The Arizona Department of Agriculture has proposed drastic changes to the state's Agriculture Omnibus Bill that would severely the damage the efforts of animal advocates and rescuers to help equines in need. Deliberately ignoring the concerns of the horse rescue community, Ag Dept. officials have recommended language for SB 1168 that would:

- Cut the number of days the state holds seized horses by one half -- from 14 down to 7 days;

- Reduce punishments for animal abusers by handing out summons instead of citations; and

- Authorize the state to "humanely euthanize" horses without clearly defining this term. (While the state must indeed be allowed to humanely euthanize" horses under certain circumstances to prevent suffering, there needs to be a written record concerning how and when the state may "humanely euthanize.")

If these changes are approved, it will become much harder for horse rescuers to find new homes for needy animals and for authorities to bring animal abusers to justice, but much easier for the state to kill equines. It is urgent that Arizona animal advocates take a stand now by telling elected leaders to reject this ill-advised proposal.

Please Take Action to urge your state Representative to oppose the language changes to SB 1168, and see that they are completely stricken from the bill.

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