Thursday, July 2, 2009

Welcome to the Ohio League of Humane Voters Blog!

"Bless The Beasts And The Children; For In This World They Have No Voice." That's the first line from a Carpenter's song made popular in the seventies. The good news is this. Ohio is now giving a "voice" to the animals of the world and it's being done through this Web Cite and the actions of the newest chapter of the League of Humane Voters. Welcome to our blog!!

We have a lot of work to do. Ohio's reputation in the animal-friendly community is not so good. We have a Legislature and a Governor who are playing catch-up with other states that have long ago become animal-friendly. Whether it's the challenge of outlawing puppy mills, or restricting the tethering of dogs in a backyard, or arguing that Ohio should ban the ownership and possession of exotic animals, LOHV Ohio is ready to go to work.

LOVH Ohio can only do so much. It is our mission to alert you---the reader---to things that are happening in the Buckeye State. It takes more. We all must join hands and take action. We have to be ready as voters to use the most powerful tool that we possess to influence the legislative direction of Ohio's government: our voices and our votes.

Next year is an important election year in Ohio. The Governor and other state office-holders are up for election. One third of the State Senate will also be up. As will all members of the House of Representatives. In other words, "we've got them where we want them." Next year, at least, they will need us and our votes as much as we will need them. So, now is the time to get involved in LOHV Ohio. Report animal abuse and neglect. Become a part of LOVH Ohio. And, let your local politicians know that you are a voter and his or her record on animal issues will make a difference in how you cast that vote on election day.

Thanks to all who came together and helped plan and implement the Ohio chapter of LOHV Ohio. A special "shout-out" to Lane Ferrante and her tenacity in forming and organizing this group. Join us and make a difference for those innocent creatures in the world who, at least until now, have had "no voice."

Paul R. Leonard
LOHV Ohio

(Paul Leonard is a former elected official in Ohio government; he teaches political science at the University of Dayton and teaches Animal Law at Wright State University. He is an animal rights attorney and is the immediate past Chair of the Animal Legal Defense Fund Board of Directors. The ALDF is based in northern California.)