Post by Woody Williams on Jan 7, 2006 8:21:13 GMT -5
Bloomington, Indiana Recognizes Animal “Guardians”
Bloomington, Ind. - On Wednesday, December 21, Bloomington joined thirteen American cities, one county and one state in passing an ordinance that recognizes the many individuals who consider themselves "guardians" of their animal companions, rather than their "owners." Almost three million Americans are now officially recognized as animal guardians. The new code "replaces the term 'owner' with 'owner/guardian' to help foster an attitude of responsibility toward animals."
The effort to add guardian language to the City of Bloomington animal code was spearheaded by Bloomington resident Karen Smith and the international animal rescue organization In Defense of Animals (IDA). “Thanks to the efforts of numerous individuals, our city's animal code has been significantly updated to better protect our animal companions,” states Smith. “I'm grateful to be part of this guardian community, where animal welfare is considered a priority."
Bloomington is the latest example of a growing trend towards modernizing the terms society uses to describe the relationship people have with the animals who become so much a part of their lives. A growing number of people now see the term "owner" as outdated since it does not connote the human-animal bond that exists in our culture today.
Elliot M. Katz, DVM, president of IDA, praised the ordinance change. "I am delighted that the citizens and city council of Bloomington have recognized the value of the term guardian. Because so much animal abuse and neglect stems from viewing animals as disposable property, this is an important step in changing people's consciousness and respect towards the animals with whom we share our lives."
IDA’s Guardian Campaign celebrates the human-animal bond by encouraging adoption of the term “guardian” (rather than the outdated ‘owner’) to recognize and facilitate a deeper level of respect, compassion and responsibility toward animal companions. Proponents point out the language change more closely reflects the relationship people have with their “best friends.”
For more information on IDA’s Guardian Campaign, please visit www.guardiancampaign.com.
Bloomington, Ind. - On Wednesday, December 21, Bloomington joined thirteen American cities, one county and one state in passing an ordinance that recognizes the many individuals who consider themselves "guardians" of their animal companions, rather than their "owners." Almost three million Americans are now officially recognized as animal guardians. The new code "replaces the term 'owner' with 'owner/guardian' to help foster an attitude of responsibility toward animals."
The effort to add guardian language to the City of Bloomington animal code was spearheaded by Bloomington resident Karen Smith and the international animal rescue organization In Defense of Animals (IDA). “Thanks to the efforts of numerous individuals, our city's animal code has been significantly updated to better protect our animal companions,” states Smith. “I'm grateful to be part of this guardian community, where animal welfare is considered a priority."
Bloomington is the latest example of a growing trend towards modernizing the terms society uses to describe the relationship people have with the animals who become so much a part of their lives. A growing number of people now see the term "owner" as outdated since it does not connote the human-animal bond that exists in our culture today.
Elliot M. Katz, DVM, president of IDA, praised the ordinance change. "I am delighted that the citizens and city council of Bloomington have recognized the value of the term guardian. Because so much animal abuse and neglect stems from viewing animals as disposable property, this is an important step in changing people's consciousness and respect towards the animals with whom we share our lives."
IDA’s Guardian Campaign celebrates the human-animal bond by encouraging adoption of the term “guardian” (rather than the outdated ‘owner’) to recognize and facilitate a deeper level of respect, compassion and responsibility toward animal companions. Proponents point out the language change more closely reflects the relationship people have with their “best friends.”
For more information on IDA’s Guardian Campaign, please visit www.guardiancampaign.com.
