension to an animal shelter, there would be so many less stays!!!!

Brenda J.
Posted by Brenda J. (bjchiqui)
1 year ago
Dear Senatros Clinton,Obama and McCain:
I am writing to you on behalf of all these lives that don't have voices. They need our help, we need to stop killing and give these innocent creatures a chance! We need more free clinics to help those who cannot afford to spay and neuter or need a hand with medication when their pets get sick. We need more money to help with the overcrowded kennels we currently have and stop killing these innocent victims. There is no love more loyal or devoted than that of our pets. They all deserve so much better than we are currently providing. Please help....these are the "citizens" of our country without a voice.

Marcie B.
Posted by Marcie B. (Duffster)
1 year ago
Overpopulation needs to stop and the way to do that is through education and more funding. If more pet owners spayed/neutered their animals alot of needless suffering would end. Non-profit animal shelters need ALOT more assistance. There needs to be ALOT more free spay/neuter clinics also. Our government needs to step up and see how serious this situation really is. Its not going to go away and seems to be getting worse. Please help this come to an end.

dgdg5150
Posted by dgdg5150
1 year ago
Well, for starters, I have to comment on the last entry I just read by Pamela W. If you were a true animal lover, you would not have KILLED your cats just because you adopted 2 girls that were allergic! There are other ways around that. My cats are considered part of my family, and that would never be an option! As for the problem in this Country and around the world, this is going to sound horrible, but its how I feel, we spend so much time worrying about the children in Africa and other parts of the world that its ridiculous. People can speak up for themselves, animals can not. If you can't afford to have children then don't spread your legs. I think we should spend more time and money educating people and prosecuting those that abuse and neglect animals. Thats where the new President comes in. Something needs to be done about the worsening overpopulation problem than just turning a blind eye or putting them down. Lets get new laws in place that protect homeless animals and throws the book at those that neglect and or abuse animals!

DeAndra
Posted by DeAndra
1 year ago
We need to do something about the state of our domestic animals immediately!! It would be such a refreshing change to have a political candidate that actually addressed this issue, rather than treating it like a non-issue. As a volunteer that works with homeless pets, it breaks my heart the way so many healthy animals are destroyed just because there are no homes for them. And it is even more disparaging to think that this problem would be null if people would just practice responsible pet ownership. Perhaps that in this next presidential candidacy, we will see a positive change.....

jewelsunlimited
Posted by jewelsunlimited
1 year ago
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
-- Mohandas Gandhi


Ashley B.
Posted by Ashley B. (Sugarbear3191)
1 year ago
I really want all of these candidates to support animal shelters. This is one of the most important issues to me, and if I know that someone is trying their very hardest to stop the euthanizing of animals, and make more shelter space, then they will have all of my support. PLEASE HELP THE ANIMALS.

Debbie J.
Posted by Debbie J. (wyoairedale1)
1 year ago
I have been having a discussion along these lines w/other rescue friends. Especially Obama supporters. His girls want a dog if they move into the White House. What a great example it would be for the new President to adopt a rescue or shelter dog. This would also be a good campaign issue and bring rescue folks to consider a truly compassionate and responsible leader for a change. I couldn't recommend Clintons getting any dog, since two of theirs have been killed by cars. McCain is a dog lover and has many other pets as well.

twilarife
Posted by twilarife
1 year ago
Ok, Senators... where do you stand concerning pets? Should more money be spent on educating pet owners and providing free clinics to help pet owners better care for their pets. Should more money be allocated for our pets or would you prefer they just die?

tamliscum
Posted by tamliscum
1 year ago
I am from New York State and the biggest issue we face is enforcement of the laws. Our representatives are willing to put the laws on the books but then there never seems to be any funding for enforcement. This is a huge problem. Sure, you can go around telling someone what they are doing is against the law but then they get to court and get a slap on the wrist or never end up going to court. All representatives from the President to the Village Trustees need to stand behind these laws and enforce them whether they are neglect/abuse laws, spay/neuter laws, puppy mill laws, breeder licensing laws, etc. Show me the money to enforce these laws and you'll have a constituent supporting you in office for as long as the law allows you to stay there!!!!

umalum03
Posted by umalum03
1 year ago
In this country many people with pets consider them to be an important part of their families. As such, they're treated with the same love and care that children receive. If we don't tolerate the mistreatment and neglect of children and others who cannot stand up for themselves, how could we stand by and allow innocent animals to experience abuse? I fully support the cause of the animal shelters and the fight to improve conditions within. Our precious pets deserve the best possible lives.

