CAS Plays a Crucial Role in Helping to Shape Public Policy
Written by: Britney Tennant, Cheyenne Animal Shelter CEO
In March 2017, a puppy was brought to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter after being discovered in a life-threatening condition. Her owner had severely beaten her, resulting in more than 20 broken bones, including a fractured skull. Despite her severe injuries, she was affectionate and trusting, greeting everyone with a wagging tail and ready kisses.
Knowing she would need extensive and prolonged care, we asked our dedicated partners at Black Dog Animal Rescue to help. There, she was treated for several months before making a full recovery. Throughout it all, Stitch, as she was later named, formed bonds with her foster family and the community, including visits to schools, gyms and local fundraisers.
Her case brought to light the fact that Wyoming’s laws were incapable of protecting animals like Stitch from this kind of abuse. Her story ignited debate, and people demanded action.
As a result, in 2019, the Legislature passed House Bill 235, the Care of Animals Act. This law expanded the definition of felony animal cruelty, significantly increased penalties for those found guilty of the offense, and afforded protections for household pets in cases of domestic violence and dispute. It was a critical step forward in improving animal welfare protections in the state.
Stitch stood alongside us when Gov. Mark Gordon signed the bill. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion, and the unwavering commitment of animal shelters and rescues to advocating for the well-being of companion animals.
The Shelter plays a crucial role in advocating for the welfare of companion animals and shaping public policy that directly impacts them. Our organization is not just a place of refuge for homeless animals — we are also a crucial voice in the fight for humane treatment and better living conditions for pets and people in our communities. By engaging with policymakers, advocating for legislation and raising awareness about the importance of our relationships with companion pets, the Shelter has helped drive meaningful change.
For years, we have worked closely with elected officials to craft policies addressing overpopulation, promoting responsible ownership, and providing resources for pet owners and sheltering organizations. These laws are key to reducing the number of animals abandoned or surrendered each year. We have also advocated for measures that guarantee pets are treated with dignity and respect, such as restrictions on dog fighting and euthanasia by gas chamber, access to pet-inclusive housing, and policies to make certain pet-keeping practices align with changing values and norms.
By providing data and stories about the impact of these policies on their constituents, we can give lawmakers the information they need to make informed decisions.
In the more recent past, the Shelter’s advocacy efforts have helped to create a statewide fund for organizations housing animals during ongoing criminal trials to recoup some of the exorbitant expenses they incur while these cases play out. Locally, engagement with and support from our community helped to secure a three-year funding contract for sheltering services with the City of Cheyenne and Laramie County, thereby guaranteeing the ongoing efforts to mitigate overpopulation through spay and neuter of sheltered pets and providing for favorable outcomes for those pets.
The Cheyenne Animal Shelter is not only a lifesaving entity, but also a vital advocate for policy that improves the lives of pets and their owners. Our work ensures that animals’ needs are heard and addressed in our community. Through outreach and partnerships, we are helping to shift cultural attitudes toward pet ownership, reinforcing the idea that pets are integral members of our families.
