Make Animals A Priority in 2008

Dear Presidential Candidate:

As future voters in the 2008 presidential election, we the undersigned are concerned that the treatment and conservation of animals as an issue is being neglected as an American priority.

Based on their poor voting records, many members of Congress are simply neglecting this issue. But millions of Americans disagree with their votes. There are over 1.2 billion animals living in the homes of millions of Americans. Over 71 million Americans enjoy wildlife viewing and bird-watching. And tens of millions of Americans support animal and wildlife advocacy groups like the Humane Society of the United States and Defenders of Wildlife. Clearly, we live in a nation that values all forms of life.

So why are those members of Congress not voting in favor of what the majority of Americans value?

Some members of Congress do care about animals and about the values of Americans. We ask you, as a presidential candidate, as an American, to take the side of these pro-animal voting members of Congress and to be a leader for Americans who care about this important issue.

We the people ask you to please consider the following pledge:

As President of the United States, I pledge to:

To fight global warming, which is impacting wildlife habitat and migration

To regulate and decrease toxic pollution that is poisoning the ecosystem

To give fair consideration to all legislation recommended by animal advocacy groups

To sign into law all pro-animal/wildlife legislation put forth by Congress

To consider the millions of Americans who value animals, wildlife, and nature; and to put their values over those of corporate or personal financial interests

To remember that a nation can be judged by how it treats its animals

Thank you for your pledge.

It will mean so much to the millions of Americans who value animals and wildlife. And for the future generations of children who will experience a more humane world with protected wildlife and firm animal protection laws. But it will mean the most to the billions of animals that will be protected and spared unnecessary pain, inhumane conditions, and even possible extinction.

Best wishes on the campaign trail.