State Legislation:
Massachusetts: SB 1870 Protects Captive Elephants
Born Free USA Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If this bill passes, it will make it unlawful for a person who travels with elephants to engage in inhumane or abusive treatment toward them. Specifically, this bill prohibits the use of cruel training devices such as the bullhook (ankus) and chains.
Action: Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to support SB 1870.
Maine: LD 241 Expands the Hunting Season on Bears
Born Free USA Position: OPPOSE
Bill Description: If passed, this legislation would expand the hunting of bears by opening an additional hunting season in the spring.
Maryland: H 208 Requires Fur Garments Be Labeled as to Fur Origin
Born Free USA Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill would require that sellers of fur garments include a label disclosing the type of animal whose fur was used in the garment as well as the country of origin (if imported). Federal law requires that garments made entirely or partly with fur must have a label disclosing certain data; however, that law does not apply to fur trim or fur products that are sold for $150 or less. H. 208 would close that loophole in Maryland by applying to all fur garments, regardless of the price.
Action: Please contact your state Representative and urge him or her to support H 208.
Hawaii: HB 199 Bans Cruel Snares
Born Free USA Position: SUPPORT
Update: Unfortunately, this bill did not complete the legislative process this session. Please stay tuned for further developments.
Bill Description: If this bill passes, it would prohibit the use of snare traps (cable nooses) to capture or kill animals. This bill also addresses other practices, including the use of bait to hunt wildlife.
Action: Please contact your state Representative and urge him or her to support HB 199.
Oregon: SB 391 Bans the Private Possession of Dangerous Wild Animals
Born Free USA Position: SUPPORT
Update: Good news! This bill has passed the Senate, so please contact your state Representative in support.
Bill Description: If this bill passes, it will prohibit the future possession of certain wild and dangerous animals, including but not limited to wild cats, bears, primates, and bears.
Action: Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to support SB 391.
Oklahoma: HB 1464/SB 450 Initiates a Bear Hunting Season
Born Free USA Position: OPPOSE
Update: Sadly, this legislation has passed both the House and Senate and now is on the Governor’s desk. Please contact the Governor right away and urge him to veto this legislation.
Bill Description: If this bill passes, it would open a hunting season on black bears in Oklahoma.
Action: Please contact your state Representative and state Senator and urge them to oppose HB 1464/SB 450.
THANK YOU for your willingness to speak out for animal protection issues! Your voice has the power to help influence elected officials to improve the lives of countless animals. It’s time to get involved, if you are not already.
Please be aware that our State Legislative web pages do not necessarily list every animal protection bill pending in the various state legislatures. If you are aware of a bill in your state and it is not listed here, please let us know! We invite you to forward a newspaper article or other information that describes the bill so that we can research it. Please forward this information to:
Legislation
Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute
P.O. Box 22505
Sacramento, CA 95822
916-447-3070 fax
legislation@bornfreeusa.org
