ISSUES and LEGISLATION

Learn about the Issues. 
Learn about what is happening in other states. 
The more knowledgeable you are, the more effective you'll be in helping the animals.

   Find your State Senator using our Delaware Senate Contact Sheet.
   Find your State Representative using our Delaware House of Representatives Contact Sheet.

   2013 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

End Delaware's Role in the Global Shark Finning Market

Representative Earl Jaques (D – 27) and Senator Robert Venables (D – 21) plan to introduce a bill prohibiting the sale, possession, and distribution of shark fins in Delaware.  The practice of shark finning, where fins are cut off a live shark and the body is discarded into the ocean, is cruel and unsustainable. Although this practice is already prohibited in Delaware, the human appetite for shark fin soup is driving a market for fins, which could come into Delaware from a number of countries that do not prohibit live finning.  As long as there is a market for shark fins, sharks are at risk of live finning.  This bill would effectively remove the market for fins and help to protect sharks from this barbaric practice world-wide.

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Enrolling Delaware in the Interstate Wildlife Violator's Compact

The Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact (IWVC) is a nationwide law enforcement network aimed at preventing lawbreakers who have lost their hunting, fishing, and/or trapping privileges in one state, due to committing poaching crimes, from carrying out those activities in other states.  It would prevent resident violators from evading punishment by applying for a license in a state other than where that violator lives.  The threat of not being able to hunt, fish, or trap in most other states serves as a powerful deterrent to would-be poaching criminals.  Delaware is only one of 7 states that are not either part of the IWVC or in process of enrolling into the IWVC. 

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Animal Welfare Taskforce Recommendations

The Animal Welfare Taskforce, which was established by Senate Joint Resolution 44 during the 147th General Assembly, has been meeting regularly since the summer to review animal welfare services, such as animal control and shelter standards, to identify opportunities for improvement.  The Taskforce will be submitting recommendations to the Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senate President by the end of March.  DVFA will review the list of recommendations in order to support important efforts to improve services for companion animals in the state.

No issues pending. Please check back.

General Information on Delaware Legislation

As animal-related bills are introduced in Delaware, they will be posted to the HSUS state web site.
To read a short synopsis of each bill, or to view the entire bill, please click here.

To follow Legislation in the Delaware General Assembly, including Meeting Schedules and Bill-Tracking, visit the State of Delaware Official web site.

General Information on Federal Legislation

A number of bills to protect animals at the federal level are being considered.
To read a short synopsis of each bill, or to view the entire bill, please click here.

For in-depth analysis and the latest status on various bills, go to Animal Law Coalition.