AR agenda: same game across the board

The animal rights platform is: universal reduction of human contact with animals regardless of species. This is accomplished by manipulation and extreme governmental regulation. HB 1451 is no exception; the bill goes far beyond any perceived need to ensure humane conditions for dogs.

Parallel quotes from animal rights organization leaders behind the introduction of HB 1451:

Jill Buckley (senior director of ASPCA Legislative Affairs) stated HB 1451 would "ensure that large-scale dog and cat breeders in the state comply with such basic humane standards as providing clean water, proper food, enough space for dogs and cats to easily sit, stand, turn around and lie down, and provide essential veterinary care."

Wayne Pacelle (HSUS CEO) “I just got the very exciting news from California that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed A.B. 1437, a bill backed by The HSUS that requires that starting in 2015 all shell (whole) eggs sold in California must come from hens who were able to stand up, lie down, turn around, and fully extend their limbs without touching one another or the sides of an enclosure. In other words: California will become a cage-free state.”

Cartoon posted immediately after HSUS “puppy mill” ballot initiative win in Missouri.

Animal use groups from livestock producers to cancer researchers to dog breeders and cat fanciers need to recognize this common threat. Critically important is that the animal rights agenda must be clear to every Texas Senator.

Texas Senators Work to Narrow "Puppy Mill" Bill

The Texas Tribune. May 17, 2011

A controversial bill meant to shut down puppy mills has drawn another outspoken opponent in state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston.

"I'm a barking 'no,'" Patrick said during a public hearing on the bill that turned into a raucous affair last week.

The so-called puppy mill bill, HB 1451, was approved in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on Friday and now awaits approval from the full Senate. But before that happens, state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, said he is working to narrow the scope of the measure to ensure that it targets animal abusers and not hobby breeders or others who humanely raise dogs. "We want to make certain we don't have any unintended consequences," said Whitmire, the Senate sponsor of the House bill authored by state Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston.

The bill would impose new licensing requirements and regulations on dog breeders. Anyone with 11 or more unspayed female dogs would be considered a commercial breeder subject to licensing and regulations. The bill would require breeders to pay licensing fees and to abide by strict rules governing the animals’ living conditions and health care. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation would develop and enforce the regulations.

Patrick and others who oppose the bill agree that puppy mills ought to be shuttered. Those are facilities where owners keep dogs in squalid conditions and force them to breed repeatedly. But the current bill, they say, wouldn't stop bad breeders. Instead, the strict regulations and expensive requirements for veterinary care, Patrick and others argue, would drive out of business good breeders who follow the guidelines. "The bill as written would have a very negative impact on dog breeders who are the good guys," he said. One measure that Patrick took particular umbrage with was a requirement for dog breeders to conduct criminal background checks on their employees. "That’s a crock in my view," he said during the committee hearing. "That’s beyond reasonable licensing. That’s just ridiculous."

Van Zandt County Sheriff R.P. "Pat" Burnett told the Senate committee that he has used existing anti-cruelty laws to shut down puppy mills and confiscate more than 3,000 animals. What's needed, Burnett said, are tougher penalties for existing cruelty laws. "This bill will not stop them, period," he said.

Opponents of the bill argue that puppy mill operators would simply avoid becoming licensed, thereby evading the increased costs that come with the regulations. And under the legislation, the only penalty for failing to get licensed would be a fine. Meanwhile, breeders who comply with the rules would shell out thousands for licensing fees and veterinary care.

Whitmire and supporters of the measure say it won't affect breeders who raise animals humanely. "We're there to find the dogs that are locked up in crates, small cages, feces everywhere, distemper, parvo puppies, dying," Sgt. Joseph Guerra, an investigator at the Houston Humane Society, told the committee.

Whitmire said his version of the bill would exempt breeders who raise hunting dogs, and it might also exempt show dog breeders. He is also considering a change to the bill that would base licensing requirements on the number of animals a breeder sells rather than on the number of dogs owned. While he is willing to address "legitimate concerns" about the bill, Whitmire said he is unimpressed by those who object to the bill simply because they oppose government involvement.

Puppy mills are a real problem, Whitmire said, and Texas needs to put them out of business. He said he is "guardedly optimistic" that the measure will be approved by the full Senate when it comes up for a vote. "We've got more work to do." he said.

Patrick said he thinks the bill could be changed enough to gain his support. "I think we can easily fix it," he said.

Texas Legislators Vie for New Bill to Limit Pet Ownership Rights

Edited by National News Desk
Published on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 – 18:39:16

DALLAS, Texas, April 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — A collective group of animal organizations – Animal Owners Association of Texas, Professional Canine Breeder Association, East Texas Dog Lovers and individuals – have come together to stand against a bill that they say is unconscionable.

