HSUS Agenda: Eliminate Pet Breeding

Nothing says, "Happy New Year" like introducing bad laws. Here we are just 23 days into January and the HSUS led Animal Rights foot-soldiers are introducing BSL (Breed Specific Legislation), MSN (Mandatory Spay/Neuter), and breeder limits/breeder 'permits' type legislation.

First The Good News: MONTANA

Since I always seem to be the bearer of bad news, I thought I would share some VICTORY news for a change! Just a few short weeks after being introduced into the Montana legislature, HB 191 has been rejected by lawmakers. The bill sought to ban 'pit bull type' dogs (Am Staffs, American Pit Bull Terriers, etc) from being bred or bought in the state...Thankfully, lawmakers quickly killed this bill stating that it was an ineffective way to combat dog attacks! Big paws up to those that wrote, called, or faxed their opposition !! There is strength in numbers, folks!

HSUS Agenda: Mandatory Spay/Neuter Law Introduced in FLORIDA

After the death of California's proposed AB 1634 (the bill that wouldn't DIE..and tried to mandate spaying/castrating of every dog 4mos of age and older), the HSUS (the Humane Society of the United States), vowed to take mandatory spay/neuter (MSN) across the United States. MSN has been signed into law in several U.S cities including Los Angeles, West Palm Beach Co, FL, and is being pushed in Chicago, IL.

The HSUS has yet to have MSN signed into state law anywhere, but that doesn't keep the wealthiest Animal Rights group on the face of the planet from trying. Florida's legislative session does not officially begin until March, but the Animal Rights lunatic fringe has introduced House Bill 451, which seeks to Require owners of every dog or cat in Florida to have each animal sterilized within 30 days of the animal reaching four months of age, or within 30 days of the owner receiving the animal.

The American Kennel Club, along with the National Animal Interest Alliance Trust of Florida, have issued alerts on this AR driven piece of legislation. Diane McKinney of The NAIA Trust of Florida has issued the following statement with permission to crosspost:

"Please let people know that NAIA Trust of Florida is working on talking points on this bill as well as several more....an announcement will be coming out as quickly as possible....another FYI, our legislative session in Florida doesn't even START until March 3, 2009! So it's not as though we don't have a "little" bit of time to get this stuff together.....I think we're doing pretty well considering that we JUST found out about this - what YESTERDAY? Let the games begin! "

I cannot stress to Florida residents how important it is to join together and defeat this bill. Our dogs are our property. That includes their reproductive parts. The decision on whether to spay/neuter should be left where it belongs: with the animal's owner and their veterinarian not with the government. There are risks to any surgical procedure, including spaying/neutering, and ESPECIALLY doing so at too early of an age.

HSUS Agenda Targets Illinois and Colorado

Bills have been introduced in Illinois and Colorado that will negatively impact dog breeders and owners. The Illinois bill (HB 198) is 45 PAGES and would limit the number of dogs they can own and requires licensing for anyone who maintains three or more females (even if they are not bred) "for the purpose of the sale of their offspring." The bill would also mandate unannounced inspections, fingerprinting, and require breeders to pay an unspecified license fee. It is important that ALL fanciers, responsible dog owners, and breeders work together to oppose this burdensome and ineffective legislation. Please visit the American Kennel Club's website for important contact information of Illinois Senators!!!! The AKC also has a sample letter that you can personalize and send!

The Colorado bill ,HB 1172, seeks to dictate to breeders how many UN-altered dogs they may own over the age of 6 mos. More HSUS/Animal Rights driven laws designed to make the breeding/owning of pets more expensive and restrictive. Don't let the HSUS win! Don't drink their poison Kool-Aid and fall for the ruse of trying to eliminate so called "puppymills"...The number of animals one can own is a personal choice and is different for everyone. The Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs is aware of this pending bill and The Responsible Dog Owners of the Western States (RDOWS) has sent a letter to the powers that be in Colorado asking for this lunatic fringe proposed law to be struck down.


THIS MEANS WAR!

