Archive for the ‘Alerts!’ Category

The National Alliance for Interests of Animals founded by Patty Strand had been on the forefront of fighting against the animal rights groups and anti dog ownership legislation for years. Another Organization called Pet Pac was formed to fight the legislation that was proposed in California last year; the bill was defeated but a new one has taken its place and has already passed the Senate in California.  A new bill in Ohio, worse than the one we defeated last year, has been introduced.  So many states and communities, so many attempts to end our rights to own pets.  Please do your part.  The billboard below is a great idea.  If we could all put one in our communities, we could surely make a statement.  Go to the following site and read more:   

http://www.exposeanimalrights.com/

If you wish to know how far our country has come from its original origins as a nation founded on belief in God and for the majority, belief in Christ, please look up the news story on the following link.  I realize fully that we are a pluralistic society with citizens of many faiths or lack of faith, put this news story happened at Georgetown University, A CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY, in Washington D.C. Have we who believe have no rights anymore?  Will every symbol of faith in God be removed lest we offend someone somewhere?  What has happened to us???

http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=46667   

I am also attaching an article written by me published in “The Royal Spaniels” this spring. 

HAVING MY SAY: “THE TAIL IS WAGGING THE DOG”

Meredith Johnson-Snyder

After a ten year retirement, I am back to work as a substitute principal in my old urban school system. Kids and the system have not changed much in the last ten years that I have had the freedom to travel chasing my Cavalier dream after retiring after so many years as a school principal. Why am I beginning an article in “The Royal Spaniels” by mentioning my former and now current again work? I am mentioning it because in my first conference with a parent, the parent tried to turn the conference around to blame me and the system for the child’s misbehavior. I had attempted to stop an emotionally disturbed young boy from running out of the school by putting my hands on his coat. The first thing the parent did was accuse me of putting my hands on her child while she refused to consider the child’s behavior. So many times in our society, the small minority of the guilty have gotten away with misbehavior or crime, by accusing the system of violating individual rights rather than apologizing for those acts against the majority of society. In my case the tail has never wagged this old bitch and I put the responsibility right back on the student without allowing the parent to put the school or me on trial for trying to uphold the rights of the rest of the student and staff population for a safe and orderly school. My point is that all to often in many areas of our lives, our society, our government, foreign governments and in our world in general, the desires, rights, or needs of the majority are cancelled out by very vocal minorities who wish to achieve their own agendas whether good for the majority or not. And we allow it to happen because we do not let our united voices be heard!

Take a look at recent past and current events in our country. The majority of Californians are outraged that tax money will be used to support the irresponsibility of the mother of octuplets who made a decision to use fertility treatments and multiple embryo transplants at the same time knowing full well that she could not be fiscally or medically responsible to take care of her six children much less eight more. The taxpayers of California and her fourteen children will pay the price for her own need to have “more children to love” without her considering the welfare of those children. One woman takes advantage of the system and the majority will pay as no one can or wants to deny the needs of her children and have given up trying to let their voices be heard.

Then we have the case of the border patrols in one of our Mexican border states where two of our border patrols shot at two fleeing drug dealing illegals, hitting them in their fleeing rears. So who gets in trouble? The two border patrols representing our government and doing their job go to prison while our government gets sued by the drug dealing criminals—another case of the majority sitting back and allowing injustice to rule. A couple of drug dealing tails certainly wagged the border patrol our legal system’s dogs.

Now to the news of the night which had me reaching for something to throw at the television. The United Nations is once more considering a resolution which would forbid the media from saying anything negative against Islam. Free speech is guaranteed by our Constitution; court battles rage over censorship in this country. Yet, the UN resolution would attempt to put a gag order on journalists or newscasters who might be critical of the Islam extremists who behind their religion to advance their agenda of hate and destruction—certainly not the agenda of Islam! To my knowledge, this resolution does not extend to other religions; it could still be open season on Catholicism, Evangelism, Judaism, and Voodoo to name a few. Atheism is of course still protected and continues to win the war against any kind of religion displays in government buildings, schools, newly minted coins, and, of course, public prayer and religious observances. Since in many Islam nations, religion and the government are the same, the possible UN resolution will thereby prohibit any criticism of Islam governments also. So a small number of nations will wag the UN tail and may get away with it despite what the too polite and politically correct majority may wish.

Now how does all my outraged rambling relate to our world of dogs? The tail in the way of the animal rights movement is definitely wagging the the body of the majority dog lovers and breeders who for some reason have little or no voice in protecting their rights to own and breed dogs. Will the majority do anything to fight back? They may win a battle or two, but are definitely losing against the political machines of the HSUS and PETA who are trampling over the rights of the rest of us.

As we all know, the world of purebred dogs is coming under attack. While we have concentrated on breeding and showing, animal rights groups have positioned themselves to eradicate purebred dogs and, in fact, all domesticated animals in several countries in the world, the UK and the United States being the top targets. Look at what has already happened in Switzerland; look at how fox hunting, a long tradition, has been eliminated in the UK. In the US, several communities and cities have passed breed specific legislation, restricted the number of dogs one can own, limited number of litters bred during a year or legislated no breeding at all, and put breeders under the jurisdiction of dog wardens who can enter a breeder’s home to check records without notice and seize dogs over trumped up charges without the breeder or dog owner having any way to get the dogs back. Every week, more proposed anti breeding and anti dog edicts come to our attention. This week, proposed legislation in Pennsylvania calls for the end of cropping and docking; an owner of a cropped or docked breed must be able to show at any time a certificate that a veterinarian performed the cropping or docking of their dog or face having the dog in question asked seized. New Hampshire has bad legislation in the works; California will be once more introducing mandatory spay/neuter legislation; West Palm Beach, Florida, has forbidden any breeding within its borders causing breeders to move elsewhere; Ohio, my state, will be introducing legislation to control and tax breeding in this new legislation session. The list goes on and on.

The public relations effort of the animal rights groups to demonize the breeders of purebred dogs and the dogs themselves is paying off. The public as well as many celebrities are extolling the virtues of shelter dogs as being healthier than purebreds, but who would really know as there are no health statistics being kept on mixed breeds and no mixed breed clubs tracking health problems. The unsuspecting public is duped into believing that buying a purebred will result in the death of a supposedly “healthier” shelter dog while shelters are sending dogs from one end of our country to another to fill empty shelters and importing puppies and dogs from other countries because in some parts of the country there are not enough shelter dogs to be adopted and shelters support themselves through adoptions. However, PETA and HSUS continue to specialize in successfully influencing public opinion against purebreds and breeders despite so many of us working to improve the lot of shelter dogs and pushing the neutering of the puppies we sell to pet homes.

There are so many anti breeding bills being proposed that one cannot keep up. The HSUS is now going after farmers in Ohio after their success of passing Proposition 2 in California. Farmers will not be able to operate as they have since our ancestors stopped being foragers and began to domesticate animals and grow food. Proposition 2 and the proposed Ohio Bill will drastically change the way farmers treat livestock. It is wrong to treat any animal inhumanely whether in care or slaughter, but animals are not humans as the HSUS would have us to believe. As long as we refuse to organize and fight back by docking (oh, my, did I use that awful red flag word?) all animal rights wagging tails, the interests of the purebred dog world will not be protected and all we may have left are the tails without the dogs.

