The Youngest Lobbyist
You may not be old enough to vote, but that doesn't mean you have no say. Just ask 10-year-old Chance Flint of Jackson, Mississippi. He's one of the youngest-ever registered lobbyists in the state of Mississippi.

A lobbyist is someone who tries to influence lawmakers or other public officials. "As a lobbyist, you try to get laws passed or stop laws from passing," Chance says. "You have to be responsible and you have to be able to persuade people to do what you think is right6."

Chance is registered with the state of Mississippi as an official lobbyist. But anyone can—and should—talk to their elected officials about issues that are important to them.

One issue Chance is working on is holding people responsible for their pets' behavior. "Just because an animal might have an irresponsible caregiver, it doesn't mean the animal should be punished. It means the caregiver should be," he tells us.

Taking the Law(making) Into Your Own Hands
You don't have to be registered as a lobbyist to talk to your lawmakers. These kids prove it!

● Haley Ham, 11, was heartbroken when her dogs died from antifreeze poisoning. She learned that an ingredient can be added to antifreeze to make it taste bitter to pets and people. However, only a few states have laws requiring the bittering agent be added. Tennessee, where Haley lives, isn't one of them. So she wrote letters to many of her state lawmakers, and she's now working with Senator Raymond Finney. They're trying to pass a law that would require the bitter ingredient be added to all antifreeze sold in the state. Check next month's issue for an update!

● Fifty-eight young horse-lovers recently visited the United States Capitol. The kids had learned that horses are still being slaughtered and their meat sold overseas for food. They wanted to show support of a bill aimed at preventing the slaughter. The students met with Senator Mary Landrieu, a supporter of the bill.

You can lobby for animal-friendly laws too! Speak Up for Animals! An Action Guide for Kids Who Care explains the legislative (lawmaking) process and gives tips on talking to your lawmakers. Join Mission: Humane and we'll send you a copy for free, or click here to read it online.