The HSUS is waging war on OUR rights to own, breed and keep animals. The bills I have listed above are just a sampling of what we have in store this legislative session. The bickering and bitching and finger-pointing among dog breeders/owners has got to STOP if any of us hope to have a future with our dogs.

When one area of the country is targeted by HSUS backed legislation, we are ALL sitting ducks. Just because you do not see your state listed yet does NOT mean you are in the clear. The legislative sessions are just beginning in many states and soon it will be your turn to fight with whatever draconian law the HSUS has in store for you and your dogs.

Will you be ready? Do you know who your legislators are? Will you stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow dog owners and breeders to preserve the rights for all, including yourself? Or will egos and poison Kool-Aid prevail?

When the AR came for the unlicensed puppy mills,

I remained silent;

I was not an unlicensed puppy mill.

When they confiscated dogs from those who had one too many for their local ordinances,
I remained silent;
I was not over my local limit of dogs.

When they came for the Pit Bulls similar breeds,
I did not speak out;
I was not an owner of a Bully breed.

When they came for the Commercial Breeders,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Commercial Breeder.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out......(Author Unknown)

Wow ..My First Award! I'm Speechless...

I have been rendered speechless...and let me tell ya', that isn't an easy thing to do! LOL  It gives me a great feeling of accomplishment to know that folks are reading what I have to say;  that perhaps I am making a difference thru the wonder that is this thing called blogging.  My heartfelt "thanks" to everyone who has commented, read, cross-posted, linked to thru other blogs and websites and found The Endangered Owner blog. 

At any rate I received this 'Friendship' award from fellow blogger, Kat, over at Wolfdancer Creek.  Thank you, Kat!  In keeping with the spirit and the 'rules' of the award, I am now supposed to pass the award along to eight fellow bloggers.  So, without further delay, here we go:

• To the PetDefense blog:  for eternal vigilance in finding the truth, no matter how hard the ARs try to hide or disguise it.  I have learned much from this blog.
• My friend, Billy, over at Dog Show Poop:  One of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to meet in person and a great writer.  Thanks for providing us dog show fanatics with the latest results from around the country!
• BlueDogState:  One of the first blogs I ever read and what gave me the idea to start blogging myself.
• To Ken and Linda for endless hours of their time devoted to keeping all dog owners informed of pending legislation from all across the country thru The Monthly National Legislation Report
• To Stop The Lies and United We Bark, for their hard work on stopping BSL and for educating people on the true agenda of the HSUS
• The No Kill Blog , Nathan Winograd:  for enlightening the world on the betrayal of animals by the very ones that are supposed to save them, the shelters.
• And finally, to Caveat, the great blog to the North, who writes much better than I do and is a staunch opponent of BSL

URGENT:All Dog Clubs and Owners BSL TEXAS CA Residents: MSN Riverside County CA

I cannot stress the importance of unity among ALL dog owners, breeders, and dog clubs when it comes to standing up to BAD laws.  No matter where we live, we will all eventually be faced with laws that will threaten our choices in the breeds of dogs we may own, when or if to spay or neuter, both of which often deny us of our RIGHT to due process under law.

The following alert is from the Texas Responsible Pet Owners Alliance and they need help from dog clubs, training clubs, registries, parent clubs, etc from ALL of us.  Please take a moment, and if you are your club's Legislative Liaison or an officer in a club duly authorized to do so, JOIN onto the brief being filed with the Texas Attorney General...
Please EMAIL Zandra Anderson  if your organization is willing to help !!!

TX-RPOA E-News

From RPOA Texas Outreach and
Responsible Pet Owners Alliance
"Animal welfare, not animal 'rights'
and, yes, there is a difference."
Permission granted to crosspost.

January 12, 2009

Urgent request from Responsible Pet Owners Alliance (RPOA)

NEEDS IMMEDIATE ACTION!

In late November Greg Abbott, Texas attorney general, wrote a letter to
Responsible Pet Owners Alliance in regard to his office issuing an opinion on
whether existing state law prohibiting breed specific legislation applies
"only" to dogs already declared dangerous or whether it prohibits
"any" ordinance specific to one breed of dog in Texas.