It is great that President Obama chose a pure bred dog from a breeder for his family’s personal dog.  I am sure that the animal rightists will be attacking President Obama for his choice of a purebred just as they have blatantly attached Vice President Biden for choosing a German Shepherd from a breeder. The campaign of the HSUS that everytime one gets a purebred dog, it causes the death of a shelter dog is shameful.  With a purebred dog, one has an idea of development, temperament, personality, and possible genetic problems.  One has no idea with a shelter dog.  I have a rescue dog and would not trade him for the world.  I will certainly adopt another rescue dog when the time is right, but do not take away my right to chose to own purebreds!!! 

Since Proposition 2 passed in California, HSUS has now targeted Ohio as its next state to overturn traditional ways of livestock farming.  Have there been abusive situations of raising livestock, absolutely!  Should livestock be treated humanely and slaughtered humanely, absolutely.  Should livestock farming be targeted by those who know nothing about raising livestock with the intent of changing how we raise livestock, absolutely NOT!  Do you remember a couple of winters ago when Colorado cattle where starving in severe blizzards because the snow was too deep to get to grass?  The Governor of Colorado asked the HSUS to help with airlifts of hay to the starving cattle. The HSUS refused, responding better the cattle starve than be enslaved in ownership.  So much for caring about the welfare of animals. The HSUS, which by the way is not affiliated with local humane societies;  It is not the NATIONAL Humane Society.  It does nothing with animal welfare, just animal rights.

An update on what is going on right now in the country from the Sportsmen and Animal Owners Voting Alliance:

SAOVA message to sportsmen, pet owners and farmers concerned  about protecting their traditions, avocations and livelihoods from anti-hunting, anti-breeding, animal guardianship advocates. Forwarding and cross posting, with attribution, encouraged.
Prop2 Coming to Ohio; Rallying against animal rightist bills

Ohio cattlemen hear what’s hot: HSUS, OSU Extension cuts
by Susan Mykrantz, Farm and Dairy News Monday, April 6, 2009

ASHLAND, Ohio — Just when livestock producers are finding ways to clear the murky waters of low commodity prices and high input prices, comes another deluge of challenges in the form of steep funding cuts to the Ohio State University Extension and assaults from the Humane Society of the United States.

Producers are being targeted by groups determined to either change the way animal agriculture does business or put it out of business altogether, according to John Fitzpatrick, organization director for Ashland/Medina/Wayne County Farm Bureaus.

Following a preview of a multimedia presentation, Veal Calves and Cull Cows, Fitzpatrick told producers and industry representatives attending the Ashland County Cattlemen’s annual meeting that the Humane Society of the United States has targeted Ohio as their next state to pass legislation similar to Proposition 2 that was passed in California.

Fitzpatrick told the cattlemen that the HSUS is not connected with the local humane society in any way.

What you can do
All of agriculture needs to band together and tell its story to the public. “Don’t be afraid to speak up on behalf of agriculture,” he said. “You need to be willing to speak to the media, we all need to tell the same story.”

Full story at the link:
http://www.farmanddairy.com/news/ohio-cattlemen-hear-whats-hot-hsus-osu-extension-cuts/11659.html
http://tinyurl.com/d2pbzk

UPDATES ON CURRENT STATE LEGISLATION

ALABAMA
OPPOSE. SB 554 Sterilization of private dogs, cats required.
Requires the sterilization of all privately owned dogs and cats within the state with certain specified exceptions. This bill would also provide that the owner of a dog or cat over 6 months of age that has not been sterilized and that is the subject of a complaint to a local animal control agency, as specified, may be cited and, if cited, must pay a civil penalty to the local animal agency within 30 days.

Talking points:
* The proposed legislation allows for complaints from the general public to be included in the process toward mandated spay/neuter. Complaints can be for anything other than noise and do not need to be verified. The complaint-driven section is totally flawed.
* Spay/Neuter is an important medical decision that should be made for each individual pet only after careful consultation with the pet’s veterinarian, not mandated by the government
* Imposes state-mandated one-size-fits-all solution thereby removing any discretion from local officials, who know better than state officials how to handle problems in their community
* Exemptions for hunting, herding, detection or service dogs while working off their owner’s property are not included

Additional talking points are posted on the SAOVA website along with bill information, tracking, and contact information for Judiciary Committee members. http://saova.org/alabama.html

CALIFORNIA ACTION ALERT
OPPOSE. SB 250 Spaying and Neutering makes it illegal to own, keep or harbor a dog with intact sexual organs, except as specified. Makes it illegal to have an intact cat remain outdoors. Requires certificate of sterility as proof. Requires reporting of the sale of an unaltered cat or dog. Requires sterilization of any cat or dog impounded for any reason – even on first offense; or for violation of this law if cited for violation of other law.
A hearing is scheduled in Senate Local Government Committee for April 15, 2009 in Sacramento. Phone or fax your opposition now.
Committee Members:
Senator Patricia Wiggins, Chair
Phone: (916) 651-4002 Fax: (916) 323-6958 Senator.Wiggins@senate.ca.gov
Senator Dave Cox, Vice-Chair
Phone: (916) 651-4001 Fax: (916) 324-2680 Senator.Cox@senate.ca.gov
Senator Samuel Aanestad
Phone: (916) 651-4004 Fax: (916) 445-7750 Senator.Aanestad@senate.ca.gov
Senator Christine Kehoe
Phone: (916) 651-4039 Fax: (916) 327-2188 Senator.Kehoe@senate.ca.gov
Senator Lois Wolk Phone: 
(916) 651-4005 Fax:  (916) 323-2304 Senator.Wolk@senate.ca.gov

* Spay/Neuter is an important medical decision that should be made for each individual pet only after careful consultation with the pet’s veterinarian, not mandated by the government
* Imposes state-mandated one-size-fits-all solution thereby removing any discretion from local officials, who know better than state officials how to handle problems in their community
* Forced sterilization adds more costs to pet owners and already overburdened local governments.
* Areas which have passed this type of legislation have failed to see success in lessening animal abandonment

CALIFORNIA ACTION ALERT
OPPOSE. AB 241 Dogs and cats: breeders. AB 241 makes illegal to have more than a combined total of 50 dogs and cats with intact sexual organs. Authorizes certain officers to investigate a violation of such provisions, and to lawfully take possession of an animal kept in violation of existing law. Hearing scheduled April 14 in  Committee on Public Safety
http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/newcomframeset.asp?committee=57

Committee Fax (916) 319-3745
Jose Solorio, Chair (916) 319-2069 Assemblymember.solorio@assembly.ca.gov
Curt Hagman, Vice Chair (916) 319-2060 Assemblymember.Hagman@assembly.ca.gov
Warren Furutani (916) 319-2055 Assemblymember.Furutani@assembly.ca.gov
Danny Gilmore (916) 319-2030 Assemblymember.Gilmore@assembly.ca.gov
Jerry Hill (916) 319-2019 Assemblymember.Hill@assembly.ca.gov
Fiona Ma (916) 319-2012 Assemblymember.Ma@assembly.ca.gov
Nancy Skinner (916) 319-2014 Assemblymember.Skinner@assembly.ca.gov

MAINE ACTION ALERT
OPPOSE LD 964. Proposes unnecessary over-regulation of dog breeders establishing 3 categories of kennels with excessive kennel fees. The bill amends the definition of “breeding kennel” to specify that 5 or more female dogs capable of breeding are the threshold for needing a breeding kennel license. Adds new requirement that veterinarian must examine animal prior to sale. Creates a conditional license and fee before kennel license can be issued.  Allows the Department of Agriculture to charge a fee up to 50% of the kennel license for follow-up inspections.  Hearing is scheduled Apr 15, 2009, 0100PM by the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.  Contact the Committee: http://maine.gov/legis/house/jt_com/acf.htm.

