SDCCA Invites Public To October Meetings

Oct. 5, 2009 - PRLog -- After two successful meetings of citizens interested in the addition of a felony animal cruelty to South Dakota state law, a small group has formed and plans to meet again. The South Dakota Coalition for Companion Animals will be coordinating efforts to research potential additions to existing statutes.

"After being asked, "who are you with?", enough times we felt the need to put a real name to what we are doing." says Jennifer McNamara of Sioux Falls.

"We are not an animal rights or rescue group. We are not associated with any local shelter or national special interest group. What ties us all together is our interest in animal and humane welfare issues, and we are South  Dakotans."

Although currently focusing on law changes, the group has future goals of community education and pet owner resources.

The public is invited to attend meetings on October 10th and 11th. The meetings will focus solely on efforts to encourage legislators to research and draft felony provisions for certain types of animal cruelty.

"What we are really focusing on here are acts of intentional, malicious, aggravated torture and cruelty. We aren't looking to target any type of commercial livestock production. What needs to be addressed is the rise in domestic animal violence." says McNamara.

Opposition to a bill proposed in 2009 came mostly from farmers and ranchers. The SDCCA members hope those concerns can be bridged through open communication.

"What both sides agree on, is that no one believes it's ok to hurt animals. The opposition has valid concerns about definitions that may be to broad. We hope to see their input in coming months that will eliminate those issues."

The Saturday, October 10th meeting will be held in Sioux Falls at the Whisk & Chop on Minnesota Ave. at 3:00pm.

The Sunday, October 11th meeting will be held in Madison at the Second Street Diner on Washington Ave. at 1:00pm.

These meetings are open to the public, and anyone who would like to learn more is encouraged to attend.

McNamara hopes to see others in across South Dakota take up the cause.

"There has been interest state wide in this topic. We've been contacted by folks in Watertown, Hot Springs, Rapid City, and more. Animals are an important part of the way of life in South Dakota. We need to show we respect, and protect what is important to us."

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South Dakota Coalition for Companion Animals was formed to give pet owners, and animal advocates a common place to work together to build a better community for the animals they love.