The Washington Humane Society was chartered by Congress in 1870 to enforce the animal cruelty laws of the District of Columbia. To that end we work with City Council to pass laws which help provide better protection for the animals of Washington, DC. Currently, a very important bill is under consideration by the Council (Number B17-89); it contains several provisions which would enable us to provide much better protection to the animals.

One section of B17-89 would help safeguard the citizens of DC against dangerous dogs. The language specifically allows for the city to require a dog owner whose dog has shown dangerous tendencies to comply with very specific conditions before an attack occurs. This “potentially” dangerous dog provision will create a proactive step to reduce the numbers of dog attacks in the city.

Another exciting provision would create a special fund which will help offset the costs associated with spaying or neutering pets. Through this provision, $2.00 from each pet license sold in DC would be allocated to a specific fund to help pet owners pay for sterilization services. The establishment of similar funds has significantly decreased animal overpopulation in other areas of the country, and we fully expect that such a fund will, over time, significantly reduce the numbers of animals that come into our shelter each year looking for new homes.

B17-89 also contains sections that would require a member of a child protective team to report suspected animal cruelty; animal cruelty investigators would, in turn, be required to report suspected child abuse as well. These two crimes go hand in hand and statistics prove that someone who is cruel to an animal is more likely to harm a child than someone with no history of cruelty to animals.

Finally, two very important provisions will strengthen the animal cruelty laws to make it a felony to be a spectator at an animal fight and prevent abusers from getting the victim animal back after they have been found guilty of cruelty charges.

Originally written in 2007, B17-89 has gone through several hearing phases and City Council committees. It has been modified based on public opinion as well as input from staff at the Washington Humane Society. Most recently, we worked with the offices of Councilmember Mary Cheh to draft amendments were subsequently introduced and accepted by the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary.

B17-89 will now go before the entire City Council for a vote and we urge you to contact your City Councilmember and encourage them to vote favorably on B17-89 as passed by the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary.

To find out how to contact your City Councilmember click here.

To find out who represents you on City Council click here.

If your City Council member serves on the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary please thank them for their support of WHS’ and Councilmember Cheh’s amendments. http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us