Leo, a former victim of cruelty at the hands of NFL quarterback Michael Vick, was rehabilitated and went on to become a therapy dog; comforting cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. (photo courtesty of Marthina McClay, Director of Our Pack, Inc., California. Marthina rescued and adopted Leo)
Representative Spiros (R-Marshfield) introduced Assembly Bill 230, called "Leo's Bill" this session. Current Wisconsin law states that any animal, over one year of age, suspected of being involved in dog fighting must be put down. These dogs become double victims. They're victims of the cruelty they endured and they're victims of the system that will ultimately fail them.
Rep. Spiro's proposed legislation will change the law to allow animals to be adopted and rehabilitated if they do not pose a threat to humans or other animals.
"There are many examples of dogs who have been successfully rehabilitated, who have gone on to become loving pets and assets to their communities by becoming therapy dogs. This bill is not allowing dangerous animals to be released - but rather those who have shown they are no threat. It is allowing the best to be made out of a terrible situation," said Rep. Spiros.
Leo's Bill was named after one of the 51 dogs rescued from the Michael Vick dog fighting operation. Leo was taken into Our Pack, Inc. a pit bull rescue in California where he was rehabilitated and became a certified therapy dog. He was adopted by Our Pack, Inc. director, Marthina McClay, CPDT_KA. Leo and Marthina frequently visited hospitals, nursing homes and schools for troubled youth.
A public hearing was held for the Assembly version of Leo's Bill with no opposition being expressed. The bill has bipartisan support.
Senator Julie Lassa (D) and Senator Fred Risser (D) have introduced the Senate companion, SB191. Senator Carpenter (D) has also been added on as a coauthor.
The Senate bill has been read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Labor Committee, chaired by Senator Grothman (R). However, it hasn't been put on the schedule to be heard in committee yet. This needs to be done for the bill to advance.
We need YOUR help to contact Senator Grothman and politely ask him to make this bill a priority. Please email him as soon as possible at [email protected].
Wisconsin dogs are counting on you to help them!
Rep. Spiro's proposed legislation will change the law to allow animals to be adopted and rehabilitated if they do not pose a threat to humans or other animals.
"There are many examples of dogs who have been successfully rehabilitated, who have gone on to become loving pets and assets to their communities by becoming therapy dogs. This bill is not allowing dangerous animals to be released - but rather those who have shown they are no threat. It is allowing the best to be made out of a terrible situation," said Rep. Spiros.
Leo's Bill was named after one of the 51 dogs rescued from the Michael Vick dog fighting operation. Leo was taken into Our Pack, Inc. a pit bull rescue in California where he was rehabilitated and became a certified therapy dog. He was adopted by Our Pack, Inc. director, Marthina McClay, CPDT_KA. Leo and Marthina frequently visited hospitals, nursing homes and schools for troubled youth.
A public hearing was held for the Assembly version of Leo's Bill with no opposition being expressed. The bill has bipartisan support.
Senator Julie Lassa (D) and Senator Fred Risser (D) have introduced the Senate companion, SB191. Senator Carpenter (D) has also been added on as a coauthor.
The Senate bill has been read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Labor Committee, chaired by Senator Grothman (R). However, it hasn't been put on the schedule to be heard in committee yet. This needs to be done for the bill to advance.
We need YOUR help to contact Senator Grothman and politely ask him to make this bill a priority. Please email him as soon as possible at [email protected].
Wisconsin dogs are counting on you to help them!
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