Do you feel that dogs and cats should have a right to freedom from abuse and neglect? What about healthcare, exercise and nutritious food? If so, you might support the new Dog and Cat Bill of Rights being introduced in California. Animal rights advocates think the bill, which would implement fines to animal rescue and other animal organizations for not posting it in public spaces, would be helpful in protecting pets from abuse and neglect.
Others argue that humans don't even get a bill of rights to healthcare, and penalizing rescue operations for not having a sign up doesn't seem to be as effective a strategy. Perhaps ensuring pet owners have good-paying jobs, free healthcare themselves, and less stress from their own government might help them be better pet owners. Tidying up laws on puppy mills and breeders and investing in spaying and neutering catch and release programs is another good way to prevent abuse and neglect.
What do you think about this Bill of Rights? Will it be helpful to pets overall? Share your own thoughts about the bill in the chat.