ACTION NEEDED. LD 186 Possession of Animal Fighting Paraphernalia.
LD 186 is being heavily lobbied by HSUS and the animal rights forces in Maine. Criminal Justice Committee members discussed the merits of the bill.  Representative Hanley (D-Gardiner) and Representative Sykes (R-Harrison) both expressed serious reservations that this bill was attempting to solve a problem that didn’t exist.  Representative Hanley reported that according to the Department of Public Safety there have been no convictions for animal fighting in the state in more than 40 years, and only one report (never confirmed) of such activity.  

Senator Stan Gerzofsky (D- Brunswick), who is the Committee chair, then spoke.  He stated that as a former dog trainer he is very familiar with dog ownership, dog training and the sport of Schutzhund, as well as AKC standards governing these activities.  Many of the items that might otherwise be characterized as animal fighting paraphernalia are also appropriately used in training dogs.  While he finds dog fighting abhorrent, he noted that there are already laws in existence that can sufficiently address the issue.  Further, given his familiarity with the subject, he is adamantly opposed to any legislation that would in any way limit the lawful activities of dog trainers. The Committee vote was 9-2 Ought Not To Pass, with Senator Davis and Representative Schatz opposed. 

The animal rights movement in Maine has continued to lobby for the minority ought to pass amended bill.  LD 186 was presented to the House April 8 where the Ought Not To Pass Report was accepted by a vote of 122-20.  April 9 it was heard by the Senate; Senator Gerzofsky motioned to accept the majority Ought Not To Pass Report and Senator Nutting motioned to table the bill for further discussion.
What you can do:
Contact Senator Gerzofsky and support his stand on LD 186 Ought Not To Pass
http://www.mainesenate.org/gerzofsky/email.htm  Senate President’s Office: 207-287-1500

Contact Senator Nutting and express your concern about his continued support of LD 186. http://www.mainesenate.org/nutting/email.htm
Senate Democratic Office: 207-287-1515

Contact members of the Maine Senate and urge them to vote Ought Not To Pass. http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate/senators/email/maillst.htm

Find additional information at http://saova.org/Maine.html

VICTORY IN MINNESOTA: HF 253 defining as a commercial breeder anyone owning or having interest in 20 intact dogs has been tabled indefinitely.

VICTORY IN MONTANNA: HB 548 defining as commercial anyone selling 20 dogs annually has been defeated.

NORTH CAROLINA
OPPOSE. HB733/SB460 Regulate Commercial Dog Breeding.  Defines as Commercial Breeder anyone maintaining or having control of 15 intact females within a 12 month period.  The bills are based on numerous emotional assumptions that breeder/owners with 15 females are keeping them in crowded, unsanitary conditions for mass-production.  The bill also assumes that an owner of this number of dogs isn’t capable of managing a kennel and maintaining dogs in good health without state intervention. Mandates veterinary health certificate prior to breeding.  Mandates facilities, record keeping; allows inspection of kennel and private property.

OPPOSE. HB626/SB695 Restraining Of Dogs. Limits tethering to 9 hours in 24; exemption only while dogs are actively hunting or herding. Allows local government to reduce time limit.

OPPOSE. SB515/SB739 Prohibit Penning of Wildlife.  Will close fox pens in North Carolina. Eliminates safe training for hounds and eliminates the need for the many small businesses across the state of North Carolina that provide hound hunters with supplies.

For additional talking points, contact information and downloadable form letters visit http://www.saova.org/northcarolina.html

TENNESSEE ACTION ALERT:
OPPOSE. HB 386 introduced by Rep. Janis Sontany (D, Nashville) will classify a Commercial Breeder as any person who possesses or maintains twenty (20) or more adult female dogs in whole or in part for the purpose of the sale of their offspring as companion animals. HB 386 will allow the state to outsource some animal control work to HSUS or other outside animal organizations. The bill was passed by the House Subcommittee on Civil Practice & Procedure. Recommended for passage w/amendments – refer to: Judiciary Committee 4/7/2009. Voice Vote – Ayes Prevail Rep(s). Representatives Dennis and Kelsey requested to be recorded as voting No.  The Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear HB 386 on 4/15.
Go to http://www.saova.org/Tennessee.html for Judiciary Committee contact information.

TEXAS
Texas dog owners have been exceptionally hard hit this year with animal rightist legislation.  RPOA Texas Outreach has all bills linked along with talking points.
http://www.rpoatexasoutreach.org/Texas_Bills_Filled_Summary.htm
Lone Star State American Pit Bull Terrier Club website also maintains a list of bills and update information: http://lsspbc.com/blog/2009/03/13/txbills/

VICTORY IN WEST VIRGINIA:  HB2843 defining as a commercial breeder anyone who maintains interest in 20 intact dogs did not pass out of committee before the April 1st deadline.

Watch the SAOVA website for continued updates.

Please share this message widely.

Susan Wolf
Sportsmen’s and Animal Owners’ Voting Alliance – http://saova.org
Issue lobbying and working to identify and elect supportive legislators

The message above was posted to West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri residents by the Sportsmen’s and Animal Owners’ Voting Alliance (SAOVA) on one of ten regional read only elists.

SAOVA is a nonpartisan volunteer group working to protect Americans from the legislative and political threats of radical animal rightists. It is the only national organization fighting this struggle for both sportsmen and animal owners, natural allies, in these arenas. Visit our website at http://saova.org for this program’s goals, methodology and list signup details.

Well, the battles are on!  Please do what you can in your state and your community to stop the spread of anti dog and anti breeding legislation.  Please pay close attention to what is going on in Washington as the animal rights groups now feel that they have a direct line to the new administration and are eagerly helping to form a legislative coalition to press the animal rights agenda. 

a small victory :

From the AKC website: http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id782

Update: Mandatory Spay/Neuter Language Removed from Florida Bill! [Tuesday, March 24, 2009]

This morning, the Florida House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee adopted a “strike-all” amendment to House Bill 451, which would have required the mandatory spay/neuter of all dogs four months of age with little exception. The Florida Association of Kennel Clubs reports that the amendment, offered by HB 451′s sponsor, Representative Scott Randolph, has removed all mandatory spay/neuter language, and instead provides local government officials the option of using a $5 surcharge currently added to animal control citations to help pay for low-cost spay/neuter programs.The American Kennel Club commends the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs and the many concerned Florida residents who took action in opposition to the original version of HB 451. Their tireless efforts have ensured that the rights and liberties of responsible dog breeders and owners in Florida will continue to be honored. The American Kennel Club also thanks Representative Randolph for listening to the grave concerns of the AKC and the thousands of Floridians who expressed their strong opposition to mandatory spay/neuter. The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to have assisted the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs by issuing several legislative alerts with contact information and sample letters; e-mailing thousands of AKC club members, officers, delegates, judges, and legislative liaisons; reporting developments to tens of thousands of alert recipients; and contacting legislators with anti-MSN policy arguments.

. . . And now the horrors of the proposed Texas bills.  Please send the following to anyone you know who can help defeat this legislation in Texas.  How has the tail began wagging the dog in the great state of Texas???

Forwarded with permission.

Texans need to pay attention here, and PLEASE send on to all persons, organizations, and clubs in Texas who might help in fighting these bills!

