Laws for Paws e-Newsletter
NOVEMBER 2021
ANNOUNCING...
THE 2022 FACE OF THE ALLIANCE
We are so excited to announce our new Face of the Alliance, Cece!

Cece's mom tells us that Cece was pulled by Tenth Life Cat Rescue from a high-kill, rural animal control where she was living in horribly overcrowded conditions. She had severe eye infections, which resulted in both eyes being removed. However, she is amazingly resilient and very able despite her blindness! She lives in a home with other cats and a dog and is able to navigate well. She has never missed her litter box, which is in the basement and she loves lap time with her humans. Finding a sunny spot or napping on her heating pad is also a favorite pastime. She’s a happy girl. 

Be sure to check out the runners up here!

We are so grateful to everyone who nominated a companion animal or voted in this fun contest. Every dollar raised will go towards protecting the animals in Missouri and beyond from abuse and neglect. We couldn't do it without you.
ALLIANCE SYMPOSIUM EDUCATES PROFESSIONALS ON THE "LINK"
On October 29th the Alliance held its first symposium in its 31 year history, hosted by the incredible Humane Society of Missouri. The symposium focused on the link between animal, child, and elder abuse, as well as domestic violence. The audience consisted of attendees from around Missouri and included social workers, animal control officers, probation and parole officers, juvenile officers, therapists, attorneys, domestic violence workers, and many more from humane and human services.
State Representative Collins and Alyssa Cline speaking at our Safer Together symposium.
The Alliance is preparing to introduce a "cross-reporting" bill during the 2022 legislative session. Such legislation would require certain animal welfare professionals to report suspected child abuse. It would also create, for the first time, a list of professionals who are required to report suspected animal abuse. Currently, no one in the state of Missouri is mandated to report animal abuse. We plan to change that. This legislation would also require that professionals working in child and elder welfare be trained on the link between the abuse of vulnerable people and animals. Additionally, it would change the definition of mental abuse towards children to include being exposed to animal abuse.

As evidenced by their evaluations, the professionals who attended the seminar benefitted from it enormously. Some of the feedback we received:
  • "Thank you so much- this was a great training! I have been in the child abuse & neglect field for nearly 30 years and have never had a training pertaining to animal welfare. I would be interested if there are any future trainings on animal welfare."
  • "The link between child, elder, and animal abuse is very eye-opening."
  • "The possibility that a child in foster care may try to harm the family pet helps us to prepare new foster parents to be aware to have a plan in place to provide safety for all."
  • "I train mandated reporters of suspected child abuse. I will start to mention the correlation between the two."
  • "I will be able to better understand the possible signs of abuse and how to report them."

We will keep you updated on our legislative efforts to protect the animals as bill pre-filing and the legislative session begin in the coming weeks.
VOICE FOR THE ANIMALS
WILL YOU BE A VOICE FOR THE ANIMALS IN JEFFERSON CITY?  
The Missouri Legislature will be coming back into session soon and once again the Alliance will be the prominent voice for the animals at our state capitol. Please help us maintain our advocacy efforts on behalf of the animals and consider being a Voice for the Animals for a day or possibly a week! You can choose a week or a day that has special meaning for you or your animals.

The work of the Alliance is needed now more than ever to protect the animals in Missouri.
Book Signing Benefitting the Alliance

Saturday, December 11, 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Webster Groves Public Library
301 E. Lockwood Avenue
Webster Groves, MO 63119

“Slaughtered along our highways, roadkill may be observed regularly, but aren’t likely to be given much thought,” according to Don Corrigan in his new book, American Roadkill. Corrigan explains, however, that research scientists, animal rights activists, roadkill artists, writers, ethicists, and lyricists are increasingly sounding the alarm. The growing concern about roadkill prompted Corrigan to write American Roadkill which points out that “we are killing the very animals we love and are driving many of them to the brink of extinction.” Corrigan is Editor Emeritus for the Webster-Kirkwood Times and Professor Emeritus of Journalism at Webster University.

Apparently, legislators are listening to Corrigan and other animal advocates. Congress included in the recently passed infrastructure bill, $350 million for a new grant program to help wildlife navigate existing road infrastructures via overpasses, underpasses, and fencing.  

The book retails at $35 but Alliance supporters can receive a signed copy of American Roadkill for a discounted price of $30 on December 11, from 2:00 – 3:30 PM at the Webster Groves Public Library.

The sale of the book will also financially benefit the Alliance and our advocacy work on behalf of the animals.
Please Join Don Corrigan and the Alliance on Saturday, December 11, and learn more about AMERICAN ROADKILL and have an opportunity to purchase a signed copy at a discount while benefiting the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation.
Remember the Alliance in Your Estate Planning
Leaving money to the Alliance through your will or trust is a profound way to create a legacy of compassion and ensure positive change for animals. An even easier way is to name the Alliance as the beneficiary of an IRA or other retirement plan. In any event, we are grateful to be considered as a beneficiary of your overall estate plans. Want to learn more? Email us!
HELPING ANIMALS!

If you find yourself in a situation where you question the treatment of an animal, or the conditions, or maybe you're wondering about helping wildlife or assisting in a rescue, or you have witnessed something that needs to be reported - go to our website because chances are you will find a number and/or a link that can help address it.
A Great Way to Support the Alliance
With so many people shopping online these days, you can now support the Alliance each time you make a purchase on Amazon. Click here or on the icon. Once you've identified "Missouri Alliance for Animals" as your charitable organization of choice, a portion of your purchase will be donated by Amazon to the Alliance each time you shop on Amazon! What a great way to contribute!