Colorado Voters For Animals

When I was in the legislature, we started the CLAW caucus, Colorado Legislators for Animal Welfare which brought together legislators interested in animal issues. CVA has been an integral part of that group and has presented many interesting and thought provoking speakers. CVA is committed to helping us all realize how important animals are to our world and why we must all work together to support animal welfare. The group is influential and respected in Colorado and throughout the West. It is filled with committed and energized members. I am thankful for Roland and all of his hard work to keep these issues at the forefront. Beth

Colorado Voters for Animals does a lot of great work to protect animals! I have a lot of respect for them and the work they do.

Roland Halpern showed up as an excellent speaker and advocate for animal protection when he spoke at the Fort Collins City Council last Tuesday. His information and knowledge helped City Council pass Sammy's Law to shut down the puppy mill pipeline in Fort Collins. Thank you so very much Roland!

This is a fantastic organization! They do so much to help animals, and I'm thrilled to have them in Colorado. Give today!

Roland did such a wonderful job supporting Sammy's Law in Fort Collins Tuesday night. He is so impassioned to help animals and it exudes in his character and actions. I also saw him at Vegfest this summer working hard there! Great person!

A reliable, authentic voice in the animal welfare spectrum. Have worked with them for a decade, I appreciate their work to recognize those legislators who are animal advocates. Their sponsorship of the Colorado CLAW Caucuses is especially valuable and appreciated.

Advocates for reducing animal cruelty through legislation. They support animal friendly legislation across Colorado.

They're doing great work to help animals effectively. The future will remember their pioneering efforts!!

Great organization! They protect those without a voice. I work in fighting the existence of puppy mills and the head of CVA has been a tremendous help.

As a former newspaper journalist working in Colorado for 30-plus years, I have to say I am incredibly impressed with the stellar and most professional work of Colorado Voters for Animals with its leader, Roland Halpern. This group does meticulous work steeped in facts and data and has proven successful outcomes that benefit all of Colorado. Every state needs such an organization for its animals, wildlife, habitat and healthy future.

CVA delivers when it comes to being a voice for both domesticated and wild animals. Their expertise has led to the betterment of countless beings in Colorado. Equally equipped at rallying volunteers and being a trusted voice to the legislature.

Mark Surls
Colorado State Representative, Project Coyote

Colorado Voters for Animals is an incredible nonprofit entity that truly walks the walk. When we needed volunteers to help collect signatures for a ballot initiative to prohibit trophy hunting, they showed up, consistently. They are professional, brilliant, and are doing amazing work for animals!

-Samantha Miller
CATs Campaign Manager

What an incredible organization working to establish relationships with lawmakers and create laws for animals . Greatly needed in our State . JOIN CVA and help with this worthy cause ..

My wife and I work with CVA and really enjoy the work they do to help animals, and love that they educate us on important animal issues. It's really refreshing to have such a balanced and informed advocacy group working on issues we care about.

Colorado Voters for Animals is the best. They do such amazing work and they work so hard to help animals! I have learned so much about how to advocate for animals, how to lobby for animals, and how important the legislature is to making sure animals have rights in Colorado. I am so grateful to have CVA advocating on behalf of animals in Colorado because I care about animals. I also love their "Claw Caucus" that they hold where I can learn about important bills and hear both sides of the story on a bill. It's very educational and informative. Keep up the great work, CVA!

When it was crucial to convince the Aurora city council that they needed to pass an ordinance prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores, Colorado Voters for Animals was there. Roland made his way to the session and delivered an exceptional presentation. His eloquence, impeccable attire, and well-researched data, left a lasting impression on everyone present. Ultimately, the Aurora city council ended with a majority vote in favor of progressing to the next stage of discussion concerning the proposed ordinance.
When I needed guidance and aid, Roland and Lori emerged as priceless assets. Lori was willing to share her wisdom and expertise to help me in my endeavors. I am very grateful to have found them and look forward to working by their side on behalf of animals as we get Colorado to enact more humane legislation.

