DOYLESTOWN, PA — Fueled by a shared commitment to animal welfare, a new organization is working to improve the lives of animals across Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Voters For Animals, Inc. (PAVFA) was officially established in July 2023 by four women with decades of experience in animal advocacy, rescue, fostering, and adoption.
The founding members are Suzanne Gonzalez, who serves as Board President; Karen E. Winkler, Board Treasurer; Jennifer Ramos-Buschmann, Board Secretary; and Sheryl Petrillo, Board Member. Together, they aim to foster lasting change through stronger animal protection laws.
“I realized that to make a lasting impact on animal cruelty and neglect, we, the people of Pennsylvania, need to work together to bring about strong, enforceable legislative change in our state. The people should influence that change, not corporate or special interest groups,” said Suzanne Gonzalez, founder and president of PAVFA.
A registered 501(c)(4) non-partisan nonprofit, PAVFA’s stated mission is to advance comprehensive and compassionate animal protection legislation in Pennsylvania. The organization works closely with local communities, individuals, and other groups dedicated to rescuing and advocating for animals.
PAVFA has outlined six key legislative priorities for 2025, aiming to address practices and industries that contribute to animal suffering. These include:
- Ending live animal sales in pet stores
- Banning non-therapeutic cat declawing, and tail docking and ear cropping in dogs
- Eliminating animal killing contests
- Prohibiting the use of animals in traveling circuses
- Closing down roadside zoos
- Effectively combating puppy mills
By uniting Pennsylvanians around these goals, PAVFA seeks to serve as a strong and collective voice for all animals in the state. The organization believes that collaboration between communities and individuals can result in meaningful changes that address cruelty and neglect.
With clear objectives and passionate leadership, PAVFA marks what could be a significant step forward in the fight to protect animals in Pennsylvania.
To join, collaborate, volunteer, or learn more about PAVFA, visit their website. Mark your calendar for a virtual volunteer orientation session on January 27, 2025, at 7 PM.
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