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DC Voters for Animals

@dcvfa.bsky.social
82 followers 127 following 170 posts

DC's animal policy group: We lift up the policies and politicians doing the most for animals and our community. Sign up at DCVFA.com

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Reposted by DC Voters for Animals
Alex Taliadoros @alexctaliadoros.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The Home Rule Act gives DC residents the right to propose ballot initiatives and referenda. Today, the Council will vote on a bill to gut that right by imposing dozens of new restrictions, requirements, legal barriers, and delays to effectively block any initiative before it reaches your ballot.
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Rats on your mind? Join the DC Rat Rangers webinar on why prevention is effective, resources from us and the city, and risks to avoid. Friday, Sept 18 - 1PM Saturday, Sept 26 - 12PM Spread solutions that work, not poisons that can harm your child or pet. Sign up: dcratsolutions.com/rat-rangers
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
We sent out a questionnaire for State Board of Education candidates for the first time. See what we asked them at the intersection of education and animals.
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Come on a Rat Walk with us... We just launched DC Rat Rangers; a citywide program helping neighbors stop the root drivers of rats. As part of this, we are doing Rat Walks in all eight Wards.
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Announcing the launch of the DC Rat Rangers! Join your neighbors to learn all about rats… and how to stop them.
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Ward 5 — are you ready to turn the tide on rats? Join a guided walk to learn about rats in your neighborhood and how to prevent them. Head to Carver-Langston at dusk to learn about rat ecology through observation. Take solutions into your own hands; be part of this community-driven response.
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
@repoyedc.bsky.social is on Politics Hour with @nnamdikid.bsky.social for the first time! And it's sad to see @alexkoma.bsky.social go--wishing you the best and thanks for all you have done for local reporting in DC. wamu.org/story/26/07/...
wamu.org
The Politics Hour: Montgomery County pauses data centers and D.C.'s likely new councilmember Oye Owolewa
Montgomery County At-Large Councilmember Shebra Evans on pausing data center development, D.C.'s Shadow Representative Oye Owolewa on his recent primary win in the D.C. At-Large Council race, and what...
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
This is why DC proposed the REMY Act! Unintended victims are harming biodiversity and wild animals, pets...even children in the District.
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Reposted by DC Voters for Animals
Christina Henderson @chenderson.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
A 5+ hr hearing on bills with regard rodent management today. Learned so much. Did you know that hawks can kill upwards of 1K rats a year? Did you know that rats can give birth every 21 days? 🤯 Thanks to all the witnesses who testified on REMY Act today!
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
DEADLINE TODAY AT 5:30! DC Council is holding a hearing on the REMY Act on Monday.
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Thank you @chenderson.bsky.social! This bill gets at SYSTEMIC solutions to manage rats while making our neighborhoods safer. As we say in DC Responsible Rat Management #PreventionNotPoison
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Reposted by DC Voters for Animals
Martin Austermuhle @maustermuhle.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
NEWS: The D.C. Board of Elections has run the tabulation rounds under ranked-choice voting, and it looks like Oye Owolewa and @aparnafordc.bsky.social have jumped across the 50% threshold in their races. The animation can be viewed here: electionresults.dcboe.org/election_res...
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
DC is about to choose a mayor who will shape our food decisions for at least 4 years, and likely many more. A coalition of groups working in local food systems asked the candidates about issues DC residents and businesses are confronting. Here's one niche but important topic. 🧵
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
DCVFA 2026 ENDORSEMENTS We asked candidates where they stand on humane rat management, sustainable food, pet‑friendly housing, and more. You weighed in. These are the candidates we believe will be the most compassionate voices for animals in DC.
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Reposted by DC Voters for Animals
U.S. Rep Oye Owolewa @repoyedc.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
I wanted to create something that brought me joy. So we made bobbleheads. Rank Oye #1 At-Large (and Small). Click the bobble. Primary: June 16. @dcvfa.bsky.social @weareliuna.bsky.social @atulocal689.bsky.social @dcbikewalkbuspac.bsky.social
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
DC Voters for Animals is proud to endorse Gary Goodweather for mayor! @garygoodweather.bsky.social
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
DC Voters for Animals is proud to endorse Janeese Lewis George for mayor! @janeese4dc.bsky.social
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
DC Voters for Animals is proud to endorse Zachary Parker for Ward 5!
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
DC Voters for Animals is proud to endorse Matthew Frumin for Ward 3! @mattfrumin.bsky.social
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
DC Voters for Animals is proud to endorse Charles Allen for Ward 6! @cmcharlesallen.bsky.social
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
DC Voters for Animals is proud to endorse Miguel Trindade Deramo for Ward 1!
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Reposted by DC Voters for Animals
Rashida Brown @rashidaforward1.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
I’m so honored to be ranked #1 by @dcvfa.bsky.social. Thank you for this endorsement—and for recognizing that how we treat animals reflects who we are as a city. I’ll fight for stronger protections, humane policies, and real support for animal rescue—because compassion should guide our city. 🐾
PROUDLY ENDORSED BY
DC Voters for Animals
Photo of Rashida as a child kneeling and playing with her dog in the driveway.
Photo of Rashida as an adult crouching and posing with a dog, with a Rashida campaign sign behind them.
Includes Rashida's campaign log and the logo for DC Voters for Animals
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
DC Voters for Animals is proud to endorse Aparna Raj for Ward 1! You can support @aparnafordc.bsky.social for Ward 1: aparnafordc.com/donate
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
We are proud to endorse Rashida Brown for DC Council - Ward 1! Read the candidate questionnaire responses here: lnkd.in/eq5Vhv9v You can support Rashida Brown for Ward 1: lnkd.in/eweUSRBY Stay tuned as we announce further endorsements!
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Momentum building for @repoyedc.bsky.social!
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Reposted by DC Voters for Animals
Ward One Democrats @ward1democrats.org · 12/04/2026
ENDORSEMENTS: Here are our endorsees, who received 2/3+ of votes from nearly 300 attendees today - Delegate: @robertwhitedc.bsky.social - Mayor: @janeese4dc.bsky.social - At-Large Special: @elissasilverman.bsky.social - At-Large Primary: @repoyedc.bsky.social - Ward 1 Council: No endorsement
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Reposted by DC Voters for Animals
Aru @aru.io · 22/03/2026
Inspired by @chenderson.bsky.social's bill calling for rat-proof litter bins, I ran the data on rodent-related 311 requests in 2025. Ward 5 leads the District with 19.01%, while ANC 5F is at #8. We need these cans yesterday 🙈
A WARD LEADERBOARD table.
Rank Ward       | Requests % of Citywide
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1     | Ward 5     | 3171       |  19.01%
2     | Ward 1     | 3148       |  18.87%
3     | Ward 4     | 3104       |  18.60%
4     | Ward 2     | 2569       |  15.40%
5     | Ward 7     | 1997       |  11.97%
6     | Ward 6     | 1547       |   9.27%
7     | Ward 8     | 628        |   3.76%
8     | Ward 3     | 520        |   3.12%An ANC LEADERBOARD table
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Rank  | ANC        | Requests   | % of Citywide
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1     | 7D         | 1187       |   7.11%
2     | 4C         | 925        |   5.54%
3     | 1B         | 915        |   5.48%
4     | 5E         | 850        |   5.09%
5     | 4B         | 825        |   4.94%
6     | 4D         | 795        |   4.77%
7     | 2B         | 794        |   4.76%
8     | 5F         | 747        |   4.48%
9     | 1A         | 745        |   4.47%
10    | 1E         | 621        |   3.72%
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Which trash cans do you want: rat friendly or rat resistant?
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Your Turn! Do you care about animals? We put together our top ways to protect them from harm and asked DC candidates whether they are supportive. Here is what they said. Want to weigh in? You have three ways to share who you think we should endorse. www.dcvfa.com/blog/dc-elec...
dcvfa.com
DC Elections: Candidates Share Views on Animals — DC Voters for Animals
DC’s 2026 election promises an upheaval. Voters can expect a new mayor, and more than half of the DC Council could turn over by 2027. Gone are the days of sleepy, low‑stakes races. This year brings ...
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Was it Gandhi who said "The mark of greatness of a DC Council candidate for At Large is measured by their protection of animals"? If @repoyedc.bsky.social does this for animals, you know how he speaks up for the most vulnerable. Lets get him into office. Donate: secure.actblue.com/donate/q3202...
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Are you accidentally growing DC's rat population?
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Curious where DC’s candidates stand on animal issues? The DCVFA Candidate Questionnaire is live! Join us for the Public Reveal: Open to all DC animal voters. Candidates who have not received the questionnaire should reach out immediately.
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Reposted by DC Voters for Animals
Alex Koma @alexkoma.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
A group of climate advocates including @wepowerdc.bsky.social and CCAN are calling on the council/mayor to hold off appointing any new Public Service Commission members until after the election: two are up this year. I've heard growing frustration with the PSC as gas/electric rates creep up:
Washington, D.C. — Amid repeated failures by the D.C. Public Service Commission (PSC) to keep energy bills down, a coalition of consumer, housing, and climate advocates is urging the D.C. Council to pause new appointments to the Commission until after the new mayor takes office on January 2. Advocates will testify at the February 27 public oversight hearing of the PSC, emphasizing how higher energy bills are straining D.C. residents and the need for new leadership at the PSC.

“To build a more affordable energy future in D.C., we should use new architects. January’s 13% gas rate hike is only the latest chapter in a history of lax oversight and deference by the D.C. Public Service Commission to let utilities jack up their rates no matter the cost to District residents,” said Claire Mills, D.C. Campaigns Manager at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “Time and time again, Chair Thompson and Commissioner Trabue have sided with Washington Gas and Pepco instead of with hardworking D.C. residents, rubber-stamping nearly half a billion dollars in excessive spending that allows these companies to increase profits for their shareholders. With affordability top of mind for D.C. residents this election season, voters deserve a say in choosing a leader who will hold utilities accountable and help bring costs down. That means no reappointments before the November election.” 

Since 2021, under Chair Emile Thompson’s leadership, the Commission has approved $398.5 million in utility spending by both Pepco and Washington Gas. That included a controversial multi-year electric rate hike approved in November 2024 that increased D.C. electric bills by $7.54 per month in 2025 and $3.80 per month in 2026, and a 13% gas rate hike approved in December 2025 that boosted Washington Gas’s return on equity to 10.5%, an industry high. The PSC has continued to approve spending requests from Pepco and Washington Gas even as both utilities face lawsuits from consumer advocates alleging mismanag…
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
DC's environmental report card in the second Trump administration is not good. Let's change that. Testify with us at the @doeedc.bsky.social hearing on Feb 20! Comment 'climate' and we will DM you details.
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Dozens came out to hear @repoyedc.bsky.social speak yesterday— and then hit the doors to share that message across our community. The energy and dedication in the room was palpable. This is what people-powered campaigning looks like. Join us in voting Oye for DC Council At-Large this June.
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
We are canvassing for Oye! Join us this Sunday for his talk at the Pro Animal Meetup then we will convene to canvass after. Comment 'OYE' for an invite. @repoyedc.bsky.social
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
For the first time ever: DCVFA makes an *early* endorsement. Dr. Oye Owolewa @repoyedc.bsky.social is running for DC Council At-Large, and we endorsed him ahead of schedule. Learn why and support him: www.dcvfa.com/blog/dcvfa-issues-first-ever-early-endorsement-dr-oye-owolewa-for-dc-council
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
What's the scoop on DC Council's two new bills to stop rats? Here is a (condensed) version of the bills from @cmlewisgeorgew4.bsky.social and @brookepintodc.bsky.social. Learn what you can do to safely stop rats at DC Responsible Rat Management's website DCRatSolutions.com.
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
DC journalist Melanie Kaplan just published a book 'Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research'. Get your copy from @hachetteus to read this nuanced and humanizing story! www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/melan...
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
Did you know stadiums are prime breeding grounds for rats? Here is why and what we can do about it. #Commanders #RFKstadium #ResponsibleRatControl #KingmanIsland
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Government and political interference are getting in the way. DC rights are being trampled on. We can come together as a community, tomorrow at the #WeAreAllDC march. Meet DCVFA at the west side of Malcolm X Park across from the bathrooms at 11:00AM.
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
Call 311 asap if you see a dead rat. They pose a huge threat to birds like hawks and vultures who can get secondary poisoning from rodenticide.
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
Why are osprey struggling in the broader Chesapeake? It's a mystery, but they are thriving in DC. Thanks to this coverage from @nbcwashington.com with @doee-dc.bsky.social www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/o...
nbcwashington.com
Osprey population thrives in DC while plummeting along Chesapeake Bay
The bay region is home to 20 percent of the world’s osprey population, and researcher Dan Rauch is trying to figure out what’s causing the disparity. News4’s Mark Segraves reports.
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Rat poison kills: birds, squirrels, opossums, and more. Interested in sustainable solutions? Look to better sanitation! Learn more at: DCRatSolutions.com Video by @joannabzelman with additional footage provided by - @PossumQueen @wildliferehab_kl @dccitywildlife Music from MobyGratis
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Reposted by DC Voters for Animals
Our Hen House @ourhenhouse.org · 09/04/2025
"There are outcomes besides whether the policy passes..." @dcvfa.bsky.social's Max Broad reminds us that advocacy matters even when we don't win. Every campaign educates and shifts the conversation! Listen to our latest episode on fur bans: ourhenhouse.org/ep795 @thehumaneleagueus.bsky.social
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Reposted by DC Voters for Animals
Our Hen House @ourhenhouse.org · 04/04/2025
🎧 NEW EPISODE! "Fur is Dead!: How Local Advocates Are Ending Fur Sales" Learn how activists are passing fur bans across MA and beyond! With MSPCA's Kara Holmquist, @dcvfa.bsky.social's Max Broad, & Conor Lamkin of The Animal Policy Alliance by @thehumaneleagueus.bsky.social. ourhenhouse.org/ep795
Episode promotional graphic for Our Hen House podcast #795. The image has a purple header reading "Fur is Dead!: How Local Advocates Are Ending Fur Sales" with the Our Hen House logo. Below are photos of three guests: Kara Holmquist at a podium, Max Broad speaking at what appears to be a fashion event, and Conor Lamkin in a professional headshot. Each guest has a quote beside their photo: "I hope people feel empowered to take these on because it's so possible" (Kara), "This is not over—I'm back and I'm ready to fight" (Max), and "These local initiatives can lead to state bans and help build to a federal ban" (Conor). The episode number 795 is displayed prominently.
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
DC Voters for Animals is launching a new coalition to advance sustainable solutions for rodent management that protect wildlife, pets, and public health. Rat poison is killing DC wildlife and pets. Let's talk solutions that protect our ecosystem/community. www.dcvfa.com/blog/new-coa...
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
Three takeaways: 1) Rodenticides are killing wildlife at an alarming rate. 2) Pets are getting poisoned frequently as well. 3) Killing rats is merely a bandaid; systemic solutions are rooted in managing waste, including composting. www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...
washingtonpost.com
Rat poison is sickening and killing D.C. wildlife, study finds
Of 101 samples collected from dead animals between September 2023 and May 2024, 85 percent tested positive for rodenticide, according to City Wildlife.
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
Join us at this benefit for the amazing Homeward Trails Animal Rescue at Asian Grill on March 6. RSVP givebutter.com/6KBanp
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DC Voters for Animals @dcvfa.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Are rodenticides the new DDT? Event on 2/27 Poisons intended for rats are spreading through the ecosystem, affecting wildlife with each step of the food chain. Learn what is really happening and what we can do. RSVP: lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/reuxuag
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