This is an amazing organization. I appreciate knowing they are working with legislators for animal welfare. Because they are professional and articulate, they bring legitimacy to the animal welfare movement when they speak at legislative meetings. Also, when I vote for candidates in every race, I rely on Colorado Voters for Animals to have information regarding the candidates' beliefs or prior voting records on animal welfare issues. This is incredibly helpful for choosing candidates. I have been a member of this organization for probably at least a decade and will continue to support them into the future. They play a vital role in Colorado.

When it comes to animal protection and welfare, CVA is a wonderful non-profit organization that not only stands up for animal rights and protection, but works directly with Colorado lawmakers to enact laws that actually protect and give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves. I have seen first hand how passionate members of this organization are when it comes to raising awareness and helping get legislation passed in Colorado to protect our animals.
I am proud to be a volunteer and donor, knowing that my donations to CVA are making a difference in protecting our Colorado animals.

Having volunteered with CVA for years, I believe that Colorado Voters for Animals does an amazing job educating the public on political updates, as well as effectively getting legislation passed. There is a noted undertaking to talk with Colorado voters, lawmakers, businesses, and other stakeholders - all while keeping the focus on animal welfare.

I admire the work that CVA does, and the positive change that they continue to instill, both in the animal and non-animal community. They continue to pass bills protecting our pets and our wildlife, and are able to do it with bipartisan or nonpartisan support. Colorado is lucky to have such a passionate and dedicated group in the political sphere.

I have volunteered with a number of wonderful organizations and I have to say Colorado Voters for Animals is, by far, the best! They work at local, state and federal levels with legislators to introduce and support laws on behalf of animals - and more often than not, they succeed.
The professionalism and caring of each of the Board Members is to be applauded!
I can't say enough good things about CVA!

I really appreciate what Colorado Voters for Animals is doing- they help to pass laws to protect animals! This is the only group I know which focuses 100% on the legal process, from writing the bill, supporting the bill sponsors, moving it through the CO state legislature and helping to pass it! Our votes matter! CVA also provides education so that animal loving activists can make positive change for animals in their own local Colorado communities.

Colorado Voters for Animals (CVA) is an amazing non-profit committed to protecting and enriching the lives of non-human animals through public policy at the local, state, and federal levels. The breadth of their work is truly impressive – from organizing political support for pro-animal candidates to advocating for humane legislation to educating and mentoring students on how to be “a voice for the voiceless.” Colorado and animals everywhere are fortunate to have CVA in their corner.

I became familiar with CVA at Denver's Pride Fest this summer. I appreciate the simple and straight forward way in which CVA makes information about issues regarding animal welfare available and understandable to the general public, and was moved to volunteer some of my own time as a result.

As laws are considered that will have an impact on the health and welfare of animals wild and domestic, it is critical that someone speaks for the animals. Colorado Voters for Animals has been their voice in the legislature for many years. Not only does CVA speak on behalf of animals, they provide a forum through the Legislative Animal Caucus, bringing together legislators from both sides of the aisle for productive discussion and learning. By understanding the positions on both sides of an issue, and promoting legislation benefiting animals, CVA has been able to help make Colorado a leader in animal welfare and create a better relationship among all sides. This is an excellent organization. I support them and also volunteer for them.

I've been a member of Colorado Voters For Animals since 2019 after hearing Executive Director Roland Halpern speak on the ins and out of legislating on behalf of animals. CVA is a nonpartisan nonprofit that connects with lawmakers who want to enact policies that most Coloradans support. Of all the different organizations I have donated to over the years this one I feel has made the biggest bang for my buck. They are a class act organization that is making a difference in the lives of animals. I have been so impressed I have added them to my will. I volunteer too!

Shelters and rescues do great and important work, but they often are dealing with the unfortunate aftermath of animal abuse, cruelty and neglect. Colorado Voters for Animals focuses on the cause of the problem, working with stakeholders and lawmakers to craft and pass sensible legislation to eliminate or reduce the root causes.

When I moved to Colorado, I became aware of the horrific BLM round-up of our wild horses & I wanted to find a way to help the handful of activists helping some horses find their way to a sanctuary rather than to the slaughterhouse.
I reached out to COVA & met our Aspen Valley representatives, including Roland + Lori, at a local fundraiser in the Aspen Valley, raising awareness about legislation to protect our wild horses.
They are incredibly committed, dedicated, smart, passionate, skilled + resourceful leaders who work hard every day to make a difference in the lives of the animals.
I am thrilled to be able to volunteer with this esteemed group of dedicated animal lovers who are successful at raising awareness for & securing strong legislation to protect our animals.

