Articles of interest
Eggs: How HSUS makes money off of cage free eggs and livestock
Eggs are only a small part, and probably the easiest to attack, of their plan.
Take a look at the price they charge for the different livestock. Cage free eggs and certified humane food does not mean that the livestock is any better than what is currently being produced. That just means they have been certified by HSUS. We all know what that is worth.... 0, although they charge an arm and a leg for their services for farmers and business' that buy into their bull.
This comes back to the individual by the price on the package in the grocery store. We all end up paying for the HSUS to spread their lies.
Kimberly Kraemer
http://www.certifiedhumane.org/ Ours Partners: HSUS, ASPCA, PETFINDER, Center for Food Safety.
The Certified Humane Raised and Handled program is the only farm animal
welfare and food labeling program in the U.S. dedicated to improving the welfare of farm animals from birth through slaughter for the 10 billion farm animals raised for food each year.
HFAC charges a $50 Application Fee for Operations submitting an
application for
Initial Certification. Operators must CERTIFICATION FEESCattle0 ˆ 25,000
animals
25,001 ˆ 50,000 animals
50,001 ˆ 75,000 animals
75,001 ˆ 100,000 animals
100,001 ˆ 200,000 animals
200,001 ˆ 300,000 animals
300,001 ˆ 400,000 animals
$1.00/head
$0.75/head
$0.55/head
$0.40/head
$0.30/head
$0.15/head
$0.10/headPigs0 ˆ 35,000 animals
35,001 ˆ 65,000 animals
65,001 ˆ 100,000 animals
100,001 ˆ 200,000 animals
> >200,000 animals
$0.50/pig
$0.40/pig
$0.30/pig
$0.20/pig
$0.10/pigDairy Cows Hundredweight of milk $0.01 (1/12th
cent/gallon)GoatsFor
milk
For meat
$.005/gallon
$0.20/headLaying Hens Case of 30 dozen eggs $0.04Broiler Chickens1 ˆ
6,000,000
birds
6,000,001 ˆ 15,000,000 birds
15,000,001 ˆ 30,000,000 birds
> >30,000,000 birds
$0.0025/lb
$0.0017/bird
$0.0013/bird
$0.0009/birdSheep/Lamb Per head $0.20Turkeys Per pound $0.0025Young
Dairy Beef
Per head $0.50
also pay an Application Fee of $50 each time they submit their Application for Renewal of Certification in order to cover administrative costs associated with processing the application.
An Operation's Inspection Fee covers the cost of one full inspection per year.
Follow-up inspections in the same year will only be conducted if a problem is identified which required further on-site investigation. Operations requiring follow-up inspections will be charged the regular inspection fee to cover the cost of the inspector‚s time as well as the actual costs (travel, food, lodging) incurred by HFAC to conduct the inspection.
Farm Inspections: The HFAC fee for conducting inspections of a farm orprocessing operation is $500/day/Inspector
The HFAC fee for conducting inspections of a Product Manufacturing Operation (PMO), Pooled Product Operator (PPO), Slaughter Facility is $600/day/facility/inspectorKimberly Kraemer
=================================================================================
"The Governor and the HSUS"
By Brian Bresnahan
http://www.yorknewstimes.com/articles/2011/03/09/editorials/doc4d76ca9b3f60a263252629.txt
Published: Wednesday, March 9, 2011 1:09 AM CST
Last December Governor Heineman called out the HSUS.
In December he stated, "The Humane Society of the United States is anti-agriculture and they're out to destroy animal agriculture-and if they want to come to Nebraska, we're going to fight them and we're going to beat them." Last week the fight reemerged after HSUS released a push poll.
And many people went, "huh?" "What's the Governor's beef with the animal shelter?"
Most people don't realize that the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is not your local animal shelter, nor does it care much for the compassionate work we all know our local humane society's and shelters to be doing. HSUS isn't caring for local animals, rescuing lost pets and reuniting them with loving families, or operating spay and neuter clinics to keep animal populations
under control. In fact, of its nearly $150 million budget, less than 1/2 of 1% goes to animal care and rescue.
So, if HSUS isn't in the humane society business we're all familiar with, what do they do? Who are they?
HSUS is an animal rights group which believes animals should have the same rights as people (erasing the line between people, pets, and livestock and between animal welfare and animal rights), promoting vegetarian/veganism, stopping animal agriculture, and banning animals like cats and dogs from being owned as pets.
Illustrative of the group itself, their website site is filled with pictures of sad looking animals, an on-line front for a huge fund-raising, activist, and lobbying organization.
According to the non-profit Center for Consumer Freedom, in 2008 HSUS donated less than one half of one percent ($450,000) of its budget toward hands on animal care. That same year it gave $2.25 million to advancing the anti-meat, anti-agriculture ballot initiative in California then put $2.5 million into its executives pension plans.
