What Will Mayor Duke’s Third Term Do for Dogs?

PETA Asks for Five Fido-Friendly Laws

For Immediate Release:
August 26, 2016

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

This morning, PETA sent Mayor Duke the dog a letter congratulating him on winning his third term—and asking him to consider working with local legislators during his time in office to enact a set of laws that not only a dog could love. PETA’s suggestions include banning dog chaining and puppy mills, subsidizing spay/neuter surgeries, making long walks on comfortable harnesses mandatory, and establishing dog parks where dogs can socialize, exercise, and play.

“Mayor Duke’s third term could mean a new leash on life for his many canine constituents,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk, author of the free downloadable book Let’s Have a Dog Party! 20 Tailwagging Celebrations to Share With Your Best Friend. “PETA would be delighted to work with the Honorable Duke or any other official to pass doggone-good laws that set an example for other cities to follow.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—is also sending Mayor Duke a congratulatory gift basket, complete with vegan chewies and dog toys.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

August 26, 2016

The Honorable Duke

Mayor of Cormorant

c/o Tim Erickson and Steve Sorenson, Supervisors

Dear Mayor Duke,

I am writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 5 million members and supporters worldwide, including many across Minnesota, to congratulate you on your re-election for a third term as mayor. Well done!

We wonder if you would make history by working with your fellow town and county legislators to pass five laws that would make Cormorant even more dog-friendly during your tenure. Would you please make the following your goals for this term?

1. Prohibiting the unattended tethering of dogs, who, when chained, are left to endure sweltering days and frigid nights and often become aggressive and three times as likely to attack as dogs who are not chained as a result of frustration and a lack of exercise, companionship, freedom, and mental stimulation.
2. Banning puppy mills and the sale of companion animals and requiring adoption of dogs and cats from local shelters to combat the massive overpopulation crisis, which claims the lives of 2 to 3 million companion animals per year.
3. Subsidizing spaying and neutering to reduce the number of unwanted cats and dogs and make for a happier animal companion, as neutered males are less likely to roam, fight, or bite—and spayed females are spared the stress and discomfort of heat periods.
4. Establishing many off-leash dog parks to give four-legged friends a safe place to socialize, exercise, and play!
5. Mandating that all dog guardians use harnesses, not leashes, and take their dog companions on long walks several times a day.

Even a small town such as Cormorant can have a big influence. Any official who passes animal-friendly laws helps to establish how important these protections are and gives other legislators something to paws and think about. We hope you will enjoy the delicious vegan treats and eco-friendly toys that we’re sending to celebrate your recent victory. Thank you for your consideration.

Very truly yours,

Ingrid E. Newkirk

President

cc:        Jack Ingstad, Becker County Administrator