This is a wonderful nonprofit that really makes a difference with animals in Colorado. I have volunteered with them on occasion and I know that the work they do is appreciated by animal lovers in the state and appreciated by the animals that don’t have have a voice.

Working for the welfare of animals, this great organization is fantastic! Dedicated, compassionate, informed and active people make the difference between allowing horror to continue, or drawing a line. CVA draws a line.,and works for solutiins! Thank you CVA!

CVA is a stellar organization working diligently to improve the lives of Colorado animals as well as animals from elsewhere. In my experience with Executive Director Roland Halpern, he has always been able and willing to lend a voice to those who can't speak for themselves. It is a voice of compassion and commonsense, and it is one that resonates with lawmakers looking to adopt and enact policies that enjoy widespread support in the community and treat our fellow nonhuman beings with the respect and dignity we all realize they deserve. CVA is knowledgeable, their vision is compelling and they carry an openness to collaborate with those who share their aims; I'm incredibly grateful for what they have already accomplished and look forward to future successes.

Colorado Voters for Animals Executive Director Roland Halpern is a deeply committed and highly effective animal advocate. Under such leadership, it is then no wonder that CVA is such a highly regarded and successful organization, raising awareness and advocating for Colorado's animals. Even as an advocate in a different part of the country, I look to Roland and CVA for innovative ideas and inspiration. I look forward to further interactions with CVA in the future. I could not speak of them more highly.

My experience with Colorado Voters for Animals comes down to two key words: Appreciation and Gratitude!

I discovered CVA about 5 years ago. They work to create and/or change laws affecting Animals in Colorado, which no other organization does as effectively as they do.

At the end of 2020, Animal Legal Defense Fund rated Colorado as the #8 state in the U.S. for laws effectively protecting Animals, which impressed me.

At the end of 2021, Animal Legal Defense Fund rated Colorado as the #4 state for laws effectively protecting Animals! That's a significant jump for CVA and for all Animals in Colorado -- in only 1 year!

I met Roland Halpern at the State of Colorado Parks and Wildlife meeting in May 2018, where both of us spoke strongly against the CPW's policies and practices regarding wildlife, and strongly advocated for ALL ANIMALS, urging CPW to upgrade their degrading beliefs and behaviors, policies and practices in regard to animals.

Roland and Colorado Voters for Animals are making huge positive impacts in behalf of Animals in Colorado. KEEP UP THE INCREDIBLE WORK!

APPRECIATION & GRATITUDE!!
Lily Clair
Montrose, CO

The Wyoming Coalition For Animal Protection (WYCAP) benefited greatly from the training provided by CVA in September 2021. It was obvious that CVA prepared thoroughly to discuss Wyoming's political process and how we can become more effective in advocating for animals. Based on CVA experience, examples of putting ideas into actual practice was helpful for a new organization like WYCAP

CVA is an effective ambassador for spreading knowledge about how citizens can improve their advocacy for animals. CVA definitely enhanced our understanding of the power that we all have to make a difference. It was obvious that CVA researched the Wyoming legislative process well and consequently the ideas about how we can approach candidates and elected officials more effectively made a good deal of sense.

CVA is a wonderful resource about animal welfare issues with knowledgeable members available to help.

I have been following the progress of Colorado Voters for Animals for 10 years and watched them become the “go to” source for state lawmakers when it comes to animal welfare legislation. Their knowledge of the issues, their efforts to bring all stakeholders together and their dedication to bi-partisanship has made them successful in becoming a voice for the voiceless and vote for the voteless. Colorado animals are blessed to have them on their side.

Hard working, dedicated people working on behalf of animals both inside and outside the state capital.

I worked with CVA to conduct and complete a client-based project in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Public Administration for the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs. This project aimed to help Colorado Voters for Animals in their efforts to design and introduce humane legislation that protects animals in the state of Colorado and understand where voters receive election information so they can better educate the public about animal welfare issues and promote pro-animal welfare candidates.

