Gov. Hickenlooper signs bill improving lives of abused animals | Pets

With the power of his pen, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed into law a bill that makes Colorado much safer for abused and neglected animals.

House Bill 1125—supported by the Dumb Friends League and the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies—is a historic milestone for Colorado’s abused animals. It will minimize stress on seized animals by getting them into adoptive homes faster and streamline the impound process while reducing expenses for cities, counties and humane societies.

“This bill will have a huge and positive impact on the welfare of animals in Colorado, meaning they will no longer wait for lengthy periods of time in legal limbo at the expense of animal care and control agencies,” said Bob Rohde, president and CEO of the Dumb Friends League. “HB-1125 is a win-win for everyone.”

The bill was sponsored by two dedicated legislators—Rep. Robert Ramirez (R-Westminster) and Sen. Pat Steadman (D-Denver)—who recognized its importance. On March 20, the Colorado Senate passed HB-1125 by a unanimous and bipartisan vote of 34-0. The House of Representatives concurred with the bill and sent HB-1125 to Gov. Hickenlooper's desk for his signature with a vote of 60-3.

“This bill is unique because of the amount of bipartisan support in both chambers and from both sides of the aisle,” said Emily Stone, public affairs manager at the Dumb Friends League. “It proves that when it comes to animals, the people of Colorado care about protecting them.”

The bill will become law Sept. 1, 2012. For more information and to read the bill in its entirety, visit ddfl.org/advocate.

About the Dumb Friends League

Founded in 1910, the Dumb Friends League is the largest community-based animal welfare organization in the Rocky Mountain region, helping pets and people in the Denver metro area and beyond. In 2012, the League expanded the scope of its services to include providing shelter, care and hope for abused and neglected equines in Colorado. The Dumb Friends League has shelters at 2080 S. Quebec St. in Denver and the Buddy Center at 4556 Castleton Court in Castle Rock, as well as the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center near Franktown. For more information, visit ddfl.org or call (303) 751-5772.

Press Release