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Steps for Passing a Local Ordinance Banning Exotic Animal ActsTiming Can HelpUse recent incidents involving animal acts as a catalyst for change. For example, if a tiger cub recently bit a child during a photo shoot, this incident can be used as the initial impetus and reason for banning exotic animal acts. Set Your Goal Ask for a ban. Be firm about your goals—if they think that you will settle for less, then that is what you'll get! If a prohibition is ruled out, then compromise, but be sure to point out the costs involved (e.g., inspections, liability, etc.). Do Your Homework on the Issue Research the issue. Find out what relevant laws are currently on the books (check with your town or city clerk's office). Look for local connections (e.g., an animal that got loose or attacked someone). Emphasize how the ban benefits humans (e.g., in terms of safety). Prepare information packets for legislators and media. Prepare brief factsheets on the issue and a proposed ordinance. Check out PETA's ordinance resources for more information. Write a Letter to the Editor This is an easy, effective, and free means of communicating your message to the general public. Tell people what they can do (e.g., call their legislator). Be brief and to the point. Here is a sample letter to the editor, and here are some hints for writing a good letter to the editor:
Call your local office of the League of Women Voters or the county clerk's office for legislators' names and districts. Check past voting records on animal issues. Check with local humane societies and ask for support. Find supporters in each district—legislators will be most responsive to their own constituents. Get to know legislators' aides, staff, and secretaries. Determine where you stand the best chance for change (e.g., at the city or county level). Visit Your Legislators Select a primary spokesperson who knows the issues, and make an appointment with your legislators. Demonstrate the impact to their constituents. Leave fliers, factsheets, etc. Allow time to encourage questions. Ask for support for the proposed ordinance. Thank the legislator and any office personnel you interact with. Call Your Legislators Make calls short and to the point. Be well informed. Be polite. If the legislator is unavailable, speak with an aide or other staff members—they can be useful contacts. Write to Your Legislator Write short, polite letters—preferably handwritten—using your own words. Postcards, petitions, and form letters are not very effective in this case; use them only to supplement your communication with legislators. Try to keep your letter to one page and focus on two or three main points. In our sample letter, we have focused on public safety (city liability), tax funds (how the community wants its money spent), and humane issues. Tailor your letter to reflect the major points of your campaign and the major concerns of your community. Here are some hints for writing to legislators:
Contact city or county council offices for information about the legislative process. Ask council clerks for the schedule of open council meetings. Attend at least one meeting to see how the system works. Attend City/County Council Meetings Contact council offices to learn the procedures for getting on the meeting agenda. Prepare for the meeting ahead of time. Dress professionally. Be brief and to the point. Let the council members know how this issue effects their constituents. Show that their constituents support legislation (e.g., by collecting signatures on petitions). Use the opportunity to meet the legislators and other supporters. Be a presence at meetings, even if you are not on the agenda. Petition A petition demonstrates to your local legislators that voting for your proposed ordinance will win them support from the community. It can be a general statement of support for your campaign, and it does not need to cover every aspect. Start collecting signatures as soon as you have decided to undertake this campaign. Here is a sample petition, and here are some hints for a good petition:
Expert statements lend credibility to your campaign and make it easier to convince both the public and government officials that your ordinance is necessary. Approach scientists, veterinarians, biologists, or anyone else who has the experience and credentials to be considered an expert on the issue. Inform them of the situation, and ask them to give you a written statement of support. Feel free to use this sample letter to the experts. Here are some hints for letters to experts:
Use news releases to notify the media about any important developments in your campaign. Be sure to follow up with telephone calls to the recipients a couple of hours after sending the fax. Here are some hints for writing a good news release:
Make sure that the legislators know how the bill will affect their constituents. Emphasize how the ban will benefit humans. Be specific and know your facts. Be direct and positive. Provide a brief, clearly written summary of your position. Talk to legislators in person whenever possible. Present a united front. Know what issues the legislators are working on and help when you can. Write a personal thank you following each visit or every time a legislator takes a supportive action. Be cooperative. Know What Not to Do Don't be argumentative or hostile. Don't interrupt legislators when they are busy or in a hurry. Don't press for a commitment on the first visit. Don't hesitate to admit that you do not know everything, but let them know you will find out. Don't make threats. Don't be overly emotional. You can help stop the suffering of elephants, tigers, and other animals abused in the name of "entertainment." Click here to support PETA's vital work. |
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