“While thousands of teachers, police and firemen are losing jobs, Texas lawmakers are proposing the passage of HB 1451 designed to implement a costly kennel inspection program,” says Linda Rogers of Animal Owners Association of Texas. “It’s unconscionable for lawmakers to even consider trading scarce funds for human needs and services to implement costly kennel inspections.”

According to this collective, HB 1451 imposes numerous regulations that would not improve the health and welfare of dogs, but would unconstitutionally violate the rights of responsible breeders at great expense to Texas taxpayers. If passed, the bill is slated to increase state spending by 1.3 million per year. Even though the bill indicates cost will be absorbed by breeder fees, details are unclear regarding start-up fees and more.

“There’s already a penal code that addresses the humane care and treatment of all animals without regard to quantity or use,” explains Rogers. “It’s Texas Penal Code 42.092.”

Included among the many associations and individuals against this bill are: the Sheriff’s Association of Texas; Animal Owners Association of Texas; Professional Canine Breeders Association; East Texas Dog Lovers; American Kennel Club; American Pet Registry Inc.; Endangered Breeds Association; American Dog Breeders Ass.; Responsible Pet Owners Alliance; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council; Texas Pet Industry Coalition; Canine Animal Rescue Effort; American Canine Association; and a host of individual pet lovers, kennel clubs, and Texas veterinarians.

“I’m concerned over the possible passage of HB 1451,” says Dwayne Collins DVM, who has been practicing veterinarian medicine for 42 years. “This bill has many similarities to the bill that was passed in Missouri, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma and clearly had adverse effects on reputable kennel operations. For instance, Oklahoma went from more than 700 licensed USDA kennels to a little more than 350 after the bill’s passage. No major breed registries, including the American Kennel Club support the Texas bill.”

Collins adds that this bill needs to be tabled and rewritten to include those who will be most impacted (i.e., major breed registries, kennel operators and mom and pop operations).

According to bill supporters, the bill will only impact commercial breeders who possess 11 or more adult intact female dogs or cats who are engaged in the business of breeding those animals and selling their offspring. Small breeders with 10 or fewer female breeding dogs will not be affected by the bill, nor will pet stores or other retail outlets that sell dogs or cats.

However, bill opponents say that anyone who breeds/owns dogs or cats will be impacted financially and emotionally with over burdensome rules, regulations, and fees that will be constituted by a commission that has no understanding of the industry.

Additionally, the bill has a provision that allows the department to solicit and accept gifts, grants and other donations from any source, leaving the door open for animal rights activists to influence and control the department.

In the words of Rep. Senfronia Thompson of District 141, “I do not own a pet; I have never bought a bag of dog food and I never will.”

Thompson is the author HB 1451 and wants people to believe that she is doing this for the care and treatment of animals.

Rep. Patricia Harless of District 126 also supports the bill. However, her support is in direct opposition to issues posted on her website. By supporting the bill, private property rights will be limited because animals are private property and free market principles will be discouraged by arbitrarily closing thousands of small businesses that are already doing things right.

Currently, responsible breeders are regulated through USDA, AKC and/or their veterinarians. Irresponsible breeders/owners are not regulated and will avoid any and all laws. If the animals are not cared for, then sheriff or police departments have the right to proceed with Texas Penal Code 42.092.

There were nine committee members: Chairman Rep. Mike Hamilton, Rep. Chente Quintanilla, Rep. Joe Driver, Rep. Charlie Geren, Rep. Roland Gutierrez, Rep. Patricia Harless, Rep. John Kuempel, Rep. Jose Menendez and Rep. Senfronia Thompson. Six of them voted yes to send HB 1451 for a house vote. Three representatives were absent.

To learn more about the bill, visit: www.legis.state.tx.us and search for HB 1451.
To contact legislators and senators, visit: www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/ .

News Source: Animal Owners Association of Texas :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: Send2PressNewswire.com

HB 1451 Anti-Breeding Bill Hearing Held Today

TX-RPOA E-News From RPOA Texas Outreach and Responsible Pet Owners Alliance

What a day!

The Public Hearing on Texas HB 1451, the Dog And Cat Anti-Breeder Bill, was held by the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice today! After all the months of hard work, it paid off. Our witnesses ran the gamut of animal interests and couldn't have been better. If you missed it, you must watch it tonight on the state's website. and scroll down to May 12, 2011 Senate Committee Criminal Justice. It's better than any movie or TV show. You may have to download the free Real Player to receive it.

We can't begin to tell you everything in this E-News. Our hero of the day was definitely Senator Dan Patrick who grilled our speakers and brought out the truth about this bill and the agenda behind it. He was especially concerned about coming into our homes without a Search Warrant, possible extinction of gene pools for rare breeds, Criminal Background Checks for all help - even his own daughter if she wanted to work there for minimum wage. And more. Senator Carona backed him up.

