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
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
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
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.
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.
Additions to the HB 1451 Opposition List
Emails and letters keep coming in as word spreads to join the Opposition List!
Newest additions:
Alabama Canine Coalition
American Miniature Schnauzer Club
Miniature Pinscher Club of America, Inc.
American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Texas
Austin Shetland Sheepdog Club
Best In Stewards
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Greater Houston
North Carolina Responsible Animal Owners Alliance (NCRAOA)
Professional Canine Breeder's Association
SC Federation of Dog Clubs
Yankee Miniature Pinscher Club, Inc
South Florida Miniature Pinscher Club, Inc.
Hudson Valley Chihuahua Club, Inc.
Toy Dog Club of Western Mass., Inc.
Japanese Chin Club of Greater Houston
Scottish Terrier Cub of Greater Houston
Travis County Kennel Club of Austin, TX
Newest additions:
Alabama Canine Coalition
American Miniature Schnauzer Club
Miniature Pinscher Club of America, Inc.
American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Texas
Austin Shetland Sheepdog Club
Best In Stewards
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Greater Houston
North Carolina Responsible Animal Owners Alliance (NCRAOA)
Professional Canine Breeder's Association
SC Federation of Dog Clubs
Yankee Miniature Pinscher Club, Inc
South Florida Miniature Pinscher Club, Inc.
Hudson Valley Chihuahua Club, Inc.
Toy Dog Club of Western Mass., Inc.
Japanese Chin Club of Greater Houston
Scottish Terrier Cub of Greater Houston
Travis County Kennel Club of Austin, TX
Friday, May 6, 2011
Opposition to HB 1451 grows!!
Join the growing list of organizations and individuals opposed to HB 1451
TEXAS
Animal Owners Association of Texas
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Greater Houston
East Texas Dog Lovers Club
Ellen Davis, Sweetnsassyshihtzues
La-Tex Beagle Club
Lone Star State American Pit Bull Terrier Club
National Wild Turkey Federation--Texas State Chapter
Rose City Beagle Club
South Texas Beagle Club
Southeast Texas Beagle Club
Texas Dog Hunters Association
Texas Wildlife Association
Texoma Beagle Club
Texas Coastal Brittany Club
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL
Alabama Canine Coalition
Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America - Region 7
American Brittany Club, Inc.
American Cooner Magazine
American Dog Breeders Association
American Kennel Club
American Miniature Schnauzer Club
Endangered Breeds Association
Full Cry Magazine
German Shorthair Pointer Club of America, Inc.
Jack Russell Terrier Clubs of America
Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America
National Animal Interest Alliance
National Beagle Club of America
National Cur & Feist Breeders Association
National Hunting Beagle Association
North Carolina Responsible Animal Owners Alliance (NCRAOA)
Professional Canine Breeder's Association
Responsible Pet Owners Alliance
Sportsmen's and Animal Owners' Voting Alliance
United Kennel Club
USSA Sporting Dog Defense Coalition
TEXAS
Animal Owners Association of Texas
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Greater Houston
East Texas Dog Lovers Club
Ellen Davis, Sweetnsassyshihtzues
La-Tex Beagle Club
Lone Star State American Pit Bull Terrier Club
National Wild Turkey Federation--Texas State Chapter
Rose City Beagle Club
South Texas Beagle Club
Southeast Texas Beagle Club
Texas Dog Hunters Association
Texas Wildlife Association
Texoma Beagle Club
Texas Coastal Brittany Club
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL
Alabama Canine Coalition
Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America - Region 7
American Brittany Club, Inc.
American Cooner Magazine
American Dog Breeders Association
American Kennel Club
American Miniature Schnauzer Club
Endangered Breeds Association
Full Cry Magazine
German Shorthair Pointer Club of America, Inc.
Jack Russell Terrier Clubs of America
Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America
National Animal Interest Alliance
National Beagle Club of America
National Cur & Feist Breeders Association
National Hunting Beagle Association
North Carolina Responsible Animal Owners Alliance (NCRAOA)
Professional Canine Breeder's Association
Responsible Pet Owners Alliance
Sportsmen's and Animal Owners' Voting Alliance
United Kennel Club
USSA Sporting Dog Defense Coalition
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
HB 1451 assigned to committee - call now
Last night HB 1451 was assigned to the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice. Start calling and faxing committee members NOW and tell them you oppose this bill.
