Doris Day Commends Senate for Hearing S.1110, the Engine Coolant and Antifreeze Bittering Agent Act to Protect Our Pets.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A bill requiring the addition of a bittering agent to consumer packaged antifreeze products is "the best gift we could give to our children and best friends," according to Doris Day, who commended Chairman George Allen (R-VA) and Ranking Member Mark Pryor (D-AR) for their sponsorship of S.1110, and urged swift passage of the bill.

Day's non-profit organization, The Doris Day Animal League (DDAL), has formed a coalition with the Consumer Specialty Products Association and Honeywell, the makers of Prestone, to promote passage of the legislation.

"Being bitter has never been so sweet," remarked Holly Hazard, Executive Director of DDAL. "This is a simple and inexpensive way to prevent thousands of poisonings each year at just pennies per gallon," she explains.

"It is gratifying to put aside our differences and come together with industry on this issue to promote our common interest in preventing harm to both children and animals," noted Sara Amundson, DDAL's Legislative Director.

A hearing for S.1110 will be held on Monday, July 18, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building, where it is expected that a coalition of dogs will also be present to highlight their stake in ensuring passage of the bill.

Antifreeze and coolants cause the unnecessary poisonings and deaths of countless dogs, cats, and wild animals each year. Attracted by its appealing sweet taste, pets and wildlife ingest the often lethal antifreeze, which has been spilled on driveways or near curbs. Hundreds of "do it yourselfers" contribute to this problem each year by improperly disposing of antifreeze after flushing their radiators. And unfortunately, some people have used antifreeze to deliberately poison a neighbor's animal.

Three states, California, Oregon, and New Mexico, have passed legislation to require the addition of a bittering agent. But due to the lack of a federal standard, pets in these states are not protected from antifreeze in cars traveling from the remaining 47 states.

Founded by Doris Day in 1987, the Doris Day Animal League is America's premier lobbying organization dedicated to focusing attention on legislative issues involving the humane treatment of animals. For more information on the Doris Day Animal League, please visit www.ddal.org.