Dear Editor,

Shelby County is the home of the largest grassroots political action committee for companion animal welfare in Alabama: Alabama Voters for Responsible Animal Legislation (AVRAL), headquartered in Alabaster.

The group was formed two years ago and has 6,000 members across Alabama. Responsible for getting a law passed to ban the use of gas chambers in animal shelters a year ago, AVRAL is now concerned with the state Board of Veterinary Examiners’ threats to close low-cost spay/neuter clinics in the state, which are vital in our attempts to control the homeless animal population.

Many Alabamians are sick and tired of the neglect and abuse animals suffer in our state, and are appalled to learn that our tax dollars often go to support animal control systems that are ineffective at best and harmful at worst.

Our goal is to work within the political system to elect animal-friendly politicians and pass laws to protect animals in fiscally responsible ways.

Unlike many states, Alabamians have begun speaking with a united voice about important animal welfare issues.

Gandhi’s observation that “the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated,” applies not only to nations, but to the state of Alabama as well.  To learn more about AVRAL, visit Alabamavotesforanimals.org.

Dr. Rhonda Parker

State Chair, AVRAL