Two bills are now before the Senate. One of them, the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, may have a very powerful effect on our ability to investigate equine abuse and neglect and may be voted on Monday, Nov. 13.

According to the legislative lawyers - "While the AETA contains an exemption for "lawful economic disruption that results from lawful public, governmental or business reaction to the disclosure of information about an animal enterprise," this exemption covers only those activities resulting in economic disruption, and not those resulting in economic damage. Moreover, the exemption does not specify the types of activities resulting in economic disruption that are exempted, and since it only covers lawful "reaction to the disclosure of information," it may not include activities such as whistle blowing and undercover investigations. "Proponents of the AETA claim that this legislation is necessary to stop the increasing illegal activities of "animal rights extremists." However, the AETA contains broad sweeping and ambiguous language that essentially classifies as “terrorism” many lawful and constitutionally protected activities directed by animal welfare advocates against animal enterprises that mistreat and abuse animals. AETA threatens to seriously impede the animal welfare movement by permitting the prosecution of advocates who damage or disrupt animal enterprises using peaceful and legal activities that are within the confines of existing law."

If this bill passes, it may prevent an investigation of any commercial operations by a nonprofit. That means all SPCA's and Humane Societies in the US will be restricted from an investigation into puppy mills, no matter how small. Cattle and horse feedlots may also be off limits.

S1915, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, will be brought to the floor of the Senate before the end of the year. This is the final move to pass this bill that will forever close the three equine slaughterhouses in
the US.

Call & Fax Representative Scott ALL Day!

Rep. Robert Scott (D-VA) is the leading Democrat on AETA. He's also the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary so assert your right to have a voice with him, even if you are from another district. Be the squeky (but respectful) wheel... if Rep. Scott withdraws his support, others will follow!

1201 Longworth House Office Building
(202) 225-8351 Phone
(202) 225-8354 Fax

Please read the alerts:

http://www.saplonline.org/Alerts/102506.htm

https://community.hsus.org/campaign/US_2006_horsecallinday_3?qp_source=gabatn