By understanding and applying research to our work, we have the ability to maximize the impact of the work we do. Below are three studies that were recently performed that provide valuable insight into our mission of improving the lives of animals and supporting a strong human-animal bond. 

1. During the pandemic, first time fosters were the most likely to adopt. Researchers took data from 19 shelters across the United States and found that first time fosters without pets already at home adopted the shelter pets in their care 77% of the time. The same researchers found that the shelters that allowed adoption visits directly from foster homes, adopted out their pets in two thirds the time as shelters that did not. 

Courtesy of Florida Politics

Courtesy of the ASPCA Media Team

Under normal circumstances, adults, children, and pets living in an abusive home can face major obstacles to escape harm’s way. In this time of quarantine, the necessity of staying at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has made domestic abuse situations substantially more dangerous for both people and pets. As our nation responds to this pandemic, reports of increasing rates of domestic violence have surfaced in many areas, including Florida. 

2020 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

FL 2020 ANIMAL WELFARE BILLS - NEED-TO-KNOW END OF SESSION UPDATES

Posted by Kate MacFall, HSUS Florida Director and FAAWO Advisory Board Member: 

"[It was a] great day on Florida’s Capitol Hill ... learning about and raising awareness on issues pertaining to animals. What was so striking this year is that there are over a dozen animal welfare bills being considered. My take away from this is that whatever we can envision for the world is absolutely achievable with kind, compassionate awareness raising. [I am] very grateful to the organizers of this event and to all those who were able to take time away from their busy lives to be here."

Florida law enforcement officers are lending their support for legislation to include pets in domestic violence temporary restraining orders (SB 1082/HB241). In a video posted on the ASPCA's Facebook page, Florida law enforcement officers and State Representative Sam Killebrew urge Floridians to join them in supporting the bill.

The legislation has already passed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee and the Senate Agriculture Committee. It still must be reviewed by the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Judiciary and Rules committees. 

The 2019 Florida Legislature adjourned on May 3. During session, lawmakers introduced bills to allow veterinarians to report animal cruelty when they witness evidence of cruelty in private practice; prohibit predatory, deceptive pet leasing schemes at puppy-selling pet stores; ensure pets can be included in domestic violence temporary restraining orders; require continuing education for shelter euthanasia technicians; prohibit shelters from euthanizing animals if a non-profit rescue group has agreed to take in the animal, with narrow exceptions; prohibit dog tethering abandonment during disasters; and more. 

Here are a few highlights of issues that gained traction in 2019: