Advocacy

The Voice for Animal Welfare Organizations

The Animal Welfare Association of Colorado is the voice for animal welfare organizations at the Colorado state capitol. AWAC has been pivotal in enacting critical animal protection laws for many years. Our work has resulted in regulation of commercial breeders and pet stores, increased penalties for animal cruelty, spay and neuter requirements for shelters, and much more. We have also been on the frontlines of forming socially conscious sheltering legislation.

Recap of the 2024 Colorado Legislative Session:
provided by AWAC lobbyist Emma Hudson 

The Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC) engaged on several bills in the 2024 Legislative Session. Read the recap here. 

 

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AWAC advocacy committee:

Ali Mickelson – co-chair
Dumb Friends League

Judy Calhoun – co-chair
NOCO Humane 

Josie Kerrigan
Animal Friends Alliance

Lindsey Vigna
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region 

Char Gonsenica
Eagle Valley Humane Society

Jan McHugh-Smith
Humane Society of Boulder Valley

Dave Lewis
City of Englewood Police Department

Krista Amatuzio
City of Steamboat Springs Police Department

Maggie McSchaefer
Foothills Animal Shelter

Dawn Neely
Rifle, Colo. 

Melanie Sobel
Denver Animal Protection