They are consistently given low marks by charity watchdog organizations. In December, HumaneWatch.org published Charity Navigator's rating for HSUS, only 1 out of 4 stars, with their comments that as much as 49% of its donations may be used for additional fund raising. The American Institute of Philanthropy gives HSUS a grade of "D" and Animal People News notes that "half of HSUS's budget is spent on overhead costs instead of programs."
So, why does this matter to Nebraskans and why did the Governor draw a line in the sand?
Because huge sums of HSUS cash are used to lobby for and advertise for advancement of legislation that is damaging to pet owners and animal agriculture. They use their money to tug at the heart strings of well meaning, but misinformed people, and have been successful in states where pet ownersN and livestock producers acted too little or too late to stop the implementation
of harmful legislation.
With 1 of every 3 jobs in Nebraska related to agriculture, it's necessary to protect the industry that's vital to our state. With so many pet owners, it's important that we give people the choice to own and care for their pets. In many states HSUS has specifically targeted both in order to advance its animal rights and vegan agendas.
Our farmers and ranchers care for and treat their animals incredibly well. Where our food comes from, how it's produced, and how hard folks work to supply us with safe food matters. Companion animals are important to rural and urban Nebraskans alike.
The Governor has issued the challenge to HSUS. We should rise to the occasion with him. Whether we're raising grass fed beef or organic beef; are a traditional rancher, feedlot operator, raising hogs in confinement or free range chickens; are a fan of equine sports; or simply love your cat, dog, or horse, we must all prepare to rally together. HSUS intends to "change" things in Nebraska. So get educated and get ready to stand together with the Governor in this fight.
====================================================================
================================================================== ===========================================================================
http://www.consumerfreedom.com/news_detail.cfm/h/4401-hsuss-vegan-kibble-trick-still-flops
HSUS's Vegan Kibble Trick Still Flops
A little over a year ago, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) (America's richest animal rights group) began experimenting with a new tactic that mainstream animal lovers and veterinarians had never seen before: trying to convert carnivorous dogs into meat-shunning herbivores. Suffice it to say, dog owners and veterinarians who understand canines' natural instincts still aren't flipping for HSUS's vegan kibble.
Promoted by HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle as "a nutritious, environmentally friendly and ethically responsible food for our best friends," CNN today decided to see if meat-free dog food like HSUS's "Humane Choice" is the right choice for dogs' diets. Former HSUS Vice President Michael W. Fox said he's not sold on the concept that his former colleague is currently endorsing and marketing:
[W]e don't have the real science to back up whether it's safe enough, so, for dogs' sake, we need to adopt the cautionary principle.
HSUS promotes its vegan kibble as safe for "adult" dogs, citing a 2006 report from the National Research Council (NRC) to make its case. According to the NRC, "[D]ogs can survive on a vegetarian diet as long as it contains sufficient protein and is supplemented with vitamin D."
Few dog owners or veterinarians will disagree that dogs "can survive" as vegetarians. Placed under extreme circumstances, humans have resorted to atypical and unorthodox forms of nourishment in order to survive. However, we certainly don't resort to such radical means of satisfying our natural hunger instinct when our lives are not in peril�and we don't need to put dogs on meatless diets unless their own survival is at stake.
Pet expert and author Tracie Hotchner told CNN she understands why vegetarians might believe their dogs are capable of following suit, but questions whether that's "what's best":
Overall, it is much easier and more reliable to supply a dog's essential nutrients in a food containing both plants and meat.
I say respect each species for what it was meant to be, and if you feel that strongly about being vegan, get a vegetarian animal. Bunnies make wonderful pets.
After all, have you ever seen a dog pass up a steak?
Obviously, the choice is yours to make for your own dog. Will it be a "Humane Choice" based on a meat-shunning ideology that conflicts with your dog's natural instincts, or one that, as Hotchner reminds us, "respect[s] each species for what it was meant to be"?
We know that HSUS believes Wayne Pacelle can "speak for the animals," but maybe it's finally time to organize a "Humane Choice Challenge" to see if dogs actually prefer vegetarian cuisine. Something tells us it won't get the doggie slobber flowing like the smell of bacon.
- http://www.nptelegraph.com/articles/2011/03/19/news/40001572.txt
- HSUS reaching out to children
- By Heather Johnson | Saturday, March 19, 2011 4:07 AM CDT
- The North Platte Telegraph
- A Humane Society of the United States newsletter targeted at kids may be a
- little more controversial than its creators have indicated.
- Teachers can subscribe to "KIND News," a newsletter published by HSUS, or
- sponsors can gift it to schools through an "Adopt-a-Classroom" program.
-
- The publication was started in 1983 and is printed for three reading levels:
- kindergarten through second grade, third through fourth grade and fifth
- through sixth grade.
- Its brightly colored pages feature stories, games, contests, trivia and
- cartoons among other things. The articles cover a wide range of topics -
- from hibernation and poaching to the importance of volunteering at animal
- shelters and curbing pet overpopulation through spaying and neutering.
- Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president, said "KIND News" is focused on
- non-controversial subjects and promotes non-controversial values.
