The article below appeared in the "Closer View" a publication of the Dumb Friends League. 

Animal protection law signed at Furry Scurry

By Mary Beth Searles, Major Gifts Officer, Dumb Friends League

May 5 was a great day for animals. And not just because the 14th annual Furry Scurry was a huge success. It was also a great day because, at a special start-line ceremony moments before the race, Gov. Bill Ritter signed into law HB07-1235, a bill that strengthens the protection of animals in many ways.

“It’s a good bill to protect animals,” said the governor, “and we thought that the Furry Scurry was the perfect place to sign it.”

Provisions of the new law highlight the ability to include pets in domestic violence and other protective orders and allow for genetic testing of convicted animal abusers.“It really puts perpetrators who commit offenses against animals on the same level as those who commit offenses against people,” said Gov. Ritter before signing the bill. The governor, who is a former Denver district attorney, noted that the link between people abusing animals and later abusing people “is very well established.” Rep. Debbie Stafford (R-Aurora) first introduced the new law back in February. “I’m an animal lover, and I’m also a domestic violence counselor,” said Rep. Stafford, “so I have a real understanding of the connection between animal abuse and people abuse.”Sen. Ken Gordon (D-Denver), who joined the governor and Rep. Stafford at the signing, was the bill’s Senate sponsor. Between the introduction in February and passage in May, just one day before the Furry Scurry, legislators in both the Senate and House debated and refined the bill. During this time, League Public Affairs Manager Emily Stone, President Bob Rohde and Martha Smith, who chairs the Legislative Alliance of the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Administrators, made several trips to the capitol to support the bill. Two professional lobbyists donated their time to work in favor of the bill. Together, Edie Busam of Aponté & Busam and Jessica Morgan of Berry Kirscht LLC talked to all 100 senators and representatives about the benefits of HB07-1235. Their pro bono efforts should be applauded.

HB07-1235 becomes part of the Colorado Revised Statutes on July 1. That will be another great day for Colorado animals.

• HB07-1235 at a glance
• Adds animals to the definition of “domestic violence” and expressly allows them to be included as “protected property” in restraining orders against abusers
• Removes a requirement that veterinarians and peace officers obtain a court order before euthanizing an impounded or forfeited animal that is severely injured, disabled or diseased
• Provides for mandatory genetic testing of individuals convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals
• Makes it a petty offense to own a dangerous dog that damages the property of another
• Expands the laws protecting livestock to additional species, including burros, llamas and alpacas.