From Dave Orr #2

Re: Connecticut Legislature HB6599 A bill concerning captive elephants - it would eliminate the circus by prohibiting bull hooks You must give reasons why you feel that the bullhook (USDA accepted and inspected) is OK and a humane practice. Last night it was uncertain as to whether the "vote" would take place this coming Monday or on Wednesday. The CT legislature closed down today due to the 12" snow storm. As a result of the storm, phone calls to legislators were futile today....however, the vote is now taking place on WEDNESDAY, 3/21. If you wish to send a letter to each of the 30 members of the committee, you need to write it this weekend and overnight it. Same with Email.... Write and send it over the weekend. The sooner the better. I am attaching the addresses once again, and the suggestions for speaking points, for those of you that have misplaced them. Click on the attachment. Regarding phone calls - try to reach the legislators on the list individually if possible. If you get a sense of how they are voting, please forward your thoughts immediately to me so that we can keep tabs on how we are doing. Failing that (it would be nearly impossible to talk to them all) you may call the central phone number which is 1-860-240-0440 . This puts you in touch with the young lady I spoke with today who was very helpful. She will take your name and address and comments regarding HB6599. State clearly that you oppose HB6599 and give her your reasons. She will communicate this to the committee considering the bill which is the Joint Committee on the Environment. Those of you who can or have already done letters, please Email or snail mail me a copy . Those of you getting thru and making multiple phone contacts, please advise your general feelings about the call. We are not trying to be difficult, but you don't play baseball without keeping score, so lets try to determine how we are doing. Please make a phone call to your CFA friends who do not check Email frequently or have no Email. Give em a Hey Rube! With your help.....CT will save the Circus! Hey Rube! Gary C. Payne - Dist. No. 2 Director Atty. Gary Cooper - Dist. No. 2 Animal Welfare Task Force