QUILTS, CRITTERS AND CONGRESS (MAKING ANIMAL CRUELTY A FEDERAL CRIME?)

PM EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30, 2019 [PetPowellPress] I feel the need to apologize. At some point Wednesday morning I thought, “Good grief, I miss August.” So, my apologies to anyone who isn’t missing the searing heat of a Texas summer. I also thought, “Wouldn’t a good quilt be nice….”

And don’t miss Contemplations — making animal cruelty a federal crime will need the voices of the voters.
AN APPROPIATE
QUILT FUNDRAISER
We’ve frequently quoted Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com about efforts to help animals. It’s her mission.
And, as it turns out, a barkleyworld.com supporter known as “Elaine” has made these quilts to help raise money for 501C3 Barkleworld’s mission. (It is this: “Helping families in need of catastrophic vet care for their pet is the heart and soul of Barkleyworld.  We know many pets are surrendered to shelters or euthanized due to lack of finances for vet services.  We are all about keeping families and pets 2-gether.”)
Elaine has once again organized a “Quilt Raffle” to benefit Barkleyworld. The drawing is on November 2, so you can buy tickets from the moment you read this through the last minute of Nov. 1 at midnight.
 According to the raffle rules, the winner gets to pick from either the Fall Theme (Autumn Leaves) or the Christmas Quilt (red and green). They’re shown on a queen-size bed. The Christmas quilt is 78-by-89 inches and the fall quilt is 75-by88 inches.
Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 — go to www.barkleyworld.com and click on the Donate tab or buy via PayPal at [email protected] (type “quilt raffle” in the comments and be sure to include your name and phone number so you can be notified.
Take some time to visit Barkleyworld’s facebook page HERE so you can see the good work being done for animals.
ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE
IN THE SMALL SHELTERS…
At midweek, the folks with 4-Legged Helpers continued to work on the behalf of animals who are almost never visited by potential adoptors.
The latest note from Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden says Lancaster’s city shelter is at the “full” state. There are many animals there. We’re using these photos of Rusty, listed as a “Flat-coated retriever.” No idea why he’s in the shelter, but he is and that means first you get him out then you give him a home, then you contemplate how you were fortunate enough to adopt him. Call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
Then, in the Wilmer/Hutchins shelters east of Lancaster along I-20 and I-45, Laura reports, there are more animals without a bit of help except the 4-Legged Helpers trying to draw attention to their adoptability.
The dog’s we’re spotlighting are Kiely, a new-to-arrive Chocolate Lab, who is “sweet as can be.”
Still waiting are Noah, the Bulldog Mix, who looks so sad but “loves everyone including other dogs.” And Blue is the third dog. There are more. Call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email her at [email protected] to ask how you can help get them out of a “jail” that nobody visits.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ANIMAL CRUELTY — A FEDERAL CRIME?
We opened an email from Shelby Bobosky of the Texas Humane Legislation Network and found an appeal for help with making animal cruelty a federal crime — it is, after all, a national issue. 
The opening passage read, “The U.S. House has passed an important bill to protect animals and now it’s the Senate’s turn! Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz need to hear from you.”
Yep, “impeachment” and “the Fed cutting rates” aren’t the only national topics in Washington, D.C. 

[LARRY ASIDE: Go to thln.org to see how to become a member and increase the power of your voice on behalf of animals.]

The note with Shelby’s appeal reads, “The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT) Act, S. 479, will make it a federal crime to commit malicious cruelty to an animal on federal property or in interstate commerce.  THLN applauds the U.S. House’s passage of the companion bill, H.R. 724 last week. If this bill passes in the Senate and becomes law, it will serve as an important tool for law enforcement to target abusers who crush, burn, drown, suffocate, impale animals and commit other bodily injury toward any non-humans.
“Texas’ animal cruelty statue was strengthened in the 2017 legislative session. The PACT Act will complement Texas’ tough animal cruelty law when crimes are committed on federal property or across state lines.  Passage of this Act is an important step in keeping our communities safe on a national level.
“Animal cruelty is a community issue. Data shows that if you improve animal welfare, you improve public safety for everyone.”

There you have it. Click on the artwork to make it grow. This campaign for animals is something to contemplate and the THLN has provided the numbers of the two guys you need to call when you’re done contemplatin’. Be nice. Ask for their support. Get in touch with THLN for "talking points."  [LARRY FYI: My cat, The Senator, endorses the PACT Act. He's fed up with animal cruelty and the people who commit it. If you don't have a cat or dog, you can still be against animal cruelty. It's a stand for decent behavior on Planet Earth.]
— Offer support or opinions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing [email protected]. —-