EXAMINER.Com: The ASPCA looks back on 2011 legislative victories

Cheryl Hanna, Pet Rescue Examiner
It's been a great year for the animals although our work is not nearly done, but as we look back on 2011, we celebrate state legislators and humane advocacy groups for so many accomplishments.

Here are some of the highlights on behalf of the animals:

Arkansas - Rep. Mary Hickerson (R-Texarkana) sponsored HB 2001 which now permits the courts to include pets in protective orders in domestic abuse cases. Too often victims of domestic abuse remain in dangerous situations to protect their pets.

California - Senator Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) authored SB 917 which prohibits the unregulated sale of animals on streets, in parking lots and also increases the penalty for animal neglect up to one year in prison. Many of these animals born and raised in poor conditions are bred indiscriminantly and contribute to the overpopulation of animals in California.

"By signing SB 917, Governor Brown recognizes the need to safeguard animals sold in public parking lots and roadside venues, so puppies, kittens and other pets will no longer be left to suffer in unsanitary and overcrowded cages without proper food and water," stated Jill Buckley, senior director of Government Relations for the ASPCA.