08/20/2025
IN DEFENSE of ANIMALS
2025 JUSTICE for ANIMALS CAMPAIGN PLAN
January 5, 2025
Introduction and Background
IDA has a rich history in Mississippi. Our work with law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys, judges, veterinarians, media, businesses, animal advocates, shelters, saddle clubs, dog hunters and their associations, civic boards and leaders, legislators, and other interested community members has garnered a reputation of both respect and dread. In both cases IDA has earned respect for the standards we set, the consistency of our ethics, and our tenacity in investigating and addressing cruelty, traditions steeped in abuse, and cultural ignorance. We have worked on hundreds of cases and rescued thousands of animals. IDA has made a mark on the region.
Renewing our efforts in the areas of legislation and education and influencing regional sheltering policies and care is paramount to forging a future of compassionate thinking for the animals of this region.
Vision
To ingrain dignity, respect, and kindness to the animals inhabiting one of the most resource disadvantaged regions of the southeastern region of the USA.
Mission
Our mission is to engage the public in reporting cruelty, aid law enforcement and the judicial system with enforcing humane statutes and ordinances, and starting at the local level and moving state and region-wide, to foster an environment and encourage the necessary actions (most importantly, the enforcement of existing laws, engaging officials, influencing change through action and results) that result in a greatly improved existence for all animals (pointing always to the shining example set during our past three decades.
Strategy for Advancing and Enforcing Legislation
Impacting state statutes, and county and municipal ordinances begins in communities in which IDA has made an impact and already has positive relationships. Accordingly, we will start where we have allies, working from the bottom up to grow support locally that can be leveraged to impact state legislation. There are three goals: 1) influencing lawmakers to embrace the need for humane laws and act to pass them, 2) giving law enforcement the knowledge and point to resources for addressing cruelty cases, and 3) sharing with the public and inspiring youth - tomorrow's leaders - to respect and treat animals humanely.
Tactics
Within each of our strategic areas we must remember that historically change lasts only if the society affected embraces the change. 1.) Identify the needs 2.) Identify who will actively participate and who has influence, 3.) Never miss an opportunity to engage media – media greatly impacts attitudes and beliefs, 4.) Lead/take action, 5.) Continue an aggressive schedule of eNews stories, Facebook posts, blogs, and press releases to keep the public aware of the problems, successes, and solutions, and 6.) Give law enforcement the knowledge and point to resources for addressing cruelty cases and how to work with the current animal cruelty laws in the state.
Measurables:
Successful rescues and prosecution of cases, passage of legislation, public response.
2025 Justice for Animals campaign goals:
1. Maintain and when needed Strengthen our collaborations with law enforcement and the judicial system statewide. There are communities that need to be reached. We'll advocate for comprehensive mental health evaluations and treatments.
2. Raise awareness within communities through media and grassroots efforts to serve as a deterrent against potential future animal abusers.
3. Effect rigorous prosecution of animal abusers, seeking maximum penalties, and holding officials accountable for any failure to prosecute or provide adequate sentencing.
4. Amplify our ongoing efforts to seek justice for animals through education and robust social media advocacy, continuing to be a strong and unwavering voice for animals.
5. Continue to rescue and lawfully seize imperiled animals.
6. We are providing igloos for needy dogs, goats if needed (they hate to be out in the rain - keepers often “condition them” to rain.)
7. And much more….
