Become an Advocate

 

ADVISORY

Aloha concerned advocates, 
 
We wanted to clear up some well-meaning, but inaccurate messaging being shared on social media.
 
House Bill 1735 and Senate Bill1537 have not been heard, the deadlines to do so have passed. Bills cannot move forward without going through the hearing process. HB363 died without a hearing last year. 
 
We have worked very hard to turn HB1736 Relating to Animal Control into a bill we can support. Its current version (HB1736, HD2):
  • Mandates the spay/neuter of cats already in Hawaiʻi and those being brought into the state with an exemption if a declaration of possessing an intact cat is filed with the county animal control agency or animal services contractor in the county where the cat owner resides.
  • Establishes a Spay and Neuter Special Fund that allows for multiple revenue streams including a voluntary tax check off for residents owed a state tax refund.
  • Allows the funds collected to be used by the counties for the spay/neuter of pet dogs and cats, as well as Free-Roaming cats being adopted into homes or placed in enclosed cat sanctuaries. 
 
While we would prefer that the funds could also be used to support trap-neuter-return-manage efforts, money for spay/neuter is a win and we are in support of this compromise. The bill does not, and never did, ban TNR.
 
To find out more about the bills we are tracking and learn how to participate, please sign up for our advocacy list:
 

 

At its heart, the Hawaiian Humane Society is an advocacy organization. This commitment is spelled out in our mission: to promote the human-animal bond and the humane treatment of all animals. We pursue this mission through high-quality animal care, low-fee and no-fee spay/neuter services, community education and outreach, law enforcement and campaigning for laws that protect animals and support a pet-friendly community. 

Many of the rules protecting animal welfare in Hawaiʻi are the result of advocacy by Hawaiian Humane and our indispensable army of community supporters. Recent successes include City & County funding for no-fee spay/neuter for Free-Roaming cats, mandating microchip identification for pet cats and dogs on Oʻahu, banning the importation of wild animals to the state for the purpose of performing in circuses or fairs and expediting the forfeiture of animals rescued from cruelty. 

We need advocates who are willing to write letters, draft testimony and support current animal welfare initiatives. Call 808-356-2217 or email Advocacy@HawaiianHumane.org to get involved.

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Become an Advocate