The League of Humane Voters of WNY (LOHV-WNY) was founded in May of 2004. As such LOHV-WNY is one of nine chapters that makes up the whole of our organizations regional presence. On a state wide basis chapters work in unison to support state legislation. For more information on our New York State Legislative Agenda follow the link to our main web site. Then click on: Issues. We have three chapters recently formed in neighboring states. Two in Ohio and are most recent in Pennsylvania. Check out our main site. Click on: Contact Us. LOHV works on both the local and state levels. Each chapter is encouraged to promote its presence by researching and taking action on issues that affect animals locally (See below). We feel it wiser to establish a strong voter base in local communities before advancing toward state wide issues.

Exactly what does LOHV do that makes us so unique in the animal rights movement and why ought one join yet another group? Lohv is what we call a Political Action Committee (PAC). Unlike most animal rights groups which, are considered 501c(3) under the IRS tax exempt status. They are not allowed to publicly endorse nor support a candidate. LOHV has no relationship with the IRS therefore, we are free to openly support candidates for public office (however, as a non-profit organization we are not tax-exempt). LOHV searches for candidates who we feel are in sink with our agenda therefore, deserving of our support. Once the candidate agrees to support our issues we ask him or her to make a press statement. We then endorse and electioneer on behalf of that candidate. Once elected we lobby the representative on the issues they agreed to support. What is electioneering? Electioneering is the process where individuals campaign for a candidate they believe supports issues they feel strongly about. In our case its animal rights. There are many activities involved in electioneering. In the past chapters have worked the phones, went door-to-door, sent mailings, handed out literature at events and when funds were available made contributions to the candidates campaign. Chapters work directly under the supervision of the campaign manager or whoever else is in charge.

What kind of history does LOHV have? For close to a decade LOHV has been instrumental in helping elect several legislator's in New York State on both the local as well as state levels. The Rockland County Chapter was able to halt the annual gesse slaughter. They are presently working on a county funded dog run. In 2004, LOHV-WNY successfully campaigned for State Assemblymember Sam Hoyt (District 144). This year we intend to support Mr. Hoyt again. He has been extremely supportive of our agenda and has co-sponsored two of our state bills. Through LOHV-WNY's commitment to preserving wildlife, along with local residents and Animal Advocates of WNY, we were able to convince the Town of Cheektowaga to implement non-lethal means of dealing with Canada Gesse in their parks.

LOHV-WNY is working on a county wide ordinance which would limit the time a dog could be legally tethered. What is tethering you may ask? Tethering is when an animal is fastened to a rope, chain or the like which, in turn is attached to a stationary object. The purpose of tethering is to limit the animals mobility. However that does not mean a dog has to spend its entire life at the end of a chain.

Dogs living out their lives at the end of a rope or chain has gained public support and media attention across the nation. Counties and municipalies in several states have already enacted ordinances / laws limiting tethering or banning it altogether. The time has come for Erie County to follow pursue.

Dogs are social creatures! Like humans, they desire affection and companionship with their species as well as humans. They are simply a four legged, tail waging member of the family. Would you put your child on a chain for life. Of course not. Then why do people do this to a supposed family member? These dogs do not receive medical attention, are often exposed to the elements, forced to live everyday in their own waste which results in disease. Some dogs don't even enjoy the basic necessities of desent food and water daily moreover, statistics show that dogs tethered 24/7 develope behavioral issues. They become extremely agressive and protective of their small environment. They become a dangerous threat to humans especially small children who innocently wander up to the cute little doggie. There has been numerous incidents where children have been attacked by chained dogs, some have even resulted in death. For more information on this topic go to: www.dogsdeservebetter.com

What can I do to help the cause? You can help by becoming active in our local chapter. LOHV-WNY is always looking for motivated individual's willing to volunteer their time. All volunteers will be trained. Volunteering for LOHV-WNY has its own rewards as well. You will learn the value of becoming politically active in the animal rights movement. Be part of a new and innovative concept in running candidates for public office. ITS HIGH TIME THE ANIMAL RIGHTS MOVEMENT BEGAN FLEXING ITS POLITICAL MUSCLE AND PUTTING AN END TO ANIMAL ABUSE THROUGH LEGISLATION!