There is no denying the spark of inspiration that led Students for Ethical Animal Treatment (SEAT) founder and President, Amelia Corey, to begin the activist club. Love for what she calls her “eternal companion,” a cuddly cat named Gwen is one. A proposed House Bill removing the protection of animal cruelty laws for feral animals is the other. H.B. 210, introduced by Republican Representative Curt Oda (R-Springfield) would allow for people to “control populations” by shooting, bludgeoning, or decapitating the animals. Feral animals are those identified as existing in the natural state or strays. Opponents of the bill worry that the discretion of what and what is not a stray is left solely to the shooter and domesticated animals could be unwilling victims. It sends a confusing message when cruelty to animals is prosecutable in one case, but perfectly acceptable in another.
The club will mainly serve as a forum for animal rights discussion and activism. Members are encouraged to research on their own and come to the meetings with ideas and suggestions to advance the cause. Brent Warnock, a Communication Department Professor is a willing advisor to the club.
“I anticipate that a club built…on the premise of love…can have far reaching effects both here on campus and in the community as a whole,” Warnock said. With plans already in the works for service projects including the support of TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release), assisting the humane society and Friends in Need Animal Sanctuary, students involved will definitely gain valuable volunteer opportunities.
Meetings are held every other Thursday in the Student Center. With semester dues of just $5 getting involved has never been so cheap or so easy. For more information contact club President Amelia Corey at acorey4@mymail.slcc.edu.