Jody S.
Posted by Jody S. (Aisling003)
1 year ago
The most compassionate candidate with a better quality of life in mind for all Americans (including It's animals) will be the one that does help institute stricter laws for animal abusers INCLUDING those who run puppy mills! More federal funding for rescues and non-profits that typically operate solely on the generosity of it's community with very little funds to give to it's residents too!

onefroggyone
Posted by onefroggyone
1 year ago
Many of our animal shelters are in extremely poor conditions simply because of lack of support from all levels of government. While I don't advocate big government I would like to see some financial assistance to help hire people to enforce the laws of animal control so that our shelters are not so overrun with animals no one wants. Not only do we have an over abundance of animals who run free they are not vaccinated and many carry diseases that can be serious for humans as well. Let's get behind this and try to fix this problem and save not only animals but also humans who are hurt by strays.

anesth3sia
Posted by anesth3sia
1 year ago
Dear Senetors- Something needs to be done about the euthanization rate of our shelters. If not you, the canidates, then who, can and will help them? This, for me, could be a deciding factor in who gets my vote. Animal rights are both important and mostly ignored. Please announce plans to help stop this devestating trend.

ann15410
Posted by ann15410
1 year ago
I would love to know what Obama, Clinton and McCain's view on protecting our animals will be, surely they're not worried about the American people.....I mean Obama hates America....what would other countries do to him....we need help for the poor animals that have owners that need to be locked away instead of the animals Animal breeders should have to sign papers stating no more than 2 or 3 litters and then have the parents neutered.

Stacie  B.
Posted by Stacie B. (Stac65)
1 year ago
Wow I am so happy someone else finally sees this my way. This semester I wrote an essay about this same topic. My teacher was so thrilled with the topic he took a copy to spread the word! If any one of them stands up for this then they have my vote.

Jill
Posted by Jill (jilly7722)
1 year ago
We need to ALL rally together to help the animals in our country. I urge the next president (my vote is going to Clinton--yea, PA!) to take the condition of many of our shelters into consideration and DO something to help! It is not right that so many defenseless animals are euthanized per year, and something drastic needs to be changed! Our animals need a voice, too!!! Please help them!!!

Rhian112
Posted by Rhian112
1 year ago
Shelters are way too often put on the back burner yet thousands of lives are put at their hands! It is ime the government make these lives more of a priority as these are living animals and they suffer just as humans do!! Time for change

Shauna B.
Posted by Shauna B. (shauna2207)
1 year ago
I totally agree we can not forget about the animals that are euthanized every year. Also lets not forget about all the animals that are abused or neglected on a daily basis. We need to educate people before they get an animal and I think you should have to have a license to won a pet. you have to have a license to get married...and owning a pet is a lifetime commitment. Let's get them to change some of the laws to make animal cruelty a more serious offense. And provide federal funding to help with the care of these animals. We need to proctect all the animals not just those that are on the endangered species list!!

Just my thoughts,
Shauna B.
Texas

Rhian112
Posted by Rhian112
1 year ago
Great idea a licenses to own a pet!!! I LOVE IT YOU ARE SOOO RIGHT IT IS A LIFETIME COMMITTMENT THAT MANY DON'T TAKE SERIOUSLY AND THIS CONTRIBUTES TO THE UNWANTED POOR SOULS THAT ARE KILLED OR FORCED TO LEAD GRUELING LIVES.

Dog spelled backwards is God. So if you really believe you know he is watching all yours actions to help the ones who can't help themselves.

RuthBurdette
Posted by RuthBurdette
1 year ago
Animals are like our children, they love us unconditionally. If humans were more like animals we would'nt have hatred and wars. Shelters need supported and animal abusers destroyed.

chula7
Posted by chula7
1 year ago
I'd like to challenge the political candidates to institute stiffer laws that would hold people accountable for animal ubuse/cruelty. I challenge them to institute a law that would consider animals living and breathing beings, not property. Send people who fight dogs and abuse them to jail for life or a mimimum of 10 years and watch how fast these common practices become extinct. Maybe it is a fantasy but I wish this could be. But more realistically, I'd like to challenge them to allocate at least 3-5 % of federal/state taxes to help animal shelters nationwide. Please people, wish with me.

