DDB: Tethering Ordinance IN: No Chained Dogs!

Lobbying for a Lifetime of Love

By Terri Rutter
President/Founder
Justice for Dogs, Inc.
http://www.justicefordogs.org

In 2005, I sat in the courthouse listening to the gruesome details of how Russ, a black and white pit bull, got tangled in his chain that was tied to a tree and froze to death. I knew I had to do something. I knew that somehow I had to honor his memory and others who had died like him, by helping assure this tragedy would not happen to another innocent dog.

That is when I founded Justice for Dogs (www.justicefordogs.org) and started on my journey to honor Russ.

Throughout the years, I have volunteered with various animal welfare organizations and have handled a range of responsibilities. I had always found myself drawn to the educational and legislative aspects of animal welfare; but, it took sitting in that courtroom to realize that I had to get very serious about pursuing anti-chaining advocacy through both lobbying and education. Lobbying, I thought, was a natural transition for me as I had already gained valuable animal advocacy experience and had already made some invaluable contacts with those involved in the animal welfare movement. At one of our local animal welfare meetings, I met Dogs Deserve Better founder Tamira Ci Thayne. Her keynote address further inspired me to take action. I also had made some contacts at the United States Humane Society (HSUS), having attending one of its “Lobbying 101” seminars and working with people from the government affairs and companion animal departments. I spent the next two years networking, furthering my education, and gaining additional lobbying experience.

In 2007, feeling prepared, I set my sights on the Maryland General Assembly and the passage of a state law regarding the tethering of dogs. After a tumultuous session, Maryland now had a law that, while watered down from the well-written, comprehensive bill originally offered, afforded some measure of protection for dogs. In 2008, I decided to pursue a local ordinance that offered more comprehensive protection for dogs locally. Again, working with those organizations I was familiar with, as well as a few new ones, I approached our local animal control director. Our county was very fortunate that he was not only on-board with this idea but also willing to work with us in drafting the language for the ordinance and presenting it to our Board of County Commissioners. After a few private meetings, a lot of waiting, lobbying and networking, and then a public meeting with our Board of County Commissioners, our county finally adopted an anti-chaining ordinance. The ordinance also addressed specific sheltering requirements such as the type of bedding, safe environment, size of enclosure, and standards of care. The feeling you get when all your effort pays off, knowing you are saving lives as well as helping make it easier for animal welfare workers, rescue groups, and others, is indescribable.

For those of you who want to work on legislation but are unsure of what you can do and what to expect, allow me to give you some insight:

Education 101

I cannot emphasize this one enough! Learn about lobbying; learn about your government; learn about the subject you are lobbying for; learn about the individuals you will be addressing.

Dogs Deserve Better’s website offers an abundance of information and the opportunity to gain so much insight through Tamira’s experiences.

HSUS offers a great seminar, “Lobbying 101,” and also offers on-line courses (http://www.hsus.org).
Unchain Your Dog (http://www.unchainyourdog.org/) is a great resource for lobbying and educational materials.

Find out the type of government in your area. All governments from towns to our federal government have a webpage where you can learn about them (see Schmoozing 101!)

“Schmoozing” 101

(also known as “Get to know your Government Officials”)

Getting to know your local and/or state officials is easier than you might think. Often times, it requires nothing more than a request for a meeting.

Local level– Learn what type of governing body you have and from that you can determine how to introduce bills/ordinances. (NOTE: Some forms of local governments are required by the charter to seek the state’s approval for certain local ordinances.)

State level– This is very similar to that of the local government just on a state level. If you already have a good relationship with a local official, ask them to introduce you to your state representative.
Federal level– This is where an organization like HSUS can be helpful. They have a wealth of information about who represents you, and they are also very successful in working with Congressional representatives.
Local animal welfare authority-This can differ from area to area. The local authority can be the police department, animal control office, S.P.C.A., or humane society. Most likely you will already know who they are. Oftentimes, if you are moving from rescue to lobbying, you will need to “mend some fences” with this authority. Swallow hard and try (not always doable and if not, don’t let that deter your efforts). If you are fortunate enough to have a good or even palatable relationship with this authority, work with them to combine efforts to introduce, support, testify, educate, and enforce ordinances that help animals.

“Networking” 101

Everyone you come in contact with is a potential supporter of the animal welfare cause; I mean everyone. I am constantly telling people about my non-profit, Justice for Dogs. You never know when or where you will meet someone who wants to join you in your efforts, make a donation, testify at a hearing, or introduce you to a person of importance to your cause. The possibilities are infinite, and networks are invaluable. Justice for Dogs has a database that allows us to reach out during the times that we have a bill in the works. It is very important that you never share your database, no matter how admirable the cause of those asking for it may be. It is not worth the risk of losing the trust of those who shared their personal information with you. I would instead, if appropriate to the animal welfare cause, offer to send your supporters information directly.

Also, working with other animal welfare organizations will help your cause. I truly believe that our county would not have been successful in passing its ordinance without the collaboration of all those interested in helping animals. Dogs Deserve Better posted information about the ordinance on its website and referred us to Unchain Your Dog who then provided us with documented research to present at the hearing. HSUS worked with us by helping to draft the ordinance’s language, having an expert speak with our animal control director, and also providing testimony at the Board hearing. They were also instrumental in gaining support by getting the word out to its members. Several local organizations worked hard to rally people to make telephone calls and attend the hearing. So, as I said, everyone you meet could be a potential supporter, which is why networking is so important.

Getting over your Fears

You want me to do what? Speak in front of a group of people, well I would rather die. FACT: You may want to die in this situation, BUT DOGS ARE DYING. My first testimony was horrible. I did all the wrong things, but I didn’t die. I learned, and today, even though I still panic and am not the poised speaker I would like to be, I speak gladly. Here are a few tips I have picked up along the way:

Be prepared. Know your audience and your subject.
Don’t be a know-it-all. If you aren’t sure, say so. Advise them you will follow up, and then do so. This produces a great opportunity to speak to the group again
Be polite.Even if it takes biting your lip.
Be concise. Politicians hear from a lot of people each day. Make your presentation short but memorable.
Don’t be radical.You may feel it, but displaying over-the-top emotion isn’t received well.
If you can, use visuals such as Power Point presentations, photographs, or physical items. Again, do not go over-the-top or you can be discredited.
Prepare and leave a package of information about the bill and also provide your contact information.

Patience, Patience, and more Patience

Although not a virtue I was blessed with, I have learned the fine art of when to push and when to be patient. It took five years to pass our state’s anti-cruelty bill and three years for our anti-tethering bill. It took eight years of networking and schooling to get an anti-tethering ordinance to be heard by our Board of County Commissioners. Our patience was rewarded, and dogs are now better protected. Last, but by no means least, remember these four things:

Success Only Comes Before Work in the Dictionary.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead (US anthropologist & popularize of anthropology (1901 -1978)).
Every step we take to lobby, to educate and inform, to rescue, to improve dogs’ lives, every step, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.
Russ and every dog like him can never be forgotten.