Over 170 people interested in animal issues in Colorado came together on Thursday, January 21 for the first CLAW Caucus of the 2021 Colorado legislative session.
The CLAW Caucus, or Colorado Legislative Animal Welfare Caucus, meets four times each year during Colorado’s legislative session. The caucus meets to discuss and explore current issues impacting animals in the state of Colorado, often including presentations by key groups from around the state. CLAW includes state legislators who are interested in issues that impact animals; members of the public (including veterinary professionals) are also welcome to attend.
The intention of CLAW is to sponsor nonpartisan forums and briefings for the purpose of providing legislators with dependable information on animal welfare issues, and attempts to build broad coalitions in support of common-sense animal welfare laws. As sponsor of CLAW, CVMA is proud to play a key role in helping bring together a variety of stakeholders to discuss important animal issues in the state of Colorado.
During the January 21 session, several lawmakers previewed upcoming legislation they hope to work on during the 2021 legislative session. Topics include:
- Socially conscious sheltering (CVMA supported this bill during the 2020 session; the bill was abandoned in 2020 due to COVID and is being reintroduced this year)
- Traveling exotic animals
- Pollinators
- Bobcat/mountain lion hunting
- Courtroom animal advocates
- Pet stores
CVMA is already actively monitoring bills as they are being developed, and will take positions as necessary throughout the session.
The next CLAW Caucus will be held February 18, 2021. Interested in joining the next caucus? Visit our events page to learn more.
