Despite widespread criticism, the Utah House of Representatives voted to pass much of the so-called "feral cat bill," which would make it legal to shoot any animal without being charged with cruelty if the shooter "has a reasonable belief" that the animal is feral or if he or she considers the animal a pest.

The legislation is not limited only to cats—dogs, birds, rats, mice, and other animals all could be shot. The bill has now moved on to the Utah Senate, and if it is signed into law, it will launch an open season on feral cats and dogs, abandoned animals, lost companions, and wildlife. If you live in Utah, find your state senator by typing your address in the box here and politely urge him or her to vigorously oppose House Bill 210 and the cruelty to animals that the legislation would allow if passed.

Written by Michelle Sherrow

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Ranchers in South Dakota are asking state legislators to approve a bill that, if passed, would allow residents to chase down coyotes using snowmobiles.

Coyotes are loyal, sensitive wild animals, and, to them, the noise of marauding snowmobiles is terrifying. They are then chased to the point of exhaustion and shot. Many wind up being run over by the vehicles and are badly injured. Killing them can also backfire. Surviving pack members will breed in order to replace lost family members, and more animals will move in from outlying areas to use available resources.

Sadly, after hearing from supporters of the bill, the South Dakota Senate actually passed it. Now the bill is headed to the House of Representatives. Please e-mail the South Dakota House of Representatives and urge it to oppose cruel coyote killings by voting "No" on SB 55.

Written by Michelle Sherrow

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Just three months after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down as "overly broad" a law intended to ban the distribution of videos depicting illegal cruelty to animals, a new bill aimed at stopping these vile videos has passed the House of Representatives in a landslide.

This bill, called the Prevention of Interstate Commerce in Animal Crush Videos Act, would outlaw "obscene" depictions of acts that violate cruelty-to-animals laws, such as "crush" videos—in which women kill puppies, kittens, and rabbits by stomping on them with their bare feet or in high heels. "These videos have no redeeming value and clearly fall outside the realm of protected speech," says Rep. James P. Moran, D-Va., one of the sponsors of the bill. "Not only are they viciously inhumane to the animals involved, but they also teach behavior that can lead to other violent crimes against animals and humans." Thank you, Rep. Moran!

Please get everyone you know, today, to urge their senators to do the right thing and approve this bill.

Written by Lindsay Pollard-Post