From Gary Payne

Fellow Fans, Once again, destructive legislation is proposed in Massachusetts, by Senator Hedlund. A hearing is scheduled for November 16. I am planning to attend. Kari Johnson and MaryLou Kelly have alerted supporters, including us. She puts it well, and I'll condense her comments here: This bill repeats the ARs technique of the past several years. Unable to ban performing animals, they are once again trying to ban the tool and tethers - achieving the same goal. As in the past, our goal is to point out that the experts all have appropriate guidelines and policies with regard to the use of the tool, tethers, as well as veterinary and husbandry procedures. My message: HOLD - Be alert - stay in touch. We anticipate: There will be an appropriate time for letters, emails, phone calls. You might begin to prepare YOURS! Have it ready for when we need it. When last the fans stepped up to the challenge in MASS. I was told by one state rep that more than 600 communications had been received...the majority in favor of performing animals! We do not yet have www.grassroots.circusfans.org up and running. It looks like it will be ready aprox. Thanksgiving. This latest development indicates more than ever, the need for this site. SAVE THE CIRCUS! Gary C Payne, CFA's National Animal Welfare Chairman