Friday, November 4, 2011

Animal Rescue Act filed to Save Lives and Taxpayer Dollars


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | November 3, 2011
Contact: Cheryl Ennis | (850) 487-5078 | ennis.cheryl.s21@flsenate.gov

Bennett Files Animal Rescue Act to Save Lives, Taxpayer Dollars
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Combining compassion and business sense, Senator Mike Bennett, RBradenton,filed a bill today aimed at saving taxpayer dollars along with the lives of Florida’s fourlegged friends. Filing the Florida Animal Rescue Act, Senate Bill 818, Bennett explained that by sending animals to non-profit animal rescue organizations instead of killing them, costs are transferred from taxpayers to private organizations, and the burden on publicly funded shelters is reduced. Costs previously used for killing animals can then be focused on revenue-boosting adoptions.

“Florida has an opportunity to join other states setting a nationwide example by passing a bill that could
save thousands of animals and help direct dollars toward other important initiatives,” said Bennett.
“When we are not using dollars to care for, kill and dispose of animals, there is an immediate cost
savings to local governments.”

Calling it both a compassionate and smart decision, Bennett added that killing animals takes an
incredible toll on shelter staff members who often experience emotional trauma and exhaustion. This measure would spare them such a burden when animals have lifesaving options available.
 The Florida Animal Rescue Act also offers protections for the safety of both the public and animals, excluding dangerous dogs, irremediably suffering animals, and it would also exclude organizations affiliated with a volunteer, staff member, director or officer convicted of animal neglect, cruelty or dog fighting, suspending the organization while charges are pending.

For more details on this bill and other legislation moving through the process, visit www.flsenate.gov.

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