[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 27, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            APRIL IS PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS MONTH

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 1999

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 
Month. At this time each year, parents, teachers, and humane educators 
in small towns and large cities across America teach young people to 
take proper care of their family cats and dogs. They also teach them to 
spay and neuter their pets to prevent unwanted litters. The American 
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has for more than 130 
years taught us and our children these important lessons. Today, I ask 
the Congress to join with families, educators, veterinarians, and fine 
organizations such as the Prevent-a-Litter Coalition and the ASPCA, in 
urging the Postmaster General to issue a spay/neuter stamp so that this 
important message will appear on millions of pieces of mail in the year 
2000. Millions of stamps means millions of messages, which will save 
millions of lives.
  Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month is also a most appropriate 
time, Mr. Speaker, for all of us in the Congress to support pending 
legislation which will help alleviate pain, fear and suffering in 
animals. I urge my colleagues to support HR 443, The Downed Animal 
Protection Act, which would require the euthanization at stockyards, 
feedlots, and auctions, of farm animals such as cows, pigs and sheep, 
if they have been so badly injured or weakened they can no longer walk 
on their own. I also urge for HR 453, the Pet Safety and Protection 
Act, which would make it more difficulty for family pets to be stolen 
and illegally sold to research facilities. More and more of our 
constituents are writing and asking for improvements in the way animals 
are treated. Accordingly, supporting humane legislation is a wonderful 
opportunity for all of us to be responsive to the American public in a 
positive, bipartisan way.

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