Whether she is pushing for legislation to stop shark finning or helping to save a wayward black rat snake, Hetti Brown is passionate about helping animals.
“Animal advocates are extremely passionate people,” Brown says. “We’re fighting for those who can’t speak for themselves.”
As state director of the Humane Society of the United States-Delaware, the Wilmington resident is involved in a number of issues that impact not only the First State, but the world. She successfully pushed legislation that prohibits the sale, possession and distribution of shark fins in Delaware. The law is meant to help put an end to shark finning (where the fins are cut off of live sharks and the bodies are tossed back into the water). Shark fin soup is a delicacy in some parts of the world and in certain areas of the United States.
The nonprofit HSUS bills itself as “the nation’s largest animal protection organization.” It works to protect animals worldwide through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. HSUS rescues and cares for tens of thousands of animals each year, but its primary mission is to prevent cruelty.
Brown is also urging the state to enroll in the Interstate Wildlife Violation Compact. “It’s similar to driver’s license laws where if you lose your license for a hunting, trapping or fishing crime, you would also lose it in other states,” she says.
As part of the state’s Animal Welfare Task Force, Brown worked on recommendations for addressing the feral cat problem. In the fall, a day long symposium will be held for shelters, policy makers, and the public about free roaming cats and the cat overpopulation. (facebook.com/HSUSDelaware)
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