The Humane Rescue Alliance is proud to have been recognized at the Celebrate Petworth Festival for our part in the passage of the Standard of Care for Animals Amendment Act of 2017. This comprehensive animal welfare legislation creates and defines a standard of care for animals and provides HRA officers with the resources needed to uphold those standards.
The passage came after months of deliberation by city officials and Humane Rescue Alliance representatives. It was originally proposed as emergency legislation in February of 2017 after growing concerns about dogs left outside in freezing temperatures.
This law is known as "Ray's Law" in tribute to Ray Noll, longtime animal advocate and HRA Vice President of Field Services, who was instrumental in crafting this piece of legislation. He passed away suddenly just weeks before the bill was signed into law.
Highlights of the amendment include providing HRA officers with the authority to issue citations and warnings, defines "adequate shelter" for which the owner must provide for the animal in extreme temperatures, and clarifies that an animal cannot be outdoors for more than 15 minutes during periods of extreme temperature without human accompaniment or adequate shelter.
HRA Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Shain accepted the honor on behalf of Ray Noll.
“It was such an honor to accept this award on behalf of Ray," Shain said. "This legislation establishes strong definitions for adequate care for animals and empowers our officers to act. Once regulations are fully implemented, our officers will have more tools at their disposal to ensure that the animals of our city are protected and that those who choose to violate these laws will be held accountable. We’re proud to be a part of it.”
Other recipients of the award, presented by Brianne Dornbush of District Bridges and Patrick Flynn of Patrick's Pet Care, were Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services HyeSook Chung, Ward 4 Councilmember (and cosponsor of the legislation) Brandon Todd, Jasmin Benab of the Mayor's Office, Drew Schneider of Petworth news, Sarah Yacoub, and Emily Price. Because of this team, the District is a safer place for pets.