HERE IS THE FULL UPDATE I RECEIVED TODAY:
Thank you for contacting me to voice your concerns about dogs living outside during winter in Wisconsin, and your support for protective legislation. I appreciate hearing your perspective as it helps me better represent the district.
I understand your wish to ban keeping dogs outside during the cold Wisconsin winters. Humans have an obligation to respect and protect their pets and I am fully committed to the protection of domestic animals in Wisconsin. My wife and I have had several dogs who we care for deeply, so I understand why this is such an important issue to you, and I share your concerns.
In the 2009 legislative session, I cosponsored a bill in the Senate called the Windchill’s Law. The bill increased penalties for those who intentionally mistreated an animal or did not provide proper food, water or shelter for an animal. However, the bill failed because of concerns brought forth by groups worried about the impact the bill would have on farmers. The bill has been reintroduced this session by Representative Nick Milroy, and I look forward to supporting the bill when it comes up for debate in the Senate.
Thank you once again for contacting me regarding animal welfare. Please do not hesitate to be in touch with any further questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Bob Jauch
