North Dakotans for Responsible Animal Care is comprised of representatives from:
- Dakota Zoo
- Central Dakota Humane Society
- Humane Society Fargo-Moorhead
- North Dakota Farm Bureau
- North Dakota Farmers Union
- North Dakota Stockmen’s Association
- North Dakota Veterinary Medical Association
- North Dakota Board of Animal Health
- North Dakota Department of Agriculture
North Dakotans for Responsible Animal Care (NDRAC) is a diverse group of animal stakeholders, which is proposing new legislation that strengthens and clarifies the state’s humane treatment of animals law and offers a better, more comprehensive response to animal mistreatment FOR ALL ANIMALS versus the proposed ballot initiative.
The efforts of NDRAC are led by North Dakotans for North Dakotans and are inclusive of those responsible for the care and protection of all animals.
The proposed legislative solution clarifies and strengthens the humane treatment of animals law, which includes:
- Addressing animal abandonment, neglect and cruelty
- Offers an array of penalties to reflect the severity of each act – those who willfully cause serious injury or illness or death are guilty of a class C felony
- Providing clarity and guidance for those enforcing the law
To further clarify the differences between the two solutions, we would like you to note the following instances that North Dakota rescue organizations, like the Humane Society Fargo Moorhead, are faced with on a regular basis:
- Pets left outdoors during inclement weather without proper shelter or access to fresh water
- Dogs tethered outside for hours on end
- Pets abandoned by their owners through various means
- Untreated injuries/illnesses
- Emaciated dogs and cats
- Hoarders
- Puppy mills
However, the ballot initiative fails to provide protection to animals for the above stated types of abuse and neglect.
The proposed legislative solution by the NDRAC clarifies and strengthens the humane treatment of animals law. The proposed language is for North Dakotans, created by North Dakotans and is inclusive of those responsible for the care and protection of all animals. This group has been working together for more than two years to improve the humane treatment laws. Key things to note about the proposed legislative solution are:
- Protects all animals
- It is drafted by a diverse group of North Dakotans that work with animals on a daily basis
- It is relevant to what happens in North Dakota on a regular basis
- Addresses animal abandonment, neglect and cruelty
- Offers an array of penalties to reflect severity of the act – those who willfully cause serious injury or illness or death are guilty of a class C felony
- And provides clarity and guidance for those enforcing the law
We would like to emphasize that the legislative solution provides protection for ALL ANIMALS, and punishes anyone who willfully causes animal cruelty, neglect and abandonment with penalties, ranging from infractions to Class C felonies, that reflect the severity of the crime.
We suggest that you consider the following very carefully:
|
NDRAC Legislative Solution |
The Proposed Ballot Initiative |
|
Offers protection from cruelty, ranging from the most common forms of mistreatment to the most heinous of crimes, for ALL ANIMALS |
Provides protection to ONLY cats, dogs and horses from ONLY 13 counts of the most heinous of crimes, but does NOT offer any solution for the most commonly seen types of animal mistreatment |
|
Provides direction and is clarified for the law enforcement who have to implement the law |
Ties the hands of law enforcement when it comes to cruelty against any other type of animal because it does not protect any species besides dogs, cats and horses |
It is argued that a ballot initiative will be easier to pass. This is simply not true, because this initiative is solely at the mercy of the voter.
It is argued that it will be impossible to pass anything and work with the legislators. Contrary to popular belief, the legislators do hear the voices of their constituents. Make your wishes known to your elected officials that you want a stronger solution to animal cruelty that benefits ALL ANIMALS.
People of North Dakota, YOU have the power to make a difference in the lives of animals. Please do not waste it by voting for a ballot initiative that doesn’t provide protection from the most common types of mistreatment seen by animal shelters and does not provide protection to ALL species of animals.
Please educate yourself before you make a choice. NORTH DAKOTA’S ANIMALS ARE COUNTING ON YOU TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION ON THEIR BEHALF!