Around 15 dog / pet-related bills have been filed this legislative session. Zandra Anderson is an attorney who has worked with dog folks in Dallas and other locations, and who was a leader in the fight last legislative session. She is currently working on briefs against several of the proposed bills and is planning to testify in opposition to the bills. The bills currently in focus follow.

Mandatory Spay Neuter–HB 4277 / SB 1845 (all dogs and cats over 6 mos. old must be altered unless they are showed in competition or used for breeding;  intact permit of $300 per animal) The only people who are targeted by this law are those people who own and contain their dogs. Stray, un-owned dogs (and cats) that breed indiscriminately are fair game for local animal control to impound if they have at large laws. If there is a statewide edict that all dogs and cats have to be sterilized and the breeder bill will legislate responsible breeding to extinction, then where are we supposed to get our next pets? Perhaps we can start importing them even in greater numbers from outside the state.There are many valid reasons people have intact animals. In addition to show dogs, genetics is the key component in hunting dogs. Our state is known for hunting so this law adversely affects one of the state’s most popular sports.Working dogs, tracking dogs, guard dogs, search and rescue dogs are often kept intact to be able to continue a line of elite dogs in these various fields.

A statewide mandatory spay neuter law is misplaced. Any such laws should be entertained on a local level. What state agency will police whether or not our animals are altered? There are no state animal control officers, so there is no agency to enforce this law. This is a decision that should be left up to local governments. It would be an added expense to the state that is not discussed in any fiscal note and would be an astronomical expense considering that over 60% of Americans own a cat or a dog (American Pet Products Manufacturer’s Association–APPMA).·

Voluntary spay neuter initiatives are effective and over the past twenty-five years, altering pets has been on a significant rise. Currently, 75% of owned dogs and 87% of owned cats are altered (APPMA).Despite what humane organizations publicize about pet overpopulation when they are trying to drive donations, euthanasia has decreased over the last twenty-five years regardless that pet ownership has soared. The Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy collected data indicating that in 1973 there were 65 million cats and dogs in the U.S. and that 13 million, or 20%, were euthanized. The Humane Society of the U.S. estimates that 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized in the country currently. As of last year, there were 163.1 million cats and dogs in our country (APPMA). Therefore, approximately 1.8% – 2.4% of cats and dogs are euthanized last year. Euthanasia rates are on the steady decline, so voluntary spay neuter initiatives are working and will continue to work particularly if low cost/no cost spay neuter is available.

More animals will die in shelters because many releasing agencies cannot afford to spay and neuter the animals they release.This bill will adversely affect animal control facilities being able to release intact dogs to rescue organizations despite the rescues willingness to alter the animals under their programs. The bill clearly states that the releasing agency cannot release an animal for adoption unless they are fixed, so a strict interpretation would not allow them to release intact animals to rescue. This will be devastating for the animals and shelters alike.

Only 10% of Americans obtain their pets from humane organizations or shelters (APPMA). Euthanasia rates in our state could be diminished if more people who wanted a pet could be convinced to get one from their local shelter or humane organization.No one wants to see even one healthy animal needlessly put down, but this bill will increase euthanasia rates. In every city that has tried mandatory spay neuter, the euthanasia rates have increased. Enforcement of mandatory spay neuter laws in cities that have them are usually prejudicially aimed at citizens who can least afford to fight back. Instead of unfairly going after economically disadvantaged citizens, why not offer them low cost or no cost spay neuter? Every time a spay neuter mobile unit goes into these areas, they are filled to capacity of people wanting to get their animals altered. People could use this help especially during these challenging economic times.

There is absolutely no reason the government should make it their business what an animal owner chooses to do with an owner’s animals. My dog, my choice. The government needs to quit micromanaging the lives of its citizens and their animals.

Breeder Bill–HB 3180/ SB 1910 (10 or less intact breeding females is a hobby breeder, 11 or more is a commercial breeder; includes hobby breeder as a dealer; harsh laws for dealers regarding the sale of puppies; has a lemon law for puppies.

This bill is convoluted to say the least. It is so complex that is not really enforceable. This bill seeks to allow the Department the right to have a vet, animal control or a humane society agent do the inspections of the breeder facilities. Animal control knows nothing about breeding. Humane societies know nothing about breeding. Putting people in charge of inspections who have no training or knowledge in breeding can be very problematic, and be ripe for abuse.

Humane societies should not be used by the government for these inspections. They are not governmental agencies and for the government to abdicate responsibility to some humane organization is giving way too much power to these groups. Many humane organizations have philosophies that are opposed to breeding, so then to allow them to do inspections of breeding facilities is unfair and ripe for abuse. To allow humane organizations to inspect the facilities creates the same conflict as exists in our cruelty seizures. The very humane organizations who are doing the investigating are the ones who will get the animals if they are seized from the breeder. This is like the wolves guarding the sheep and is fertile for abuse. Many times they are the same humane organizations who fight for mandatory spay neuter laws and who warn against buying from breeders. These are not the people you want investigating breeders who they are typically philosophically opposed to from the outset. The cruel conditions of a puppy mill cannot be condoned, but this bill is not really a puppy mill bill as touted. This bill affects all commercial breeders including the ones who do a good job (not puppy mills), and affects the hobby breeders regarding their sale of animals. Hobby breeders do not have their facility inspected per this bill, but they will have their sales scrutinized.·

Hobby breeders (those with ten or less intact females capable of breeding) are not the target of all the laws controlling a commercial breeder’s “facility.” However, they are included in the definition of a dealer which includes a person who is required to collect sales tax for sale of a puppy or kitten to the public.

There are onerous conditions placed on dealers under Subchapter G which addresses the retail sale of dogs or cats. This section applies to dealers which includes the hobby breeder. There is a requirement that dealers provide detailed disclosures about the animal being sold, a retention requirement of records pertaining to the animal, a requirement to deliver registration documents to purchaser, and requires a veterinarian examine the animal prior to sale. Dealers are subject to what are initially lemon laws for the sale of puppies and kittens. They have to essentially guarantee that the animal is free of genetic or hereditary problems, and is free from any health problems. These requirements are very complex and far reaching.

Dangerous Dog Bill–HB 1982 (makes your dog dangerous if he barks in your own yard and anyone says they are in fear; makes owners dogs 40# and more keep them in secure enclosures meant for Dangerous Dogs, no off lead)

Pit Bull Handling Bill– HB 925 (makes it illegal for anyone 15 or younger to handle or care for an APBT (American Pit Bull Terrier), AmStaff, Staffie Bull or any pit bull type dog, including mixes)

HB 2001 Tethering (would not allow your dog to be in your yard unless attended; no tethering allowed no matter how done)

Tonight HBO featured an expose of inhumane practices on a hog farm in Wayne County, Ohio.  It seems that an undercover investigator was hired by an association for Humane Farming (I cannot remember the exact name) to visit a large hog farm in Wayne County and document inhumane practices.  The videos shown of old or sick hogs being euthanized by hanging from a forklift after having a chain put around the neck and hoisted were awful.  The videos of the weaning of piglets being taken from the sows and literally thrown by a foot or an ear into holding tanks or vehicles were an assault to the emotions of animal lovers whether meat eaters or not.  The farm owners in question were put on trial for animal cruelty, but after testimony from veterinarians as to what constitutes animal cruelty as outlined by the law in euthanasia and in hog farming, the prosecutor only got one conviction and it was not on the euthanasia. Personally, I feel like the farmers in question needed to be hung from a forklift and slung by their ears. 

