NE1: Animals are our Friends Act [Signed]

[Cincinnatus]

The Assembly will now consider the following legislation introduced by the Governor from CT.  Debate will last 72 hours.

Animals are our Friends Act

All public animal shelters in the Northeast region shall institute a no-kill policy for animals deemed to be adoptable after a temperament test, unless the animal is in irreversible chronic pain or terminally ill.

[Ѕenator Αverroës]

I intend to oppose this legislation. Cash-strapped municipalities need options to deal with overcrowding, and should be trusted to manage their animal shelters as compassionately as is practicable. Better to euthanize some animals than to force all of them to live in unhealthful conditions.

[Senator Napoleon]

I intend to oppose this legislation. Cash-strapped municipalities need options to deal with overcrowding, and should be trusted to manage their animal shelters as compassionately as is practicable. Better to euthanize some animals than to force all of them to live in unhealthful conditions.

There are other possibilities, not all of which would requiee public funds either. I think that paying a rather small price to keep safe and healthy animals alive until they find someone else to take care of them will keep the region's conscience clear.

[Ѕenator Αverroës]

I'm open to a compromise, but I will not support a bill that subjects local governments to an unfunded mandate.

[Governor Scott]

Perhaps we could give subsidies to these shelters and offer tax credits to families that adopt from them?

[LINCOLN REPUBLICAN]

The life of an animal is still a life, and should be treated with respect.

As much as is possible, the life of an animal should not be taken unless it is necessary, i.e. as stated is in pain or is ill, or, I would add, is a danger to human life.

[Senator Napoleon]

I propose this compromise:

All animal shelters in the Northeast region receiving funding from the regional government shall institute a no-kill policy for animals deemed to be adoptable after a temperament test, unless the animal is in irreversible chronic pain or terminally ill, or face termination of regional funding. Municipal governments are eligible to apply for reimbursement of any funds used to preserve the lives of adoptable animals.

[Cincinnatus]

The Sponsor has introduced and amendment, it is friendly.  Debate time has expired.  The Assembly will now vote on the final text.  This vote will last 24 hours, or until all members have voted.

All animal shelters in the Northeast region receiving funding from the regional government shall institute a no-kill policy for animals deemed to be adoptable after a temperament test, unless the animal is in irreversible chronic pain or terminally ill, or face termination of regional funding. Municipal governments are eligible to apply for reimbursement of any funds used to preserve the lives of adoptable animals.

[Cincinnatus]

Aye

[Senator Snowstalker]

Abstain

[crypto-fascist superhero]

Nay

[LINCOLN REPUBLICAN]

Aye

[Cincinnatus]

Voting time has expired.  With 2 Ayes, 1 Nay, and 1 abstention, the bill passes the Assembly.

[Ѕenator Αverroës]

I was camping over the weekend and missed the vote, but for the record, aye.