Thursday, June 18, is Humane Lobby Day in Mississippi. The Humane Society of the United States goal is to gain support for stronger animal cruelty laws nationally, and you can help.

In Hancock County, Friends of the Animal Shelter will sponsor a get-together from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Hancock County Government Annex. They’ve invited elected officials and candidates seeking office to hear about animal protection issues of concern to constituents.

In 2014, Mississippi ranked 50 out of 52 in animal protection laws because of limited control over puppy mills and weak legislation protecting companion animals. If you want to help bring about change, please attend tomorrow’s meeting along with members of Friends and the Diamondhead SPCA and other concerned residents.

For more information and to register to attend the meeting, contact Christina Richardson at 222-7018 or Micky Evans at 493-5712.