This opinion was requested by Rep. Tony Goolsby who is no longer in office.
RPOA was asked by the attorney general's office if we wanted to submit a
brief and has hired Zandra Anderson, Houston attorney, to do this for us.

We immediately contacted all our friends on the national level and others who
helped us at the state legislature during the last session regarding the
Dangerous Dog Law to ask if they would submit a brief also. RPOA requested an
extension of the deadline due to the holidays and received an extension until
January 20th.

There's no time to contact everyone again individually so please see that
your state or national club has either already submitted a brief or would they
like to take advantage of a new opportunity to sign on to the RPOA brief being
prepared by Zandra for RPOA -- much less time consuming! Zandra says no
signatures are needed.


Zandra needs an email saying it is okay to add your group and only needs:


1. Name of group
2. Name of person with group
3. Title of person (e.g. pres, founder, officer, legislative liaison, etc.)
Zandra needs this information BY JANUARY 15TH in order to meet the deadline set
by the AG's office. We're seeking the support of all registries' kennel clubs, breed clubs or performance event clubs, rescues, search & rescue teams, therapy groups, etc.


This must be a unified effort to preserve our right to own the dog breed of our
choice. I'm sure you're aware that breed specific legislation in other
areas now encompasses more and more dog breeds. Texas Municipal League and
Texas cities individually are urging legislators to change state law during
every legislative session to allow breed specific legislation. We need your
help.

RPOA Texas Outreach (501 C4)
Responsible Pet Owners Alliance (501 C3)
900 NE Loop 410 #311-D
San Antonio, TX 78209
Website: http://www.responsiblepetowners.org/

URGENT ACTION:  FROM AKC, RIVERSIDE CO, CALIFORNIA SPAY/NEUTER/MICROCHIPPING   JANUARY 13, 2009

Attend the Board of Supervisors Meeting January 13th

9 am, Tuesday January 13th
Board Chambers
4080 Lemon Street
Riverside, CA 92501

Monday, January 12, 2009]


The Riverside County Board of Supervisors will hold a hearing tomorrow morning at 9 am to discuss an ordinance that would require the spaying/neutering of any dog or cat for even a minor violation of the animal control ordinance and would force pet owners to microchip all their animals and register the microchips with the county. It is vital that responsible dog owners and breeders attend the hearing to oppose this measure.



Provisions of the Proposed Ordinance



Requires that all dogs and cats be spayed or neutered unless the owner has purchased an intact animal license. Current law requires owners to license their pets and mandates that the license fee for an intact animal be twice that for a sterilized animal. This will not change under the new ordinance. However, keeping that license would become much tougher.

Any animal that is picked up at-large will be required to be spayed/neutered prior to being returned to the owner. Any violation of the animal control ordinance can trigger a requirement that the animal(s) be sterilized. A few of the examples used in the ordinance include failure to posses a current rabies vaccination, failure to license, leash law violations, animals left unattended in a car and failure to provide adequate care.

A dog would have to be spayed/neutered if there are 2 complaints, verified by the department that the dog has run at-large, or the owner is found to be neglectful. (AKC staff is concerned at the vagueness of this language. It does not appear to require that the owners be cited for the alleged violations or that the owner is convicted of animal cruelty charges.)

If an owner has one intact license revoked, they can have all their intact licenses revoked. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume if one dog was picked up at-large and sterilized, then all dogs owned by this person would be required to be sterilized.

There is no exemption for dogs picked up at-large that do not reside in Riverside County. If a fancier were in town for an event and their dog somehow got loose, it would only be returned after being spayed/neutered.

Requires that any advertisement for the sale of an unaltered dog or cat include the intact license number for that animal. Since animals are not required to be licensed until they are 4 months old, it is unclear how this would impact the sale of puppies younger than four months.

Requires that all dogs and cats be implanted with a microchip and that the microchip be registered with the county. Exemptions are provided if a veterinarian states in writing that it is dangerous to the animals health or would negatively impact the animal’s athletic abilities. Animals that are kenneled or trained in Riverside, but whose owners do not live in the jurisdiction are not required to implant microchips.

