The Humane Society of Fremont County is fighting to correct an injustice that has unfairly impacted our small shelter. We are working closely with Maxfund and No-Kill Colorado to advocate for change through House Bill HB25-1137.

Several years ago, we applied for a grant funded through the sales of the Adopt a Shelter License Plates, administered by the Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund (CPOF). However, we soon discovered that to receive these funds, we would have to agree NOT to use the term "no-kill" in our advertising. Standing by our core values, we refused to check that box. Later, a representative from CPOF indicated that they were "moving away" from supporting shelters like ours—those that embrace the no-kill philosophy.

Fighting for Fair Funding & Transparency

HB25-1137 seeks to remove restrictive requirements that fund only one type of shelter model while increasing transparency in the grant process.

• Expanding Shelter Funding
  The bill will allow shelters like ours, which has maintained the highest open-admission save rate in the state for ten consecutive years, to access vital grant funding without compromising our mission.
  
  
• Promoting Fairness
  Current restrictions exclude certain shelters based on ideology. HB25-1137 ensures that all well-run animal welfare organizations have equal opportunities for funding.
  
  
• Enhancing Transparency
  Currently, the members of the CPOF Board operate with little public oversight. This bill would require transparency by making board members publicly known.
  
  

Historic Progress: Bill Advancing Rapidly

On Monday, we testified before the House Agriculture Committee in Denver. The bill passed 8-4, marking a major victory for our "small but mighty" team. By Tuesday, the bill had already passed a second reading and is now moving at an unprecedented pace.

• Committee Approval
  HB25-1137 passed the House Agriculture Committee with an 8-4 vote.
  
  
• Second Reading Passed
  The bill moved swiftly through the system, passing again on its second reading.
  
  
• Final House Vote Scheduled
  The bill now heads to the full House for a vote on **Tuesday**.
  
  

We Need Your Support!

Today, we need your help. Please contact your local House representative and urge them to vote YES on HB25-1137.

• How to Take Action
  Find your representative and send them an email urging their support. Click here to reach all House members: Colorado House Representatives.
  
  
• Fremont County Residents
  If you're in Fremont County, please contact Representative Stephanie Luck at stephanie.luck.house@coleg.gov and request that she vote YES on HB25-1137.
  
  
• Sample Letter
  

  Dear Representative Luck,

  As a proud constituent and passionate animal welfare advocate in Colorado, I urge you to vote YES on HB25-1137, The Colorado Overpopulation Fund and Community Cats Act. This critical bill ensures that state funding is fairly distributed among all well-run shelters while increasing transparency in the allocation process.

  We appreciate your time and support in helping create a more equitable system for our state’s animal welfare organizations.

  Sincerely,
  (Your Name)

  
  
  

Thank you for your support—your voice can make a real difference in passing this essential legislation!