Here is the response we have received from Rep. Tom Cole. Thank you to everyone who has signed and shared and promoted! Keep it up. We will get this seen by the right people who have the power to make change and let them know they need to take action. 

“

Dear MRS. Bell,

Thank you for contacting my office regarding animal welfare legislation in the 118th Congress. I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter.

As you may know, on August 24, 1966 the Animal Welfare Act was signed into law and has been amended several times since its original passage. It is the only federal law that ensures that animals intended for use in research facilities or for exhibition purposes or for use as pets are provided humane care and treatment, assures the humane treatment of animals during transportation in commerce, and protects the owners of animals from the theft of their animals by preventing the sale or use of animals which have been stolen. 

Last Congress, Rep. Cynthia Axne (IA-3) introduced a bill that would increase enforcement of violations against the Animal Welfare Act and was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. Because the Animal Welfare Act is primarily under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry hold authority when legislation is introduced involving animal welfare. While I am not a member of this committee, rest assured, I will keep your thoughts in mind should legislation come to the full House for a vote.

Again, thank you for contacting me.  I always appreciate hearing from my fellow Oklahomans.  Your input helps me do a better job representing the people of the Fourth District of Oklahoma.  If I may ever be of any assistance to either you or your family, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I also encourage you to visit my website at cole.house.gov to keep up with what is happening in Congress, and to learn more about the services my office can provide to the citizens of Oklahoma.

Sincerely,

Tom Cole
Member of Congress”