The Missouri House General Laws Committee will hold a hearing tomorrow on a bill that would prevent future laws from granting animals the same rights as people. The bill, HB 1513, would add a new section to Missouri’s Revised Code of Statutes reading: “The laws of this state shall not confer upon any animal a right, privilege, or legal status that is equivalent or that exceeds a right, privilege, or legal status as that which this state confers by law upon a human being. This provision shall not be construed as limiting laws that protect the welfare of animals in the state.” The committee will hold its hearing Feb. 7, 2012, at noon CST in hearing room 4 at the State Capitol Building in Jefferson City, Mo. Anti-animal rights group the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners favors the law and asked its supporters to contact members of the committee to voice their support for the law. <HOME>