Colorado Voters for Animals lives up to their mission by advocating for and protecting all animals across the state of Colorado, both wild and domestic, by identifying and helping elect animal-friendly political candidates, working with lawmakers to pass sensible animal welfare laws through the use of candidate surveys, published scorecards ranking how individual legislators stand on animal welfare issues, giving testimony at legislative hearings on animal-related bills and collaborating with legislators to design legislation that seeks to improve animal welfare.

In addition, Colorado Voter for Animals is one of five sponsors who facilitate the Colorado Legislators for Animal Welfare Caucus (CLAW) which features a variety of speakers and topics to better educate legislators and the public about animal issues both in Colorado and on a federal level.

I would enthusiastically work with Colorado Voters for Animals again if given the opportunity to do so and am proud to support a nonprofit like CVA who advocate for those who do not have a voice.

This organization is doing a great job of protecting all animals. This includes domestic and farm animals and our wildlife. Many groups believe wildlife is doing just fine and it's not--CVA cares about wildlife issue too. Wildlife and wild places are my passion and and I really appreciate that

As a Colorado resident who cares about the treatment of all animals, I have found CVA to be a great resource. Their work with our state legal representatives, sending out the surveys, documenting the responses on their positions and in the end how they voted for animal related legislation is very helpful.
I'm also a long time (20 yr) volunteer at the Dumb Friends League and I see how our ability to help the animals is impacted by good and bad laws.
CVA provides a much needed service by working with the legal community to ensure legislation is animal friendly and/or improves animal welfare.

I have been able to see first hand the impact this organization has had on animal welfare. The tireless commitment to promoting the humane treatment of animals makes this organization a valuable and necessary component to further animal protection.

I was so blessed to get to do a CAPSTONE research project for this organization for my Master's in Public Administration. I've known about CVA since the early 2000s, but working the project showed me all the legislative efforts this group has proposed and advocated for over the years. Under the capable leadership of Roland Halpern and the Board of Directors, the group has an excellent reputation at our State Capitol and legislators of all persuasions are listening to animals' voices. Professionalism is UBER IMPORTANT in order for a nonprofit to gain buy-in from various stakeholders they seek to influence. With a stellar reputation, CVA has helped increase protections for animals in Colorado by helping the public become aware and by encouraging legislators to sponsor legislation designed to help animals. I give monthly to this group because I KNOW that legal protections are the only real way to make changes in our society (when it comes to animals). So I want CVA out there on the front lines and keeping me aware each session of the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to public policy for animals. I know my money is going to an organization that needs it, will use it wisely, and will make the lives of animals BETTER!!!

Colorado Voters for Animals (CVA) is the real deal. The organization, led by executive director and legislative expert, Roland Halpern, works tirelessly to improve the living conditions of animals--both domestic and exotic--in Colorado. There is no doubt that many animals, past, present and certainly in the future have and will benefit from CVA's work. It is a worthy organization to be involved with for those who want to make a positive difference in the lives of animals in Colorado. Kent Drotar, Director of Public Relations, The Wild Animal Sanctuary, Keenesburg, Colorado

We worked with this organization on a bill to ban circus use of exotic animals in the State. We found them to be extremely knowledgeable about the process, really had their fingers on the pulse of the various legislators, and very effectively shepherded the bill through, including overcoming serious efforts to significantly dilute it.

As a private practice attorney who works at an international law firm, I deal with all kinds of people, organizations and municipalities. Working on behalf of the Colorado Voters for Animals has been among my most rewarding experiences while in practice. Not only is the organization and its leadership team (cough - Roland Halpern - cough) professional, their attention to detail, care for their work, and general advocacy is as thorough and competent as any of my "day job" clients. I thank Roland and his team for providing me with an opportunity to assist in their work and I look forward to staying involved as their many campaigns gain further momentum.

Colorado Voters For Animals is an amazing organization and is working diligently for the welfare of animals. I've reached out to them on several occasions for information and assistance and they have always kindly responded. I'm happy to support this organization.

I was so happy to discover the CVA organization! I felt all alone when contacting Legislators regarding animal Bills. Now I am part of a group to help all animals! Power in numbers!

Very happy to support this wonderful organization. They are working at the legislative level to help as many animals as possible by changing laws to improve animal welfare in all areas (farming, wildlife, domestic companions, performing animals, etc).

CVA is a great organization with amazing dedication to animal welfare and educating the public.

This organization is absolutely wonderful! Their advocacy for animals is unmatched -- they've been there every time when we needed them most.

I am a retired animal law attorney and I have worked with many groups. In my opinion, Colorado Voters for Animals is the most effective animal advocacy group in the state. They have a good relationship with legislators, nonprofits and the public. CVA has the ability to explain complicated legislation to the public in understandable terms

Colorado Voters for Animals is a terrific organization!

Great non profit who does amazing things for animal welfare.

This is. A fabulous organization! It is run by very intelligent and well connected individuals who know how to get the job done

I have had the pleasure of working with Colorado Voters For Animals behind the scenes these last six months as their event planner. Their dedication and passion for being a voice for animals is inspiring. Then watching them put their words into action and take steps to fight to improve animal welfare, work with stakeholders to reach consensus on advancing animal welfare makes this an incredible Non-Profit!

In all my interactions with Colorado Voters for Animals, I have found a deep commitment by this organization and its leadership to the necessary work that non-profits can accomplish when working in an ethical, effective way. CVA is such a non-profit and I am happy to be a supporter of their work.

I have known about Colorado Voters for animals for some years and although I am not an active member I am a financial contributor, and also have attended some of their liaison sessions with legislators. CVA does an admirable job working with Colorado legislators focusing on animal welfare issues whether if pertains to domestic animals, farm animals or State wildlife.
A bill endorsed by CVA, strengthening animal cruelty laws which prohibits individuals convicted of animal cruelty to have contact with another animal for a specified period of time and require those individuals to submit to mental health treatment programs, was signed into law by our current Governor. Another bill CVA was involved with was to oppose a "raffle" for licenses to hunt and kill certain native Colorado animals. The bill was eventually withdrawn due to overwhelming opposition.
CVA has also been involved with sponsoring its Colorado Legislative Animal Welfare Caucus (CLAW) which helps bring together animal-friendly legislators, animal agencies and the public to speak about and understand topics regarding animal welfare in Colorado.
Stephen Canges

I have watched CVA grow over the past several years to a point where I can say with confidence that it is now an essential force for animal welfare at the State Capitol--sought out by legislators who are interested in passing solid animal protection laws and respected by the governor and first gentleman for its commitment to helping wildlife, farm animals and domestic pets from harm. CVA deserves my ongoing support.

I testified for HB 1092--regarding the prohibiting of convicted animal abusers from owning pets, and was warmly received by all CVA and legislators. Although my story was traumatic, it illustrated "The Link" between the escalation of violence in people who begin down the path of cruelty by mistreating innocent animals.

I congratulate Colorado Voters for Animals for their steadfast, powerful advocacy for the vulnerable--both animals and people. The organization is gathering crucial steam in its messaging to the Colorado State Legislature. Coloradans like me want our pets, wildlife, and domestic farm animals to be treated with compassion, respect, and kindness.

Colorado Voters for Animals is at the forefront of making humane treatment of all creatures a focus of important law creation. I support them wholeheartedly!

I was a Colorado legislator for ten years, eight as a State Representative and two as a Senator. I always found Colorado Voters for Animals (CVA) to be supportive and effective when legislators like me wanted to go out on a limb to improve the lives of animals in Colorado. CVA was not only a valuable source of policy knowledge, but also tremendously helpful when it came to building coalitions in support of animal welfare. I consider CVA to be one of the very best advocacy groups in Colorado, and well worth supporting.

Colorado is lucky to have this organization! Through their CLAW Caucus, educational materials, information booths at events, and work with lawmakers, they are making a big difference in public awareness and animal-related legislation.

CVA is an strategic animal advocacy organization with the structure, skills, volunteer base and political acumen to get an animal protection item from a concept to legislation. Within a year of contacting CVA with a wild and exotic animal protection concept along with draft legislation, CVA committed to advocating for this issue. CVA developed educational information, hosted information booths at festivals, informed legislators and have obtained legislator commitments to introduce the bill in 2020.

CVA really cares! Roland and his team of volunteers support the mission to help protect animals through public policy and to support candidates who are committed to animal protection. I'm so proud to have volunteered with this group and can't wait to help again!

CVA is great about informing me of upcoming legislation regarding animal rights in Colorado and how to best communicate with our legislators on getting the right laws in place to protect animals. They are proactive, well-organized and really do make a difference for animals in our state. They also have a great presence at many events in Colorado and do a great job making more people aware of how we can improve the lives of animals.

I have attended a couple of CLAW caucus meetings organized by CVA and volunteered at one of their booths. CVA tracks legislation affecting animals and educates voters re: such legislation.

CVA works tirelessly to improve the lives of animals in Colorado. They are well respected at the Capitol and have been involved in many animal-related legislative issues. They create a legislative score card for Colorado legislators. Also,they attend many festivals and educate people about the issues. Their influence continues to grow every year. They are truly a watch-dog for Colorado animals!

CVA is an amazing nonprofit organization that relentlessly fights for the animals and wildlife in Colorado. CVA works with legislators on issues pertaining to wildlife and animal welfare protection. CVA educates the public on issues that affect animals. Their compassion and focus is always about the animals and wildlife. I support them whole heartily. I look forward to their next legislature success in helping the animals and wildlife.

CVA is an organization I'm proud to support. Their work to bring animal welfare issues to the public and legislators is remarkable and very needed in Colorado. They work behind the scenes to get legislation presented and passed for all animals with a credible voice. Thank you, CVA!

I love this organization! They are absolutely invaluable when it comes to voting for the right candidate. Helping animals requires changing laws and CVA is on the frontline making this happen!

I love this amazing organization. They make voting easy by doing all the homework for me. Protecting animals is very important to me and CVA notifies me when my local legislators will be voting on important animal related issues so I can call and ask them to oppose or support. Love the ballot buddy they send out prior to elections that grade my local legislators on how they voted on key animal issues.

Colorado Voters for Animals is a wonderful organization of compassionate people who work tirelessly to help get elected lawmakers who share the public desire for a cruelty-free and pain-free Colorado for animals.

They are a hardworking, ethical group of people whose eyes are open to horrible atrocities happening out of sight in barns, farms, garages, our beautiful forests and state. Thank goodness they are there to know the terrible things that are done to animals and to campaign to elect officials who share the average citizen's desire that laws be passed to protect animals and have them treated with compassion and thoughtfulness. CVA is behind some great progress on our legislative front.

Colorado Voters for Animals dedicates every effort towards animal welfare and has made tremendous contributions on the legislative level. This organization is comprised of sincere and exemplary individuals who have developed an arena for the public to have a voice, for their voices to be heard and to make a purposeful difference.

This is a wonderful group to help educate voters on which state legislators are good with animal welfare issues. They put out a yearly “Scorecard” to show how each legislator voted on bills that had animal welfare included in them. They also hold monthly meetings during the legislative session with speakers on animal welfare subjects that both the legislators and the public attend. Interaction between legislators and members of the public who are animal welfare advocates is very helpful in getting animal protections in our state.

Volunteering at various events, attending CLAW Caucus at the state capitol, fundraising, assisting at tabling events, participating in strategy planning and lobbying.

I was excited to find and participate with this non-profit. We have been successful in encouraging, assisting, and donating to bi-partisan animal friendly politicians who in turn, have written legislation that: has allowed citizens to break into vehicles when weather threatens a child or an animal; outlawed the declawing of cats; provided the same protections for police horses as dogs; joined numerous other organizations that have forced the withdrawal of trophy hunting bills; and much more.

CVA is growing in size and influence in our state and maintains a respected position in our government as a powerful advocate for animals, including pets, farm, entertainment, wildlife, birds, and exotics. I will continue to serve animals through this viable, organized, and well-meaning non-profit.

I am proud to have followed my volunteer activities with now serving on the Board. I feel my 30 years experience in professional animal behavior/training/humane education/ and authorship is being utilized well.