This trial has given the HSUS more ammunition in its animal rights agenda. The HSUS has infiltrated so many areas of animal husbandry, including farming and dog breeding.  While NO ONE wants to see cruelty of animals, the majority of Americans also do not want to be forced into becoming Vegans!  There must be a middle ground.  However, the practices of this one farm in Wayne County have opened the floodgates to the HSUS taking on the farm industry in Ohio without knowing much about farming and animal husbandry.  I repeat, no one wants to see farm animals abused in their lives or in the slaughtering for food, but the HSUS agenda is to eliminate the supposed enslavement of animals so that there will be no animals raised for meat, eggs, hides, or by products!  It will take a lot of lettuce and other vegetables and grains to feed the world without animal protein available. 

Following is a report that I received today about more HSUS activity:  (WRITE YOUR NATIONAL LEGISLATOR NOW ABOUT HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT HSUS PROMOTING ITS AGENDA SO BLATANTLY.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) couldn’t be happier
with the formation of a new group of Congressmen that will promote its agenda.

On February 18, U.S. Representatives Jim Moran (D- VA) and Elton
Gallegy (R- CA) announced the formation of a new Congressional Animal Protection Caucus. The goal of the group is to get like-minded members of Congress together and promote animal rights policy in Washington, D.C. through forums and briefings.

According to the Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF), the
legislative wing of the HSUS, the new caucus will “take lawmaking for the animals to the next level.” HSLF went on to gush in its blog, “we could not be more excited about their leadership of this new
organization of humane lawmakers.”

HSUS President and CEO, Wayne Pacelle was also prominently quoted in Rep. Moran’s press release announcing the caucus’ formation.

Pacelle stated, “The newly constituted Congressional Animal Protection Caucus will help better align our federal policies with public opinion, and we are excited to work closely with its leaders and with the entire Congress to combat cruelty and abuse.”

As of press time, a full list of other U.S. Representatives joining
the caucus was not available. However, the USSA will let sportsmen
know as the names become available. Each member of the caucus should be contacted by constituents in their districts.

Representatives should be made aware of HSUS’ radical anti-hunting
agenda. They also need to be aware that sportsmen expect their
representatives not to kowtow to that agenda.

And from the the Sportsmen’s and Animal Owner’s Voting Alliance   www.saova.org 

UPDATE ON THE HSUS NATIONWIDE ASSAULT AGAINST DOG BREEDERS AND ANIMAL OWNERS. This may be long but read through the following to get an idea of national movements:

ILLINOIS

VICTORY in Chicago!! Ald. Ed Burke (D-14) found he did not have the votes he
thought were wrapped up for his mandatory spay/neuter bill and did not call
for a vote. According to the Chicago Tribune, Ald. Ray Suarez (31st)
appeared to oppose. “It really doesn’t make a lot of sense when you tell me
what a dog owner can do,” Suarez said. Ald. Ed Smith (28th) also said he was
opposed to it, after questioning how much it would do to prevent dog
attacks. “We’re on the wrong track,” he said.  An underlying sentiment of
many aldermen was frustration at being forced to spend so much time on this
item rather than critical issues such as crime, budgets, and the economy.
Congratulations to all the hardworking dog clubs and special thanks to Dr.
Shannon Greeley (CVMA), Dr. Rubin (ISVMA) and Steve Dale for their
unwavering support.

OPPOSE SB 53 / HB 198 Licensing Dog Breeder.  All information and bill links
can be found on the SAOVA website along with easy to use email tools.
http://www.saova.org/Illinois.html

SB 53 has been slightly amended eliminating the beginning point for
licensing of 3 intact females.  However, overly strict kennel standards,
excessive reporting, and unreasonable disclosures to purchasers remain.  The
bill has no merit and is flawed beyond repair.  SB 53 is scheduled to be
read for the 2nd time in Licensed Activities on March 17th.

SAOVA commends Senators Gary Dahl (R-38) and Chris Lauzen (R-25); and
Representatives Sandy Cole (R-62), Angelo Saviano (R-77), and Al Riley
(D-38) for removing themselves as cosponsors.

MAINE

HP 666, LD 964 An Act Pertaining to the Breeding and Selling of Dogs and
Cats, introduced by Representative Wendy Pieh (D-Bremen) 3/10 and referred
3/12 to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation And Forestry and sent for
concurrence.

OPPOSE: HP 666, LD 964 is unnecessary over-regulation of dog breeders with
excessive kennel fees.  The bill amends the definition of “breeding kennel”
to specify that 5 or more female dogs capable of breeding are the threshold
for needing a breeding kennel license.

HP 666, LD 964 establishes 3 categories of breeding kennels:

A. A breeding kennel that maintains at least 5 but no more than 10 female
dogs or cats capable of breeding is a Category 1 breeding kennel. (Fee $75)

B. A breeding kennel that maintains at least 11 but no more than 20 female
dogs or cats capable of breeding is a Category 2 breeding kennel. (Fee $250)

C. A breeding kennel that maintains 21 or more female dogs or cats capable
of breeding is a Category 3 breeding kennel. (Fee $500)

HP 666, LD 964 creates “conditional licensing” for new applicants until
inspections are performed and the kennel passes to the satisfaction of the
state inspectors.  HP 666, LD 964 establishes fees for follow-up inspections
following an infraction. Should two or more follow-up inspections be needed
in any calendar year, the department shall charge the licensee a fee equal
to 50% of the original license fee for each follow-up inspection.  If
documents necessary for registration of a dog or cat with a pedigree
registry are not provided to the buyer within 60 days of sale, the buyer is
entitled to a refund of 50% of the sale price. It also adds a new
requirement that a veterinarian must examine animal prior to sale.

Full text of HP0666, LD 964 can be found here:
http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=964
<http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=964&snum=124>
&snum=124

Find Maine House Members here: http://www.maine.gov/legis/house/hbiolist.htm

Find Maine Senate Members here:
http://www.state.me.us/legis/senate/senators/index.htm

For more information go to http://saova.org/maine.html or contact Ann Short
jasbrittanys@comcast.net 

MARYLAND

VICTORY in Maryland for dog breeders! SB318 would have mandated rigid
engineering standards and detailed exercise regulations for anyone owning 10
or more intact dogs. The measure also would have limited breeders to owning
no more than 50 “breeding” dogs over the age of four months. The Maryland
Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee rejected this restrictive and costly
legislation.

NORTH CAROLINA

SB 515 Prohibit Penning Of Wildlife. Sponsor: Senator Neal Hunt (R-Wake).

OPPOSE SB 515:  The HSUS animal rights agenda does not need a platform in
North Carolina law.  Fox preserves are highly regulated by our NC Wildlife
Resources Commission, consist of hundreds of acres, and contain structures
in which the fox can hide. Hunters and their families can run and train the
dogs to perform what they have been bred to do for centuries. In typical
anti-hunting, animal rights fashion, HSUS is distributing propaganda that
penning is a bloody and barbaric sport. Amazingly, Sen. Hunt chose to
believe the HSUS spin and agreed to introduce legislation that will close
ALL fox pens in North Carolina.  SB 515 has been referred to the Senate
Committee on Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources. 

