In The News - May 2007
- Across the Nation - Charities will soon pay an average of 6.7% more on postage for non-profit standard mail starting May 14, 2007 (Greg's note: that is part of why our membership dues are going up and why we are more actively looking to send information via the website and email!).
- The No Kill Advocacy Center is proud to announce one of the most important pieces of shelter legislation in decades: The Companion Animal Protection Act. The legislation is part of our national strategy to end the unnecessary killing of millions of animals in U.S. shelters annually. See the What's New page at their website for more details: http://www.nokillsolutions.com/
- On April 10, 2007, the US Senate unanimously passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act! The House passed the same bill last month, voting 368 to 39. This means that after almost a 6 year battle, meaningful federal penalties for animal fighting have passed and it is believed it will be signed readily into law by the president. See the following for more details: http://www.hsus.org/legislation_laws/
- "We Love Our Pets" License Plates! Pet Friendly License Plates Available Now! This unique personalized license plate, designed by nationally syndicated cartoonist ( Red Rover, Adam@Home ) Brian Bassett, is available at all Department of Licensing outlets. Sale of these license plates will benefit collaborative state wide spay/neuter efforts. Information on purchasing Pet Friendly License Plates can be found on The Washington State Federation of Animal Care Agencies and Control Agencies website.
- Dog saves owner by giving her Heimlich maneuver It's the feel-good story of the day. Debbie Parkhurst couldn't breathe after a chunk of fruit became wedged in her windpipe. She then began beating her chest, which might have attracted Toby the dog's attention. "The next think I know, Toby’s up on his hind feet and he’s got his front paws on my shoulders. He pushed me to the ground, and once I was on my back, he began jumping up and down on my chest." The apple was then dislodged. (Cecil Whig)
- If you are 70 or older, new legislation allows you to make charitable gifts totalling up to $100,000 from your traditional or Roth IRA without incurring income tax on the withdrawal. For people who want to use their IRAs to help their favorite charity while they are alive, they do not need to be discouraged from doing so because of the income tax penalty. In addition, this tax-free withdrawal counts towards your annual IRA distribution requirements. This opportunity is available ONLY until December 31, 2007. Act now to make the most of your charitable gift to Whitman County Humane Society.