My Internet name here is Allergywoman. A little over twenty years ago, when I was twenty-one years old, I decided to become a roommate to a couple who happened to be in an abusive relationship with each other. (I found that fact out later.) When the husband beat the wife in front of me, one of the first things I thought about was the safety of my pet bird, a cockatiel, who was on my shoulder with me.
Now, I was very, very lucky. My family immediately believed me, a very generous, kind-hearted personal friend opened her home to me and my pet, and I actually managed to find my own new place to stay within a few weeks of moving out on an emergency basis. I haven't heard from the abuser in many years, and I have largely recovered from my PTSD.
But there are numerous people who aren't so fortunate. That's why I was pleased when the Humane Society let me know Congress has legislation pending, S. 322 and H.R. 909, the Pets and Women's Safety Act (PAWS Act) that would help people like me get out of abusive situations with their pets. The companion bills have seventeen co-sponsors in the Senate and 230 in the House. I live in Illinois, and my Senator, Tammy Duckworth, is a co-sponsor in the Senate.
This may well be a great opportunity for a bipartisan measure that would greatly improve the lives of some of the least fortunate people in our society. No elected official I know of wants to stand up for domestic violence or harm to animals. I myself know the uncertainty and world-shattering impact of this kind of trauma, and would like to have my experience translated into help for others in my past situation. Please consider standing up and advocating for this bill, and for me.
Care2 has an easy petition here: www.thepetitionsite.com/…
You can see if your Senator/Representative already supports the PAWS Act here: Senate www.congress.gov/…
House: www.congress.gov/…
Calling Congress? Switchboard here: (202) 224-3121
I know we have a lot of issues flooding us and that deserve our attention. I would appreciate you spending even two minutes to sign a petition. Thank you.