ACTION REQUEST: Contact the Senate Ag Committee:
http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/Committees/Committees.asp?sAction=ViewCommitt
ee
<http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/Committees/Committees.asp?sAction=ViewCommit
tee&sActionDetails=Senate%20Standing_66>
&sActionDetails=Senate%20Standing_66

http://tinyurl.com/bzysyn

OPPOSE: SB 460 / HB 460 Commercial Dog Breeders; adds commercial breeder,
commercial breeding operations to SECTION 1 G.S. 19A-21 as a category along
with pet shops and boarding kennels for the purpose of licensing, regulation
and inspection. 
(5a) “Commercial breeder” means any person who, during any 12-month period,
maintains 15 or more adult female dogs for the primary purpose of the sale
of their offspring as companion animals.  (5b) “Commercial breeding
operation” means the physical location or facility at which a commercial
breeder breeds or maintains adult female dogs and their offspring.” It
mandates standards for care at commercial breeding operations, including
requirements for exercise, veterinary care and record keeping to be written
by the NC Department of Agriculture at a later date and adds annual
veterinary exam and certification for females before breeding.

ACTION REQUEST: Contact the Senate Commerce Committee:
http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/Committees/Committees.asp?sAction=ViewCommitt
ee
<http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/Committees/Committees.asp?sAction=ViewCommit
tee&sActionDetails=Senate%20Standing_67>
&sActionDetails=Senate%20Standing_67

http://tinyurl.com/dj9sqj

This is reactive legislation to the recent closure of a substandard kennel
in Wayne County widely publicized by HSUS. Closing of the kennel and removal
of the dogs is evidence that current law adequately dealt with the
situation.  State licensing and regulation as a commercial entity will end
dog breeding for anyone in a residential zoned area. The impact in
rural-residential zoned areas will depend on zoning ordinances already in
place for each county and the final requirements for housing established by
the NC Department of Agriculture.

The bills define as commercial anyone maintaining 15 females during the span
of 12 months; does not say intact females, does not define what age is
considered adult. The requirement for annual veterinary certification of
suitable health for breeding is very vague. Certification could require
anything from routine physical exam to an expensive panel of blood tests and
x-rays. There is no definition of suitable health for breeding. The bill
prohibits breeding females less than 18 months or more than 8 years. This is
a precursor for state mandated breeding restrictions.

More information and contacts here: http://www.saova.org/northcarolina.html

TENNESSEE

OPPOSE SB 258: Commercial Breeder Act

Find talking points and contact information here:
http://www.saova.org/Tennessee.html

Senate Bill 258, sponsored by Sen. Doug Jackson (D-25) and House Bill 386,
sponsored by Rep. Janis Baird Sontany (D-53) places breeding of purebred
dogs under criminal animal cruelty statutes. The bills classify a Commercial
breeder as any person who possesses or maintains twenty (20) or more adult
female dogs in whole or in part for the purpose of the sale of their
offspring as companion animals. If even one litter of puppies is produced, a
commercial breeder licensing would be required. Ownership of 75 is the
absolute limit.   Background checks will be required for applicants, and the
state will determine if the applicant is of good moral character and
deserving of the license.

HSUS State Director, Leighann McCollum, responding on behalf of Sen. Doug
Jackson confirmed that USDA regulations currently in effect under the Dog
and Cat Dealer Act (44-17-101) will be required for the new commercial
breeder kennels. Senate Bill 258 was referred to Senate Committee Commerce
Labor & Agriculture Feb. 19; no hearings are scheduled at this time.

TEXAS

HB 458 Pet Limits in Counties. Sponsored by Rep. David Lieberman (D-117).

OPPOSE: Allows counties to impose dog limit laws in unincorporated areas,
changing the rules on pet owners who have bought homes with no HOA or
dog-related deed restrictions.

ACTION REQUEST: HB 458 is scheduled for a hearing Monday, March 16th, 2 PM
in E2.016 at the State Capitol, Austin.  If you cannot attend the hearing
please call or fax. 

SB 634 Relating to the unlawful restraint of a dog. Sponsored by Sen. Ken
Seliger (R-31)

HB 2001 Companion bill Sponsored by Rep. Brian McCall (R-66)

OPPOSE: Would prohibit tethering under any condition, mandates 150 SF kennel
requirements, does not allow dogs to be outside unattended at all during
inclement weather (hunting dogs are not exempt). Requirements are
unreasonable for lower income and elderly dog owners and will result in
increased kill rates at shelters due to owner surrenders, or more dogs at
large and therefore dog bites.

SB 554 An act relating to conduct constituting the offense of dog fighting
and to the criminal and civil consequences of committing that offense;
sponsored by Sen. John Whitmire (D-15).

OPPOSE: Criminalizes the ownership of “dog fighting equipment,” with the
intent that the equipment be used to train a dog for fighting, including
items common to show and working dog owners: harness, treadmill, cage,
decoy, pen, house for keeping a dog, feeding apparatus or training pen.
Intent is difficult to prove and would likely be applied selectively based
on breed of dog.

ACTION REQUEST: SB 554 is scheduled for a hearing March 17th , 1:30 PM in
E1.016 (Hearing Room) State Capitol, Austin. If you cannot attend the
hearing please call or fax. 

SB 1845 Relating to the sterilization of dogs and cats; providing a penalty.
Sponsored by Sen. Leticia Van de Putte (D-26)

HB 4277 Identical bill by Rep. Jose Menendez (D-124)

OPPOSE: These are statewide mandatory spay/neuter bills for dogs and cats
over 6 months of age.

HB 3180 Relating to the licensing and regulation of commercial dog and cat
breeders and the regulation of dog and cat dealers; providing penalties.
Sponsored by Rep. Senfronio Thompson (D-81)

SB 1910 Identical bill sponsored by Sen. John Whitmire (D-15).

OPPOSE: Imposes excessive reporting; stringent kennel standards, grooming,
exercise, socialization, and breeding standards. Defines commercial breeder
as anyone who possesses 11 or more adult intact females; breeder may not
possess more than 50 at any time. 

Text of bills, summaries, contact information, action alerts can be found
at:

Lone Star State American Pit Bull Terrier Club
http://lsspbc.com/blog/2009/03/13/txbills/

Responsible Pet Owners Alliance www.rpoatexasoutreach.org
<http://www.rpoatexasoutreach.org/> 

Please share this message widely.

Susan Wolf

Sportsmen’s and Animal Owners’ Voting Alliance -  <http://saova.org>
http://saova.org
Issue lobbying and working to identify and elect supportive legislators

<

All of you in Texas had best get busy…
you are facing Mandatory Spay Neuter of ALL dogs as of September 1, 2009.

It is strongly urged that everyone dog lover, whether breeder or not, in Texas to pay attention to this, and to contact your state representatives and senators.   It’s finally come to you. How independent Texas has allowed itself to be infiltrated by the animal rightists is unbelievable.  Look no further than the dog warden of Dallas who has been profiled on national TV because of his methods of seizing and then selling dogs  from breeders usually with little or no real proof of abuse or neglect.  His eighty thousand dollar salary has to come from somewhere.  If he seizes dogs, there is seemingly no way for their owners to ever get them back.

Those of you who call Texas home can’t avoid it or live in denial that such things would never happen in Texas.  The animal rights people have wormed their way into your government, in order to further their agenda, and they don’t care whose constitutional
rights are trampled on.  It is imperative that you support the organizations
who are fighting for us, and in Texas, that’s the RPOA– Responsible Pet
Owners Association– at www.rpoatexasoutreach.org   Their website is under
construction, but there is a PayPal link there for donations.

The time is NOW, to let your government officials know just how you feel
about this kind of legislation!

