FOBA at MA Humane Lobby Day

On Tuesday, March 18, members of the Friends of Beverly Animals (FOBA) Heidi Roberts, President, and Bonnie Hannable attended the MA Humane Lobby Day at the State House in Boston. This annual event is sponsored by the ASPCA, MSPCA, HSUS and other animal protection groups. Over 200 activists attended this year's conference, at which pending legislation on humane treatment of animals was discussed. Among the numerous speakers was Senate President Therese Murray.  Following the speeches, attendees met with their legislators to discuss the bills under consideration and ask for their representatives' support. Examples of these bills are Increasing Penalties for Animal Abuse, Protecting Puppies and Kittens (with regard to underage sales, puppy mills, etc.), Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty, An Act Relating to the Treatment of Circus Elephants, Protecting Abandoned Animals on Vacant Properties, An Act to Ensure Adequate Care of Animals in Cities and Towns, plus others.

We want to thank Senator Lovely and Angel Donahue-Rodriguez for taking time from their busy schedules to meet with us.

Attached are photos from the event. In the small group photo:  Heidi Roberts, Beverly; Deborah Shafer, Salem; Bonnie Hannable, Beverly, Senator Joan Lovely; Jessica Dickard, Salem; Susan Rich, Danvers. The Beverly FOBA members also met with Representative Jerry Parisella's legislative aide, Angel Donahue-Rodriguez, since Representative Parisella was away on Army Reserve duty.