Overall it was made perfectly clear to the senators that there's no need for this bill; that the existing state Animal Cruelty Law works well with testimony from Van Zandt County Sheriff Pat Burnett; retired policeman David Tapley, and James Whorter, an animal control officer certified by Texas Animal Control Association. Tapley held up a thick book of USDA regulations required by the bill which cannot be met in a home environment. McWhorter pointed out that we aren't even required to take our children to the doctor once a year!

Senator John Whitmire laid out his bill and the fun began! Whitmire began with his committee substitute which includes an amendment to provide exemptions for dogs bred to be used exclusively for herding livestock, hunting, including pointing, flushing or retrieving game; or competing in field trials. He said there was no need for testimony from those interests today but that was ignored. Senator Carona felt "show dogs" should be added to the exemptions and said his Mother used to breed show dogs. Whitmire mentioned that Senators Carona and Patrick had questioned why we need more government?

Witnesses who supported the bill spoke first with the usual lineup: Houston SPCA, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, and Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN). Those who signed up to support but didn't speak included: HSUS' Nicole Paquette, a sundry of THLN members, and Patt Nordyke with Texas Assoc. of Animal Care Services.

Speaking for RPOA were Martine Huslig and Martin Kralik who have been doing a tremendous job working the halls at the Capitol for the past month educating our legislators and leaving them information to read later. This is what surely turned the tide for us because many times the legislators never see the emails, faxes and don't hear the phone calls which are only tallied for them. Personal contact is very important with all the rest to backup their visits and visits from our lobbyists.

It's perceived "votes" that count.

There's no way to cover everything here but Dale Martenson and Maura Phelan captured the attention of Senator Patrick who questioned both extensively.

Senator Patrick said: "This bill makes no sense whatsoever! Where is it coming from?"

Senator Whitmore was a little taken back and insisted he wasn't presenting the bill for "any group" but just himself after Dale Martenson brought up the financial contributions HSUS had made to Representative Thompson.

Dale Martenson laid it all out there for them, including the expose of Della Lindquist, attorney with TX Dept. of Licensing & Regulation, as being an "animal rights" activist who helped write the bill and would be enforcing it. Later Patrick questioned TDLR director William Koontz about Lindquist who responded that was her private life but admitted she did work on the bill. Koontz was unable to answer other questions from Patrick.

Maura Phelan, president of Travis County Kennel Club, former prosecutor for Travis, Harris, Williamson Counties, special prosecutor for Animal Cruelty in Burnet County, Golden Retriever Breeder and Rescuer (phew!) presented a whole new perspective from many angles and was questioned extensively by Senator Patrick who seemed impressed.

Phelan pointed out that the proposed bill rewards snitches which will only lead to harassment by "animal rights" activists. And added that the bill provides less punishment (a misdemeanor) than existing Penal Code 42, the Animal Cruelty Law, which has a fine and jail time. She stressed "probable cause" must be found to enter private property and told of her experience shutting down a bad facility.

The hearing just kept building on great testimony and ended with a big crescendo!

Thanks to all of you who attended today - whether you spoke orjust came to back up other speakers. It's always dangerous to start naming names and by no means is this all of the wonderful presentations made. You must go watch it yourself. See the URL above.

Hear HB 1451 Opponents Roar!!

Another fantastic day adding organizations to the HB 1451 Opposed List!! Many thanks to all for the support of our Texas friends.

American Shetland Sheepdog Association
Samoyed Club of America
German Shepherd Dog Club of America
The American Fox Terrier Club and Rescue
Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, Inc.
Golden Retriever Club of America
Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Golden Retriever Club
The Yorkshire Terrier Club of Greater Houston
Central Florida Dog Hunters and Sportsman Association. Inc.
Fort Worth Kennel Club
Shasta Kennel Club
Northern CA Doberman Rescue
Afghan Hound Club of Austin
Taliemir Memorial Foundation
Yorkshire Terrier Club of Oklahoma City
The Fila Brasileiro Association
Greater San Antonio Yorkshire Terriers Club, Inc.
German Shepherd Dog Club Of San Antonio
California Responsible Pet Owners Coalition
USSPCO - United States Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Others
CAVA- California Animal Voters Alliance
Heart of the Plains Kennel Club
El Paso German Shepherd Dog Club

Public Hearing Set For Bill Treating Sporting Dog Owners As “Puppy Mills”

USSA Alert: Sportsmen and sporting dog owners should plan to attend and voice their opposition!