Texas SB 1845 has been filed and will be heard in the Senate before the end
of next week…

There is ONE very narrow exemption for show dogs…and only then with a
permit………the proposed price for a permit to keep an intact animal is
$300 (each)…….

This bill has subsections with completely NEW language (Section
828)………and if this passes, Texas can probably wave goodbye to most of the purebred dog population.

Yes, it seems impossible………..but if y’all don’t raise the devil with your elected State officials………after September 1, prepare to spay and neuter EVERYTHING…………

If you’re so inclined, you can read the proposed Bill here…….

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB01845I.htm

Help Texas out and give the the animal rights groups a message that we will not cave in to their strategies to end dog breeding or ownership.  Write the Texas legislators whether from the Lone Star State or not or Texas will become the Lone Dog State if we do not fight!!! 

Well, I was hoping to write about an article “Tough Love and Faith” from Monday’s USA Today.  However, last night’s biased, uninformed, and rather ignorant reporting about Westminster show dogs changed my mind!  Please go to the ABC website and pull up Nightline so you can see what yellow journalism is all about.  Below is my comment on the program as posted on the ABC website:

I could not believe the biased yellow journalism of the BBC “Pedigree Dogs Exposed,” but then just read the daily British newspapers for sheer sensationalistic reporting. However, we do not expect our reporters on Nightline to engage in such uninformed , one sided reporting. Purebred dogs are no more susceptible to disease than mixed breeds, but no one keeps health statistics on mixed breeds. In AKC, every breed has a national breed club, called a parent club, which controls the standard, or blueprint of the breed, keeps health statistics, raises money for health research and to isolate gene markers to chose breeding stock that does not have the gene marker for a certain disease. Most parent clubs insist that their members sign a code of ethics and test all breeding stock for genetic diseases. The American Kennel Club has spent a fortune on research grants. We are all working to eliminate disease in our purebred dogs. Health issues in dogs , purebred or mixed, could, in part, be a direct result of our present environment just as health issues in people, especially cancer, are thought to be a result of pesticides, chemical waste, and other ecological nightmares in our world. I have bred and shown dogs for over forty years and have been dutiful in breeding from only healthy and health tested dogs. Just as parents cannot predict that their children will not be born with a health problem, we as dog breeders cannot predict that we will not produce a health problem. We are not God. We may breed for a show dog, but the majority of our dogs will go into loving pet homes not the show ring. No reputable breeder, and the key is reputable, wishes to produce a puppy who will go to a home and break hearts due to an unforeseen health problem. If one looks closely, this push against purebred dogs can be most probably laid at the feet of the animal rights groups who wish to eliminate the ownership of any animal–the “enslavement of animals” as PETA or HSUS calls it.
Meredith Johnson-Snyder 10:33 PM

Please, please go to the ABC website; type in search for Westminster and read the script.  Please comment on the program.  I know that the animal rights movement is at an all our push to discredit purebred dogs and unless we step up efforts to fight back, we will be lost.  Please read below about the new bills hitting Ohio:

From the Ohio Valley Dog Owners Association president:

Two bills affecting animal cruelty penalties have been introduced (HB
55 & HB 70) and at least two lawmakers are planning separate bills to
regulate breeding kennels. In addition, HSUS has targeted Ohio for an
attack on farming practices, but it is not clear whether they will support
an initiative petition to ban certain housing methods for pigs, chickens,
and veal calves or if they will cajole legislators into drafting bills to
ban these practices.

We also know that  the HSUS Ohio director, has caused at least one representative into proposing HSUS’ language on a kennel licensing bill. .

Good news is that the tethering bill may be off the table. OVDO answered a
request for information from the Ohio Association of Animal Owners, and
their agent presented the rep with lots of material supporting the
judicious use of tethering.

HB 55 raises the penalty for additional violations of cruelty law to a
first degree misdemeanor, allows for coverage of animals in domestic
violence protection orders, provides for counseling for minors convicted of
abuse, and provides for supervised probation for convicted offenders. HB 70
increases the penalty for negligence to felony status, a higher penalty
than the misdemeanor 1 for deliberate cruelty.

And the beat goes on . . .

Ohio has always been a farm state.  I remember moving from Brooklyn, New York, to Ohio so my father could have race horses and more important play the horses.  On my first bus ride to a new school, I looked through the window and saw my first cow.  I can remember the thrill to this day.  I studied every book I could find on animal husbandry.  I knew horses, but wanted to know everything about all farm animals and soon could recite every breed of every species.  I am still in love with farm animals, but have no desire to become the vegan that the misguided HSUS wishes us all to be.  Read below carefully.  The Animal Rights groups are insidious and invading every aspect of our society in their quest to end the “enslavement” of animals.  We are being blindsided and unless we do something now, we will only be seeing  animals through the window of a vehicle.   

You may not live in Ohio…and you may not care much if ear cropping and
tail docking are forbidden here (or anywhere)…but I urge you all to
please read the information below about what is happening in Ohio…
this proposed legislation is one of the innocuous-seeming baby steps
on the way to a vegan society…it really is.  I, for one, want to continue
to be free to eat meat..if you don’t, that’s OK with me, too.  We all really
need to be aware of what is going on here……….. and if you can
help Ohio, you’ll only be helping yourself, no matter where you live.
Please read this and pay attention……do what you can to help.
       here’s the story:

Tues Mar 10, 2009 10:05 am (PDT)

http://www.wapakdailynews.com/content/view/96930/1/

Producer problem
Monday, 09 March 2009
By MATT NICHOLS
Staff Writer
      PIQUA – Forcing Ohio livestock regulations onto producers is the first
step in a national animal rights organization’s attempt to eliminate
livestock production and to create a meat-free, vegan-oriented America.
      That was the message which was delivered to hundreds of farmers who
attended Saturday’s 18th annual 8th Congressional District Farm Forum at
Edison Community College.
      The event, which is hosted by House Minority Leader John Boehner,
R-West Chester, puts experts from different farm sectors into a discussion
about the current and future issues facing farmers across the region.
      Speakers in this year’s event included Boehner, Renewable Fuels
Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen, Ohio Poultry Association
Executive Vice President Jim Chakeres, Ohio Corn Growers Association
Executive Director Dwayne Siekman, National Turkey Federation President Joel
Brandenberger and Policy Directions Inc. Senior Vice President Steve
Kopperud.
      This year’s topic dealt with ethanol and animal rights, but for the
vast majority of the event, the topic of animal rights – specifically the
recent actions by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) – dominated
the discussions.