This ordinance would require the sterilization of any animal that was picked up by animal control, even on a first offense. This is unreasonable as even responsible owners can have an animal escape due to a mistake by a meter reader, gardener, friend or relative leaving a gate open. We agree that steps should be taken to address owners who habitually allow their animals to run at-large, but such a severe response is not justified by a single incident.


This issue is one of utmost importance to those who participate in our dog shows and events. In 2008, almost 14,000 responsible dog owners participated in 75 AKC-approved events held in Riverside County. When you take into account what these participants spend on hotel rooms, gasoline, food, souvenirs and entertainment, the revenue generated by these events is easily over $7 million annually. Clubs will be reluctant to hold events in an area where an escaped dog would be sterilized on a first offense. Passage of a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance in Riverside County would send a clear message that AKC events are not welcome in the community.


The AKC opposes the concept of mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs. Instead, we support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the right of responsible breeders and owners. Mandatory spay/neuter is an ineffective solution to animal control problems because it fails to address the heart of the issue—irresponsible ownership. These laws are extremely difficult to enforce and can be evaded by irresponsible animal owners who won’t licensing their pets. This proposed ordinance will unfairly punish responsible owners who are already complying with local animal control laws, while irresponsible owners continue to make problems for the community and local shelters.


The American Kennel Club also opposes mandatory microchipping. As part of our ongoing efforts to promote responsible dog ownership, the AKC encourages dog owners to properly identify their pets. We believe, however, that the final decision about identification—whether by collar, tattoo or microchip—should be made by the owner, not the government.


What You Can Do    Please click the "what you can do" link for addresses of supervisors and telephone numbers.

Deadly Disease Killing Dog Owners and Breeders

In the midst of the battle for dog owner and breeder rights, a disease has been emerging that is GUARANTEED to kill off dog owners (INCLUDING members of the 'show fancy') and breeders (INCLUDING 'show-only breeders') from all walks of life.

This disease, at present, seems to be rearing it's ugly head primarily within the 'showing fancy', but remember that no one who owns, breeds, or loves animals is immune. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Not being able to realize that ALL dog breeders (commercial, hobby, show, et al) are under attack by the Animal Rightists, such as PeTA and HSUS ("Well, I'm not one of those.....breeders", known as "Throw-The-Other-Breeders-Under-The-Bus syndrome)
• Mistakingly thinking their breeding program is above reproach and scrutiny from same Animal Rightists (the "I only breed for myself/once-every-few years..yadda, yadda, so I am OK", syndrome
• In-ability and down-right refusal, to recognize bad legislation when it is staring them in the face ("I don't mind paying an extortionate fee for a breeder's permit if it will help get rid of the bad/greedy{insert choice word du`jour} breeders"...known as "it's for the greater good" syndrome.
• Refusal to stand in unity with dog owners/breeders from other areas when BSL, Mandatory Spay/Neuter, breeder restriction type laws come up ("WHEW! I'm glad that law doesn't apply to my little safe bubble world",( known as "it's not my problem, and who am I to stick my nose in other state's/city's business..", syndrome)

There are other symptoms, but these are the most prevalent. The first thing to do if you realize you are suffering from any of these symptoms is DO NOT PANIC and realize that you have been used as a pawn in the most common strategy by the Animal Rightists: divide and conquer.

For the first 14 1/2 to 15 years of my own involvement in the sport of purebred dogs, I exhibited the same exact symptoms as described above, so if you are just now realizing your are afflicted, I know how you feel!. Thankfully, I found THE CURE! And you can too!

It involves truth-seeking into the Animal Rights' agenda of no animal use. It means to stop using AR-speak (words like 'guardian', 'puppymill', etc). It means realizing that YOU (yes, 'you' reading this right now), are NOT superior or any better than the Mom-and-Pop breeders down the street, because EVERYONE who breeds dogs is worse than the scum-of-the-earth in the Animal Rightists' view.

The cure, most importantly, involves joining with pet owners of all types, whether they show or not...breeders...whether you agree with their practices or not...We are all in this fight together, but if any of us hope to survive to be able to continue to enjoy, breed and/or show our dogs, WE MUST get rid of this terrible disease...

Apathy.

