Why YOU are Needed

Last revised 20 August 2006

California is one of the most progressive states in the country. It has a history of strong legislation to enforce the humane treatment of animals. But many attempts to protect animals fail because animal advocates fail to understand or participate in activities that would guarantee their success. If every animal advocate participates in every election, we could protect every animal in California.

How to Participate

Become a regular voter! How?

Know who to vote for in every election! How?
Visit the ALANPAC website.

Notify your elected representative when important bills are going through the legislature! How?

They were bills that all became law in California because animal friendly legislators wrote them and pushed then through the legislative process.

But many good bills die because we do not have enough voices in our legislature that care about animals. Have you ever worked to insure that an animal friendly decision maker was elected?

Since 1994 the Animal Legislative Action Network (ALAN) has implored animal people to help animal friendly candidates get elected. Every year we have succeed in electing a few more humane candidates but every year term limits sends a few others home. Important animal-friendly bills sometimes don't survive. Why? Because very few of you have ever helped us elect the right voices.

Furthermore, at any time, several important animal-related bills are in the tortuous legislative pipeline. If they fail, will it be because you were not there to help? Will it be your reluctance to step out of your “comfort zone” and take part in the political process? Will we lose more bills trying to protect animals from cruel practices because only the voices of those who profit from their misery will be heard?

Many of you work every day of the year to help animals, many times because of the lack of laws to protect them. Doesn’t it make more sense to take the small extra time to help, when animal-freindly bills or candidates need your support? California is a model for the rest of the country. The impact can be huge, but not if you are unwilling to do what is necessary.

Remember, the founding fathers designed this country as a participatory democracy. That ideal fails when you are too lazy to take part. To work to elect your voice in government is what it means to be an American.