Sunshine Mills Recalls Branded Dog Biscuits

Georgia Immediate Call to Action 3-20-06: Contact Your Legislators About SB 229, Animal Fighting and SB 510, Stream Buffers
 
Vote "YES" for SB 229, Animal Fighting/Baiting Act; dogfighting; provisions;
punishment. The current version of this bill bans all animal fighting as
passed by the Senate.  Insist this legislation CONTINUE to ban ALL animal fighting. Cockfighting is already a felony in Georgia according to case law. Language should be clear so both citizens and law enforcement will know when something is illegal. SB 229 would allow stronger punishment for people fighting animals, spectators, trainers, etc. Lawful hunting practices are not affected. (Please select http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2005_06//versions/sb229_As_passed_Senate_6.htm to track this legislation.)
 
Vote "NO" on SB 510, Natural Resources; river corridors; minimum
standards/procedures for protection. This bill reduces stream buffer protections. SB 510 is not as destructive as when first introduced, but it still allows development close to streams. Ask that our buffers be fully protected.  Stream buffers naturally improve water quality, reduce erosion and pollution, provide habitat and protection in times of disasters. This bill would not allow local governments to protect stream buffers that protect property value and water quality. It is especially destructive now in the shadow of Hurricane Katrina, since it is widely known that if natural buffers had been intact, there would have been much less destruction.
(Please select
http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2005_06//versions/sb510_As_passed_Senate_5.htm to track this legislation.)
 
HAGA urges you to contact your Georgia State Representatives now. The Georgia Legislature will only be in session a few more days. No one knows exactly when the session will end, but it is expected to end in March. These bills passed the Senate and are now in the House and may be brought up in committee at any time. It is not as important to know exactly where these bills are in the process as it is to contact YOUR Representative and let them know how you want them to vote and that you are a CONSTITUENT. A constituent means you live in his/her district and you will be voting in the elections in November. Legislators know what to do and when to do it. There is considerable discussion at the Capitol about numerous emails making it difficult to find communications from
constituents. Truly, legislators want to hear from their own constituents.
 
Please use your own words; short and to the point is best. Most offices will
be polling callers, emails, faxes and letters on whether you are for or
against an issue. You may not be given time for much discussion, especially on controversial bills.
 
Important information: To find your elected officials by entering your five or
nine-digit zip code in the left column 
http://www.vote-smart.org/index.phtml or by calling your county voter
registration office. Contact us if you need help.

Georgia Alert 1-24-06:  You are invited to the Georgia Environmental Council (GEC) Legislative Reception on 1-25-06 at 6:30
 
Join us at the Interface Showroom (the first building to receive LEED
Platinum certification for commercial interior design). Governor Sonny Perdue and other notable leaders will be on hand to make remarks and to show their support for the environment. Georgia Environmental Council will announce the GEC legislator of the year.
 
It's the time of year to get together and show support and appreciation for
all the work being done by Georgia's legislature to keep Georgia green. What better place to host our reception, and recognize the efforts to protect Georgia's air, land and water, than the Interface Showroom? Its a perfect example of what can be achieved by striving for aesthetic and environmental excellence. For more information visit the Georgia Environmental Council's website at: www.GECweb.org
 
Host: Georgia Environmental Council
Cost: $15 per person
Location: Interface Showroom, 75 Fifth Street NW Suite 110, Atlanta, GA
When: Wednesday, January 25, 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Parking: Centergy Building parking deck is free after 7pm, or use the NORTH STREET MARTA station.
Directions: http://www.artswithoutborders.org/documents/MAPTOSHOWROOM.pdf
Refreshments provided courtesy of Whole Foods Market, Sweetwater Brewery, and Tiger Mountain Vineyards.

Georgia Alert 1-23-06: The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Humane Association of Georgia (HAGA) Invite You to Two Free Events in Georgia on February 8 and 9, 2006

What: Lobby 101 Seminar
When: Wednesday, February 8, 2006, 6:30-8:30PM
Where: Room 123, Georgia State Capitol, 1 Capitol Square. Atlanta GA  30334

Basic "lobby" techniques for citizen advocates will be taught and a list of
animal-related bills being considered will be distributed and discussed.  You, along with your neighbors, friends and relatives, have the power to help enact laws to improve animal protection and make a tremendous difference for animals in Georgia.

Senator Robert Brown (D), Minority Leader, from Macon, Georgia will start theprogram with an introduction by Dr. Lee Myers, Georgia State Veterinarian.  Senator Brown and Dr. Myers provided leadership for the Animal Protection Act of 2000 and the Dog and Cat License Plate.


What:  Animal Protection Legislative Workday
When:  Thursday, February 9, 2006, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Where:  Room 123, Georgia State Capitol, 1 Capitol Square, Atlanta GA  30334

This hands-on workshop is to assist residents of Georgia feel comfortable
speaking and/or meeting on animal protection issues with your state senator and representative.

You should call your senator and representative ahead of time to schedule any appointments.  Legislators appreciate knowing you will be visiting and
alerting them makes your visit more important.  Appointments are not necessary.  If legislators are in session, it is expected for you to invite them out of chambers to talk to you.  Legislators welcome these visits since few "constituents" visit them at the capitol.

HSUS staff and HAGA volunteers will be in Room 123 with information and to assist you.  If you are more comfortable watching someone else lobby or having someone "lobby" with you, that will be easily arranged until you feel comfortable.

An RSVP is not essential but requested.  Please RSVP to Kelley Dupps at (202) 955-3678 or kdupps@hsus.org.  There is no charge.