Some good news on the New Jersey legislative front...Both houses of legislature have approved Bill S 979, requiring only the signature of the present Governor to make it into law. S 979 requires manufacturers to add an aversive agent to antifreeze products, making anti-freeze unpalatable to both children and animals. Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May, Atlantic and Cumberland is credited for shepherding this bill into law. Ethylene glycol is used in antifreeze but its sweet smell makes it attractive to both children and animals resulting in the poisoning of approximately 1400 children and 10,000 animals each year. Those are large numbers, indeed, and I am glad that there was no serious bipartisan squabbling in the state congress over this bill. I have heard from people who have actually tasted antifreeze, and they described it as being similar in taste as Gatorade. We have one of those rare occassions when a particular bill benefits both children and animals. The HSUS, HSLF, the Consumer Specialty Products Association and Honeywell International supported this bill.
Because I belong to an group of animal welfare advocates in the Philippines, I can read the numerous discussions between group members and people who, seems to me, just signed up to make an urgent plea for help. There were two this week who begged for assistance concerning two dogs who were tied up under rain and sun with no food nor water. One was described to be on the verge of a heat stroke. The images that filled my mind disturbed me immensely, but I am also encouraged at the same time. There is a growing number of animal welfare advocates in the Philippines and ordinary citizens are beginning to reject animal cruelty, willing to take personal action against it. Just from this website, I can see from the visitor data that many are seeking information on how to report animal cruelty in the Philippines. You can find my previous post on the subject HERE . Keep in mind that your complaint has legal standing via the Philippine Animal Welfare Act which is also known as the RA 8485 .
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