GOVERNOR REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HAWAI`I'S PETS

December 12 - As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's ongoing commitment to protecting Hawai`i's pets, Governor Lingle delivered keynote remarks at the Kaua`i Humane Society's (KHS) annual membership luncheon. 

The Governor outlined key initiatives her Administration has implemented to improve care for animals, including legislation to make animal cruelty a felony offense.

"People who mutilate or harm animals are the type of people who would do it to humans, and sometimes, it's the first step," said Governor Lingle. 

As the result of this law, signed by Governor Lingle earlier this year, individuals found guilty of intentionally or knowingly torturing, mutilating or poisoning any pets face up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Governor Lingle maintained her focus on providing for pets as part of disaster planning.

"Pets are cherished members of our families," she said.

The Governor also praised KHS for its initiative to partner with the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) to handle quarantine and releases at airport.

In September 2007, HDOA implemented a program to allow qualified dogs and cats to enter the state through neighbor island airports on Kaua`i, Maui and in Kona, if owners comply with additional requirements of the Five-Days-or-Less rabies quarantine program.