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.