On April 29, 2024, the Humane Society of Pennsylvania hosted its annual Humane Lobby Day, bringing together advocates and animal welfare organizations from across the state to champion key legislation protecting animals. Among the participants were Ashley Mikulsky, CEO of the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Berks County, and José Delgado-Rivera, Chief Communications Officer (CCO). Together, they proudly represented ARL’s commitment to advancing animal welfare.

Humane Lobby Day is a critical event where participants can engage directly with legislators, voicing support for bills that safeguard the well-being of animals. This year, discussions centered around a variety of important issues, including:

• Protecting Animals in Research
• Prohibiting the Declawing of Cats
• Emergency Animal Response Team Funding
• Banning Live Pigeon Shoots
• Pet Retail Sales (Victoria’s Law)
• Limiting Public Contact with Wildlife

Ashley Mikulsky and José Delgado-Rivera prioritized two legislative topics during their meetings with lawmakers: the prohibition of cat declawing and securing funding for Emergency Animal Response Teams. Both of these issues align closely with ARL’s mission to create a safer and more compassionate environment for animals in Berks County and beyond.