20,000 by the 24th was Millie's goal. Although she's gotten over 100,000 signatures (thank you!), Millie learned from her Team on the ground that not one General Assembly member has stepped up to the plate. Their excuse? Something about having too many other bills to sponsor – "more important" priorities. What was going on in North Carolina in 2015 when the General Assembly enacted N.C.G.S. § 113-291.13 (2015), the "Be Cruel To Opossums" statute? The sponsors even had time to come up with a sarcastic title for the bill; they called it the "Opossum Right-to-Work Act"! Is there more to the story elected officials won't admit? Sure seems like it.
The organizers of the New Year's Eve "drop" in Andrews, NC (previously Brasstown, NC) refuse to acknowledge they are harming the opossums they trap in the wild to use in the event. Clay Logan recently professed that no opossum he's used has ever "played ’possum," and therefore "that shows they're not under any kind of stress." If only Millie could talk!
The taxpaying citizens of North Carolina have one more day –tomorrow, February 25 – to be heard. After tomorrow, the chances of a repeal bill being sponsored this session are slim to none.
Supporter Amanda H. said it best: "Exempting one species from a rule designed to protect it opens the door for broad species-specific animal abuse. Exempting opossums from a rule for a short time frame caters only to special interests. It disregards the initial intent of the welfare protection afforded by the rule. This sets a precedent for law in NC that too opens the door for abuse.... [It] does not follow hard-fought animal welfare standards – even minimal standards adopted by food industry leaders, zoos, and pet advocacy groups nationwide. No animal should be subject to the horrifying experience...Opossums are no exception."
This petition will remain open until further notice.
Dig in Your Heels! Make calls, send emails, tell your neighbors to sign the petition, call your local news. Millie is counting on you, North Carolina.
Thank you,
Team #JusticeForMillie
North Carolina Voters for Animal Welfare