It is imperative that the Federation continue to solicit and build membership throughout the year.
B. Best Practices/Standards
The Federation should develop a best practices position for Pediatric Spay/Neuter and work to build consensus with the AVMA on this issue immediately. The committee believes the Federation can make a significant contribution on this issue, important to all shelters.
C. Legislation
Several key areas where the Federation can have significant legislative input include:
Signing a letter in support of the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act (H.R. 137 / S. 261)
Supporting upcoming legislation against puppy mills
Supporting upcoming legislation on anti-freeze bittering agents
Establish a state legislation coordinating committee to interface with national organizations monitoring animal welfare legislation for possible Federation action.
D. Membership Committees
It is recommended that a priority of the Federation will be to establish member committees to form position statements on areas of direct impact to member organizations in the following areas:
Corporate Policies related to breed restrictions by insurance companies which negatively impact adoption of some animal breeds.
A committee to review the workings of and establish membership in The Coalition for Reuniting Pets & Families to resolve the microchip dilemma that exists today.
Create a Marketing and PR committee to develop marketing materials and PR for the Federation to let everyone know who we are and what we do.
Create a committee to pull together existing research and establish the Federation as a clearing house for research on animal issues and develop strategies for commissioning studies to be shared for the benefit of all member organizations.
A Corporate policy committee to address the pet food recall, and provide recommendations that will aid in preventing future similar threats to companion animals and demand a centralized system for all stakeholders including animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, product manufacturers and pet owners to report problems and provide timely feedback.