A public hearing has been set for House Bill 1451 which would treat many sporting dog and hobby breeders the same as so-called “puppy mills” and could put many sporting dog and hobby breeders out of existence. Sportsmen and sporting dog owners should plan on attending to voice their opposition to House Bill 1451.

The hearing will take place this Thursday, May 12th at 1:30 p.m. and will be held in Room 2E.20 (Betty King Committee Room) at the Capitol in Austin.

House Bill 1451 would:

•Classify sporting dog kennels or hobby breeders who have 11 female dogs that have not been spayed to be classified the same as a huge commercial dealer if they sell just two dogs.

•Charge kennel license fees likely to be at least $1,300 per kennel even for hobby breeders who hardly ever sell dogs.

•Create an unelected commission to create kennel construction requirements, record keeping requirements and other expensive red tape items that hobby breeders cannot afford because their primary purpose is not to sell dogs.

•Allow for unannounced inspections of kennels and the homes of their owners if they keep their kennel records on a computer inside their house.

•Allow for the inspection of records within a home without any suspicion of wrong doing or even a search warrant.

•Threaten to drive sporting dog kennels and hobby breeders out of business because they do not have the commercial revenue to offset high fees, and expensive regulations.

•Disclose personal information about dog breeders to the public by creating a public directory containing information on all registered breeders.

Take Action! Sportsmen and sporting dog owners should plan on attending Thursday’s hearing and testify in opposition to House Bill 1451. Those unable to attend should call their state senator and ask them to vote no on House Bill 1451. To contact your senator, visit the
U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Action Center

For more information, contact the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance at 614-888-4868 or email info@ussportsmen.org

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
801 Kingsmill Parkway
Columbus, Ohio 43229
614-888-4868

HB 1451 limits my property rights as a Texan

Letter from HB 1451 blog follower:

As a “responsible dog owner and exhibitor” and registered voter, I would like ask for your assistance in opposing House Bill 1451 because it is unconstitutional and is geared to radically limit my property rights as a Texan. I strongly believe that it is my right as an American citizen to have freedom of choice, not mandatory legislation. Additionally, HB 1451 will not improve the welfare of dogs in Texas , but it will hurt responsible breeders like me who strive to raise healthy, well cared-for dogs and work to ensure that these puppies are placed with responsible owners. The expense of complying with the bill will force many responsible breeders to shut down, making it virtually impossible for Texas residents to obtain locally raised purebred dogs.

I was terrible disappointed when I read the following quote from Dr. John Morton who recently ascended to the presidency of Texas Veterinary Medical Association. In supporting passage of the commercial breeder bill, TVMA is “in bed with some people we don't normally get in bed with,” such as the Humane Society of the United States , Morton said. With a grin, he quoted the cliché that politics sometimes makes “an odd bunch of bed fellows.” I guess with this said, Dr Morton wants to eliminate all breeding of dogs and cats! I sincerely hope that Dr. Morton realizes that his backing of HB 1451 will help the Animal Rights groups, including PETA and HSUS who profess to work for improving animal treatment when their ultimate goal is to abolish the following: (1) the breeding and ownership of pets, (2) the raising of farm animals for food, clothing and by products such as ”insulin”, (3) the use of animals in education, preservation, and entertainment, including zoos, aquariums, circuses and rodeos, and (4) all forms of hunting, including field trial and obedience competition, trapping and fishing. The American public needs to realize these organizations appear to be for a “good cause” when, in fact, are in existence only for their own personal gain and agenda - - to eliminate all animals from human use.

This legislation defines a “commercial” breeder as anyone who possesses 11 or more intact females. Simply owning an arbitrary number of intact dogs does not indicate a large-scale breeding operation. This definition may encompass hobby breeders or sportsmen who produce only one or two litters a year. Commercial breeders are already under the jurisdiction of the USDA.

HB 1451 will allow the Health and Human Services Commission to impose additional regulations for breeders. I believe that irresponsible breeders and owners can be successfully addressed using the state’s existing animal cruelty laws. Any additional regulations should be written by officials with extensive animal husbandry knowledge working in consultation with responsible breeders.

Please oppose HB 1451 because it will place unreasonable burdens on responsible owners and breeders and will not improve the welfare of dogs in Texas . The creation of a new bureaucracy to regulate dog breeders who have not proven to be a problem in local communities will result in a ridiculous misuse of state tax dollars not to mention an unprecedented intrusion of personal freedom and privacy. I respectfully request that you instead focus on the enforcement of current cruelty laws and local animal control ordinances, which address the issue of irresponsible ownership without placing unnecessary, arbitrary, and expensive burdens on responsible dog owners and breeders.

I am not a commercial breeder, showing dogs is my hobby! I am respectfully asking you to continue to oppose HB 1451 and protect my property rights and the Constitution by defeating this legislation. Thank you so very much.