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Matt Bershadker, President and CEO of ASPCA
The first two weeks of 2021 brought out the worst and best human behavior, but the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as President and Vice President offers new hope for our country, our government, and our most vulnerable people and animals.
This historic transition was not easy. The US Capitol – and our democracy itself – has had to withstand a dastardly attack by thousands of domestic terrorists, including white supremacists. In addition to condemning the uprising, it is important to point out the systemic racial inequality and injustice in our country and the institutions that create and sustain such conflicts.
Violent uprisings against the government directly impact animal welfare because creating systemic change for animals requires a stable civil society, government integrity, and a peaceful transfer of power, all of which came under threat this month.
As an organization, we strongly condemn unlawful rebellion and seditious rhetoric aimed at undermining fair and decisive elections, and we join the multitude of organizations, businesses, leaders and individuals across the country seeking to strengthen American society through honesty and compassion, not tears. … it is separate from deception and separation.
The rebellion was unsuccessful, but we must continue to defend our most important values with determination and vigilance, including efforts to protect the myriad animals in need.
We have already begun working with the Biden administration on several critical animal welfare issues affecting dogs, cats, horses and farm animals across the country, and we are encouraged by these discussions. We will also support our commitment to providing affordable and affordable veterinary care through programs that allow pet owners to keep their pets at home and outside of shelters. The COVID-19 crisis, its devastating financial problems and housing impacts make these programs and services more important than ever.
You can help make 2021 a year of renewed hope for vulnerable animals by adopting and raising animals from shelters, supporting local animal shelters and rescue organizations, and advocating for important federal, state, and local laws that protect animal life.
President Biden and Vice President Harris have been strong advocates of animals throughout their professional careers and personal lives. Their support, coupled with the strong enthusiasm of animal lovers and protectors across the country, inspires confidence that 2021 will be as promising and exciting for America’s animals as it is for our country.
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