Guest Bloggers Wanted

Do you "get it" when it comes to our rights as animal owners? Is there one particular issue that you are most vocal about..BSL..MSN.."Guardians" vs Owners?

The Endangered Owner blog wants you...yes, YOU, to help educate the masses by becoming a guest blogger!

Have you written an article or essay pertaining to the issues at hand? If so, I would like to feature it here.

Don't be shy! Contact me!

4 Paws Up: The Monthly National Legislation Report!

I cannot begin to comprehend the amount of work and level of commitment needed to put The Monthly National Legislation Report together! 

This site lists* by state* laws that impact dog and other animal owners, such as BSL (Breed Specific Legislation), MSN (Mandatory Spay/Neuter), breeder "permits", and all the rest.  Also, alerts are given for upcoming city/council/county meetings where proposed laws will be discussed or voted upon.  The report also covers laws in other countries.  If you are a dog owner, this site is a MUST READ...remember:  Forewarned is Forearmed.

The report is compiled monthly by volunteers, Ken Sondej of the Silver State Kennel Club, Inc, and Linda D. Witouski of the Myrtle Beach Kennel Club, Inc.  These two individuals deserve our thanks and deepest gratitude for being in the trenches, keeping all of us informed, devoting many, many hours (I'm sure) to keep YOU and ME informed. 

Protect your dogs, protect your rights!  Stay informed!  The information is there...choosing to turn a blind eye to the laws that will impact all of us is a terrible disservice to the dogs we profess to love.

What are you waiting for, subscribe to The Monthly National Legislation Report NOW!  Just do it, k?

Omens Of Things To Come

It's been awhile since I've seen this much bad news regarding dog owners and our rights. Given the following pieces of news, it makes me wonder where our future is headed regarding our dogs. Once again, public opinion seems to reign supreme.

Aurora, CO Breed Ban Upheld

This morning, I turned on my computer to find not just one, but several pieces of bad news. The first being Aurora, CO, involving their ban on "pit bulls". This week, a local dog owner teamed with the American Canine Foundation in Federal Court hoping to overturn Aurora's ban. On Wednesday, November 19, 2008, Chief U.S. District Judge Wiley Y. Daniel ruled in favor of the city. To read more, to to the Denver Post .

This was a heartbreaking decision to many dog owners as we were desperately hoping this case could be used to set precedent and to give some kind of justice to those dog owners who have had their dogs taken away, simply because of their breed. Remember the ARs agenda: they don't want us to own ANY pets (or any animal for that matter). BSL (breed specific legislation) helps with that agenda by making it illegal or practically impossible, to own certain breeds of dogs. NO BREED is safe from BSL.

HAS THE AVMA CROSSED OVER TO THE DARK SIDE?

Out of the blue, the American Veterinary Medical Association changed the wording on their position regarding tail docking and ear cropping. Their stance on docking and cropping for "cosmetic" reasons is nothing new, however, their newly revised position statement (as of 11/2008) has made my blood run cold: (from the AVMA website)

Ear Cropping and Tail Docking(Oversight: AWC; HOD 07/1999, EB revised11/2008) The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards.

Their sudden "concern" over our breed standards has me worried. VERY worried. It's no secret the ARs are against PUREBRED dogs and docking and cropping, even though doing so prevents injury to the dog. Several years ago, the ARs were successful in BANNING docking and cropping in Europe. I knew then it was just a matter of time before the United States would become their next victim.

Lawmakers, guided by the ever-helpful AR nuts, have tried in various parts of the country to ban the practice of docking and cropping. But, we American purebred dog owners don't give up that easily. What better way to eventually ban the practice than by getting the AVMA on board with their agenda? I predict with the AVMA on the side of the Animal Rightists, we will see an onslaught of legislation aimed at doing away with the practices.

The AVMA stopped just short of "forbidding" their veterinarians from performing the procedures. It's time to talk to your veterinarian and URGE them to write to the AVMA. We, as dog owners, have to get the veterinarians on OUR SIDE.

We need our vets, and our vets need US! Animals are the sole reason for a vet being in business. Without our animals, the vets will be out of business.