It doesn’t sound like much – but it’s a whole lot.
Currently, there are very few regulations impacting the industrial-like farming of mink for their fur in British Columbia. The fur industry holds up their ‘Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farmed Mink’ as a sign of their desire to improve welfare of animals. But as a voluntary code, this document is unenforceable – even if horrific violations are seen, as they were in footage and photos The Fur-Bearers obtained in 2014.
MLA Popham’s proposed legislation would make these codes law – and make it possible for violators of it to be punished.
This kind of legislation is exactly what BC needs – it will force the fur industry to have a bare minimum standard of care for mink, and provide enforcement agencies an opportunity to stop the most horrific treatment that occurs.
It isn’t a lot – but it’s a victory for the animals. And every victory deserves to be celebrated.
The Fur-Bearers will continue to follow this legislation and bring you updates as they become available.
TAKE ACTION
Write to your MLA (if you live in BC, click here to find your local represenative) and Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick (norm.letnick.mla@leg.bc.ca -even if you don't live in BC) and tell them you want to see MLA Popham's Private Members' Bill passed through the legislature. A quick email in addition to social media contact (Norm Letnick can be found on Facebook here, and on Twitter with @NormLetnick) can play a big role in helping get this important legislation passed!
WRITING TIPS
Stay on point:this issue is about thepassing of MLA Lana Popham's Private Members' Bill regarding fur farms in BC– not anything else. Keep your comments directed to the facts and provide citations if necessary.
Stay polite and use spell check:if you’re rude, aggressive, misspell words, or use incorrect grammar, readers may become disengaged or dismissive of your points.
Provide solutions:rather than just say what’s wrong, say what’s right. Offer solutions or alternatives to help move forward conversations – we’re recommending getting this legislation passed to provide a basic level of protection for consumers, farm workers, and the animals.
Identify yourself:it’s important to include your address when writing politicians so they know who you are, where you’re from, and that your vote will affect them in the next election.
Use social media:utilize Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms (in addition to a letter) to connect with your MLA and Minister Norm Letnick!
Let us know what you hear:if you receive a message back from your representative, or they would like to discuss the issues in greater detail with us, please let us know by emailing info@thefurbearers.com.
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