Outlawing Cruelty

By Anthony DiBernardo
PVPHS Class of ‘03

The Circus is Banned From Town

The city of Huntington Beach, Calif.'s, city council passed an ordinance prohibiting exotic and wild animals from performing for entertainment purposes in the city. It is the first city in Orange County and the 23rd city in the nation to pass such a law. The excitement of a three-ringed circus is overshadowed by the intense cruelty and abuse the animals endure. With other cities proposing similar ordinances, maybe the circus will get a wake-up call.

Two important legislative bills are on their way to becoming laws in New Jersey, thanks to the help of local animal lovers.

1. The Senate Agricultural Committee has passed S. 1478, a bill that will eliminate the cruel aspects of veal production. The bill will now be voted on by the full Senate and the Assembly Agriculture Committee.
   
   
2. The full Senate voted to support S. 592, a bill to create a list of animal control officers convicted of animal cruelty. This is an important step to prevent those who have harmed animals from being given the responsibility of protecting them.

Thank you to all New Jerseyans who have pushed these bills. To ensure that they are passed, tell your friends and let everyone in New Jersey contact their local senator.

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