CHAIR
Sen. John Whitmire (D-15)
(512) 463-0115
Fax: (512) 475-3737
John.whitmire@senate.state.tx.us
VICE CHAIR
Sen. Joan Huffman (R-17)
(512) 463-0117
Fax: (512) 463-0639
Joan.huffman@senate.state.tx.us
MEMBERS
Sen. John Carona (R-16)
(512) 463-0116
Fax: (512) 463-3135
John.carona@senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Rodney Ellis (D-13)
(512) 463-0113
Fax: (512) 463-0006
Rodney.ellis@senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Glenn Hegar (R-18)
(512) 463-0118
Fax: (512) 475-3736
Glenn.hegar@senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Juan Hinojosa (D-20)
(512) 463-0120
Fax: (512) 463-0229
Juan.hinojosa@senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Dan Patrick (R-7)
(512) 463-0107
Fax: (512) 463-8810
Dan.patrick@senate.state.tx.us
CHAIR
Sen. John Whitmire (D-15)
(512) 463-0115
Fax: (512) 475-3737
John.whitmire@senate.state.tx.us
VICE CHAIR
Sen. Joan Huffman (R-17)
(512) 463-0117
Fax: (512) 463-0639
Joan.huffman@senate.state.tx.us
MEMBERS
Sen. John Carona (R-16)
(512) 463-0116
Fax: (512) 463-3135
John.carona@senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Rodney Ellis (D-13)
(512) 463-0113
Fax: (512) 463-0006
Rodney.ellis@senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Glenn Hegar (R-18)
(512) 463-0118
Fax: (512) 475-3736
Glenn.hegar@senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Juan Hinojosa (D-20)
(512) 463-0120
Fax: (512) 463-0229
Juan.hinojosa@senate.state.tx.us
Sen. Dan Patrick (R-7)
(512) 463-0107
Fax: (512) 463-8810
Dan.patrick@senate.state.tx.us
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
A troubled Texas budget
Senate leaders struggled today for votes on a proposed budget that spends $176.5 billion in all funds over the next two years -- about $12 billion more than the House budget.
“50 facts to know about the Senate’s proposed budget”, compiled by Jason Embry, Statesman.com, provides insight on the details of the proposed budget, services that will be cut, and budget reductions. For example:
• It leaves school districts about $4 billion short of the money that the state would owe them under current law.
• The budget provides for about 235,000 jobs in state government, a decrease of about 5,300.
• It zeroes out the $271 million technology allotment for schools.
• Overall, discretionary state grant programs for public education would be reduced by $863 million — 64 percent. These programs include teacher incentive pay, grants for science labs, teen-parenting life skills and seat belts on school buses.
• The number of state parks in operation would decrease from 92 to 86.
• It zeroes out grants for the development and acquisition of new local parks.
• It eliminates a $7.4 million program that provides grants to improve public facilities and infrastructure in rural communities.
• It cuts $12 million in grants given to local law enforcement agencies for the continued training and education of officers.
With deep cuts to public education, higher education and human services will Texas Senators actually vote to create a $2.6 million dollar Dog Gestapo?
Call your Senator now and oppose HB 1451.
“50 facts to know about the Senate’s proposed budget”, compiled by Jason Embry, Statesman.com, provides insight on the details of the proposed budget, services that will be cut, and budget reductions. For example:
• It leaves school districts about $4 billion short of the money that the state would owe them under current law.
• The budget provides for about 235,000 jobs in state government, a decrease of about 5,300.
• It zeroes out the $271 million technology allotment for schools.
• Overall, discretionary state grant programs for public education would be reduced by $863 million — 64 percent. These programs include teacher incentive pay, grants for science labs, teen-parenting life skills and seat belts on school buses.
• The number of state parks in operation would decrease from 92 to 86.
• It zeroes out grants for the development and acquisition of new local parks.
• It eliminates a $7.4 million program that provides grants to improve public facilities and infrastructure in rural communities.
• It cuts $12 million in grants given to local law enforcement agencies for the continued training and education of officers.
With deep cuts to public education, higher education and human services will Texas Senators actually vote to create a $2.6 million dollar Dog Gestapo?
Call your Senator now and oppose HB 1451.
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