Fighting for the well-being of animals at our state capital.

On May 23rd, animal advocates from across California gathered in the capital to urge legislators to vote for bills to protect animals.

As a member of the Marin Humane Advocacy Committee, our group did just that, alongside other incredible animal organizations like the Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA, SFSPCA and CalAnimals.

We gathered in a church and were presented with facts about each of the four bills going to vote. Then we marched over to lobby with assembly members and state senators to present our arguments. Each representative was eager to listen and take notes and we were grateful for the time they spent with us to hear our stories and data.

AB1399 would allow vets to provide telemedicine, making medical appointments more accessible, especially for those who live in remote areas.

AB1215 would provide grants to homeless and domestic violence shelters to prevent people from being turned away only to sleep in their cars or on the street.

AB781 would require cities and counties to designate at least one emergency shelter to assist people and their pets and keep them together during stressful times.

And finally, AB357 would require companies to use alternative methods to animal testing whenever possible, resulting in less animal suffering and modernizing archaic, outdated practices.

All in all, it was educational and inspiring and it was just great to spend time with other fellow animal advocates like Marin Humane's CEO Nancy McKenney, Marketing Director Lisa Bloch and our Marin Humane Advocacy Chair Brian Cooley.

There's nothing like fighting for what you believe in with like-minded, compassionate and just all-around superb human beings. Please contact your elected officials to urge them to vote for the well-being of animals and people!