Issue Position: Protecting Animals

Issue Position

Protecting animals has always been a passion for my family and me. My mother has little dogs; Tom and I have two "pound kitties;" and my sister and her husband have a virtual petting zoo in their backyard -- an adopted burro, dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, chickens, and a few llamas. We understand what it is to view a pet as a member of the family and I could never stand by if animals are abused or neglected. That is why I always fought to enact animal protections throughout my career.

Our pets are not the only animals that are in need of protection. As anyone who has hiked Red Rock Canyon knows, Nevada has a unique environment that is filled with many endangered or threatened species, like the bald eagle and desert tortoise. Nevada's wild mustangs are also a treasure that must be protected.

As the Las Vegas Review-Journal said about my animal protection record: "Titus, more than any other legislator, has put into law bills outlawing puppy mills and prohibiting cruelty to animals (April 2, 2001)."

Some of the animal protection bills I have sponsored and supported include:

Legislation outlawing puppy mills
Legislation to make the killing of wild horses in Nevada a felony
Legislation outlawing the intentional tripping of horses in entertainment events
Legislation outlawing dog fighting and cock fighting
Legislation directing emergency management officials to have contingency plans for the rescue of pets and other animals during natural disasters
Legislation protecting service animals
The 2009 Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act
The 2009 Great Ape Protection Act
The 2010 Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act

I have always been a strong defender of animals, wild and domestic. I hope you join me in ensuring Nevada's animals are treated with kindness and given appropriate care.

Source