      Two notable speakers painted a bleak future for Ohio livestock farmers
as national Humane Society President and CEO Wayne Pacelle prepares to
initiate a variety of livestock farming regulations across the state. In a
concerning speech, Kopperud said Ohio farmers should be warned that the
Humane Society has the manpower, funding and ability to bring about great
change in how Ohio farms.
      “I’ve been watching and fighting them for 22 years, and what I’ve seen
is the emergence of one single organization which has decided that by itself
that it will shift the way America produces food, shift what America eats
for food and will do it all in the name of animal protection,” Kopperud
said.
      Kopperud said Pacelle’s immediate plans include eliminating poultry
cages, gestation stalls and calf crates throughout Ohio.
      Kopperud said Pacelle plans to bring legislation, or issue a state
referendum, to bring an end to the farming practices. If the practices are
banned, Kopperud said it will bring irreversible changes to Ohio livestock
farming.
      “It will basically shift the way we produce food in this country to
the way it was in the 1930s,” Kopperud said. “If we return to animal
agriculture to the 1930s, we’re toast. Three-quarters of this country cannot
support crops, two-thirds of this planet cannot support crops. You cannot
feed the existing population based on a vegetable-based diet.”
      While Pacelle’s motives may not currently seem like he is driving a
full-fledged restriction on animal production, Kopperud warned the
organization is only just initiating the first steps in a nationwide attack.
      Ohio, he said, will be used as a perfect example. If the changes in
regulations are put forth, other states would likely follow, and more
changes would be imposed.
      “The Humane Society of the United States say they aren’t pushing for a
vegan society, however, if you cut the crap you’ll find they are in a
PETA-kind of agenda,” Kopperud said. “If you think you can sit down with an
animal rights group and give them something and they go away, you are
absolutely insane.”
      During his keynote address at the end of the forum, Ohio Farm Bureau
Federation President Brent Porteus echoed Kopperud’s comments, saying
Pacelle is “gearing up for an assault on Ohio.”
      Porteus said Pacelle told him blatantly that the changes in the crates
and stalls are inevitable, saying Pacelle will take the fight to the people
who do not understand the science of animal husbandry.
      “The Humane Society of the United States has a clear-cut goal that
makes producing meat products illegal,” Porteus said. “They want to put
livestock farmers out of business on their way to creating a meat-free
American society.”
      Kopperud gave one final ultimatum to all those in attendance Saturday,
saying Ohio farmers must come together, get public and put a face on the
livestock industry. If they do not, he said the consequences could be
drastic.
      “This is a collective threat,” Kopperud told those in attendance. “If
all of the Ohio agricultural community does not sit down and figure out a
collective way to stop this right now, you will all wind up as crop
producers.”

Please read the information below and help defeat the legislation being proposed in Oklahoma.  This week, I will feature some of the pressing anti breeding legislation cropping up in so many states.  Please be aware of what is happening in your state, city, county, or community.  Our right to own and/or breed dogs is being threatened.  Peta had announced that its members, dressed up as the KKK, would be protesting the showing of purebred dogs at Westminster.  Only a couple of the protestors showed up and were loudly booed and jeered until they retreated.  This antic by PETA only shows just how underhandedly their organization works–the KKK yet!!!

URGENT: Oklahoma Measure Would Restrict Movement of Breeders and Allow for
Unreasonable Search and Seizure 

The AKC is extremely concerned about provisions in Oklahoma House Bill 1332,
as written, and urges all Oklahoma dog fanciers, owners and breeders to
contact their representatives to express their concerns.

The AKC promotes responsible dog ownership, responsible breeding practices,
enforcement of cruelty laws, reasonable inspection programs and nuisance
regulations. However, HB 1332 does not improve the welfare of animals and
would punish fanciers, breeders and responsible owners who participate in
dog sports and/or breed in Oklahoma.

The AKC is disappointed that although the bill’s sponsor agreed to address
concerns about this measure voiced by the AKC and its federation prior to
bringing the measure to the floor, these discussions have not yet taken
place.

Provisions of HB 1332
<http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2009-10bills/HB/HB1332_HFLR.RTF>  would:

*    Duplicate existing federal laws and also require that anyone who is
a breeder, person, firm, corporation or other association that qualifies and
is certified as a breeder, dealer, animal rescue, out-of-state
dealer/breeder, shelter, or retail pet store that sells, gives away, or
transfers a cumulative total of 25 or more animals of any age in any one (1)
calendar be subject to licensure and inspections that mirror USDA standards.
This includes all animal rescue organizations that utilize foster homes if
they transfer more than 25 animals per calendar year, but excludes all
shelters.

*    Stipulate that out of state breeders cannot transport animals in
Oklahoma without a state license. Although substitute bill provisions allow
for the exclusion of those who participate in dog shows and field trials, it
does not cover those who travel into Oklahoma for other dog-related events
such as training sessions, matches, hunting activities and public education
events that are not classified as a dog show or field event.

*    Require the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture to develop and
implement regulations pertaining to this bill, but does not guarantee public
input or representation from stakeholders. Experts and responsible breeders
should be consulted in the development and implementation of such
regulations.

*    Provide for warrantless search and seizure by poorly-defined
enforcement personnel. The measure states, “Oklahoma Department of
Agriculture, Food and Forestry personnel and agents shall have the right to
enter the premises of an individual or facility and conduct inspections.”
The bill language does not define an “individual”.  This appears to leave
the door open for those that do not qualify to be subjected to unwarranted
searches and seizures.  The legislation should state specifically that
inspections/searches pertain to only those that are applicants and/or
licensees.

*    Provide no element for public education or consumer protection and
attaches all the responsibility to breeders.  It provides no incentives for
those who follow ethical guidelines established by parent breed clubs, or
obtain health and genetic testing to ensure consumers have healthy quality
family pets. Responsible breeders follow ethics guidelines and existing
federal laws. Rather than to bring substandard kennels up to par, HB 1332
will cause them to hide from regulators, making identification and
enforcement nearly impossible.

HB 1332 continues to impose punitive measures that duplicate federal
efforts.  This bill will have a negative impact on responsible breeders with
valid USDA licenses, those that visit Oklahoma for recreation and legitimate
organizations that provide a valuable rescue services to animals.

The AKC and its federation encourage animal advocates to look for solutions
to community pet issues. However, HB 1332 as amended cannot solve the issues
of producing healthy pets for consumers and eliminating substandard breeding
practices.

What You Can Do:

*    Contact your representative in the Oklahoma General Assembly and ask
him or her to oppose HB 1332. To find out who represents you in the Oklahoma
State Legislature select the address tab found at this link.
http://www.okhouse.gov/Members/MemberListing.aspx

*    For a sample letter to personalize, please see attached document.

*    For more information and tips on contacting your representative,
please view the following AKC publications:

Disagree Diplomatically, (http://www.akc.org/pdfs/GILEG2.pdf  ) 

Make Your Contact Count (http://www.akc.org/pdfs/GILEG3.
<http://www.akc.org/pdfs/GILEG3.pdf> pdf  ) ,

Preparing For Action (http://www.akc.org/pdfs/GILEG3.pdf )

Insanity in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire legislation is among the most restrictive  anti-hobbyist bills we have ever seen. It was presented in the House Environment and Agriculture committee today for a hearing. Dog owners were not informed of the hearing, and the results have not been made available. The legislation is scheduled to move out of committee following an executive session on February 19.

      House Bill 337 would:

      · Allow New Hampshire residents to sell only one dog or cat a year.

      · Allow a maximum of no more than two additional sales by a special
      permit, for $25 apiece. No one could receive more than two special
      permits.

      · Impose fines of $50 to $200 would be imposed. All permit fee
      revenues and fines would be placed in a special fund for spaying and
      neutering pets.

      · Only large commercial kennels are exempt.(what is the definition
      and why can large kennels be approved over the hobby breeder?)

Here is a link to the actual text of the legislation:

http://www.gencourt .state.nh. us/legislation/ 2009/HB0337. html.
           

The American Sporting Dog Alliance is urging all New Hampshire dog owners to immediately contact each member of this committee and express strong opposition. It is critical to do this quickly, before the February 19 executive session.

Here is a link to the names of each member of the committee:

http://www.gencourt .state.nh. us/house/ committees/ committeedetails .aspx?code=H06
     
Clicking on a name will bring up a page with contact information for phone,surface mail, fax and email.

            PLEASE CROSS-POST AND FORWARD THIS REPORT TO YOUR FRIENDS