ACashel
Posted by ACashel
1 year ago
Make sure that whomever you vote for - in all elections - at all levels - knows that you vote FOR ANIMALS and that you vote! And that you will not vote for them unless they are committed to tougher crimes, penalties an enforcement of animal neglect and cruelty. Mandatory spaying and neutering would also help eliminate the needless suffering of animals. So may of you have put this more elequently than I can and I agree with all of your comments as well. Let's finally put an end to animal suffering together ! Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was no longer a need for animal shelters?

Tiffany R.
Posted by Tiffany R. (tiff17cu)
1 year ago
Definitely a necessity in America. Nowhere near enough is being done about this,and it is reaching epidemic proportions... please- since you will be in a position to do something about this- DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LinnAnn50
Posted by LinnAnn50
1 year ago
Dear Senatros Clinton,Obama and McCain:
I am writing on behalf of all the animals that sit waiting for their fate to be decided by how much money can be given to help with the overcrowded kennels and how so many are being senselessly and needlessly killed because the information and availability to spay and neuter our pet population is NOT THERE. We need more free clinics to help those who cannot afford to spay and neuter. We need more money to help with the overcrowed kennels we currently have and stop killing these innocent victims. There is no love more loyal or devoted than that of our pets. They all deserve so much better than we are currently providing. Please help....these are the "citizens" of our country without a voice.

Amanda K.
Posted by Amanda K. (WillowXRevenge)
1 year ago
I think it'd about time politicians start actually doing something about problems like these here in America. There is simply no need for nine million animals to die each year.

alleycat9
Posted by alleycat9
1 year ago
Yes, more should be done to assist America's animal shelters and public education on animal welfare. This past week, nearly a month after the Easter holiday, our local shelter received more than two dozen rabbit surrenders!

One way to have a greater impact in the community is among kids. For example, to have a day at school where Animal Control Officers or local Animal Shelter representative comes to the school to give a class on Animal Care & Cost, the importance of Spay/Neuter programs, along with Pet Education (Truth & Myths). Many towns have Animal Control facilities, but simply cannot handle the demand for their services. As a result, animals end up abandoned, and possibly euthanized. There could be incentives for shelters to attain certain goals.

With the housing foreclosure crisis, more and more animals are surrendered or abandoned every week, at a rate greater than normal. This leads to overwhelming shelter demands and costs. These animals include many pure-bred dogs and cats.

Please check your local shelter. Consider adopting before buying. A spayed or neutered cat or dog is a happier and healthier animal.


Kathleen D.
Posted by Kathleen D. (sugarmam49)
1 year ago
what a crying shame, millions and millions spent on campaigning, and ball players and a tunnel to no where, when such a small portion could be spent on concerns of the pet population. our shelter is crammed into a small piece of pittsburgh with no grass or yard to even walk the pets. HILLARY, OBAMA, AND MCCAIN spend some of those many dollars on our wonderful pets

alma b.
Posted by alma b. (almab)
1 year ago
It is time for the needs of millions of helpless pets to be addressed by the government. We need strong commitment and funding for NO KILL shelters. It is criminal the number of lives that are taken yearly at shelters. This is an important issue that needs strong support by a strong candidate.

April
Posted by April (aprilrainreilly)
1 year ago
I'm proud to speak up for those who can't speak for themselves. I fully support this fight for better conditions in animal shelters. Granted, there are issues that could be argued to be of greater importance, but that doesn't mean others should be completely over looked. I'll definitely be helping to spread the word.

kaa1076
Posted by kaa1076
1 year ago
It would be great if more people would speak for the animals who can't speak for themselves.

In this world of desperate pleas for donations for people in africa. asia etc. it goes on and on the one word I can get out to nominees is spay, spay, spay. Our countless animals that are put down in the millions every year is needless. If you Hillary, Obama, or McCain can show some support to our shelters that are failing, falling apart and help the many animals with monetary support we may vote for one of you. I would be willing to not vote to show how important this is in our country.

Kylebr
Posted by Kylebr
1 year ago
The country needs help in monitoring animals on the earth. Too many people abuse them. Don't you think animals have feeling? Don't you think they have pain when they are hungry. Don't you think they have pain when they have no love? THINK ABOUT IT!!

S H.
Posted by S H. (luvhuskies2)
1 year ago
if you want to punish someone go after all the illegal immigrants, and use the revenue saved to help shelters care for homeless and abused pets. it is my opinion they should have more rights then the immingrants who are stealing from us hard working tax payers.