===========================================================================
FEDERAL
HR835 - Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act - (PUPS) - Sponsored by Representative Jim Gerlach (R-PA) - To amend the Animal Welfare Act to provide further protection for puppies.
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture
STATES - in alphabetical order
ALABAMA
Mobile - Starting this month, all pets adopted from the Mobile County Animal Shelter will be spayed or neutered prior to being released to their new owners. The County Commission voted Monday (02/28/11) to start the mandatory spay and neuter program. Officials hope to reduce the stray population in the county, which they say is rising. "We feel like this is the missing link in our animal control mission," Donna Jones, county director of general services, told the commission last week. By law, newly adopted pets must be spayed or neutered within 30 days, Jones said, but there is no way to enforce it. Now, the shelter can be sure that its dogs and cats don’t contribute to the stray population after they are released back into the community.
ARKANSAS
HB1803 - AN ACT TO DEFINE CERTIFIED HERDS AND HORSE BREEDERS FOR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE STANDARD IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENT FOR EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA.
HB2001 - REGARDING THE CARE OF PETS UNDER THE DOMESTIC ABUSE ACT.
SB247 - AN ACT TO MAKE VARIOUS CORRECTIONS TO TITLE 5 OF THE ARKANSAS CODE OF 1987 CONCERNING CRIMINAL OFFENSES.
SB775 - TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS RETAIL PET STORE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT OF 1991.
SB857 - TO CREATE AN EXEMPTION FROM THE INCOME TAX FOR GAINS DERIVED FROM THE SALE OF CATTLE.
SB901 - AN ACT TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC HEALTH BY REGULATING THE 8 PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF NONHUMAN PRIMATES; AND FOR OTHER 9 PURPOSES.
Referred to the Committee on PUBLIC HEALTH, WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE
Fort Smith - Board of Directors voted to approve four new animal control ordinances. The ordinances approved were: Ordinance essentially abolishing the tethering of a dog to a stationary object; Ordinance enacting a mandatory pet registration, spay and neuter regulations and hobbyist permit for dogs and cats; Ordinance creating the Animal Services Advisory Board; Ordinance establishing new definitions for the purpose of interpreting the new rules and regulations
CALIFORNIA
AB376 - An act to add Section 2021 to the Fish and Game Code, relating to sharks. This bill, except as specified, would make it unlawful for any erson to possess, sell, offer for sale, trade, or distribute a shark fin, as defined. The bill, by creating a new crime, would impose a state-mandated local program.
SB697 - An act to amend Sections 4826 and 4875.1 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to veterinary medicine. This bill would provide that a person practices veterinary medicine when he or she advertises himself or herself as engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine. This bill would additionally require the board to prioritize its resources to ensure that cases against unlicensed and unregistered persons and any person aiding and abetting these unlicensed and unregistered persons, as specified, are brought in a similar manner.
SB702 - An act to amend Section 31253 of the Food and Agricultural Code, relating to dog licensing. This bill would additionally require an owner who seeks to reclaim a dog that has been impounded to provide proof of a current, valid license for the dog. The bill would also authorize the entity that has custody of the dog to implant the dog with a microchip identifying the owner of the dog or require the owner to take that action within 30 days of reclaiming the dog. Because a violation of this provision would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Banning - Council Votes 4-0 To Adopt Beaumont Animal Code. Most significant changes to the updated Banning ordinance include:
- Mandatory spaying or neutering of all dogs and cats in Banning, or the requirement to obtain an unaltered license if an owner is unable to spay or neuter an animal.
- Mandatory micro-chipping of all dogs that are licensed in Banning. Cats that are impounded will be required to be micro-chipped before release back to their owners.
The new ordinance also prohibits owners from allowing unspayed and unaltered cats from "remaining" outdoors, according to city staff.
Irvine - city is drafting an ordinance designed to outlaw sales of dogs and cats in pet stores (there is only one pet store in the city that sells cats and dogs) outlaw circuses, petting zoos and rodeos require sterilization of all pets over the age of 6 months
Los Angeles County - (03/15/11) County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance intended to reduce animal cruelty associated with puppy mills run by irresponsible breeders. Under the new rules, breeders will be required to: – wait until dogs are at least 12 months old before breeding them; – keep puppies on premises until they are at least eight weeks old; – separate pregnant females at least three days before they give birth; – and provide nesting boxes for the mothers and their puppies. All new pups will have to be microchipped or tattooed at four months, so that they can be identified by county officials tracking health concerns. Pet stores will have to disclose the source of their animals.
Thank you Florence Blecher
COLORADO
SB11-009 - A BILL FOR AN ACT CONCERNING PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PAYMENT OF COSTS RELATED TO IMPOUNDED ANIMALS.
CONNECTICUT
HB5368 - AN ACT EXTENDING CERTAIN PET SHOP LICENSEE REQUIREMENTS TO PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT IMPORT ANIMALS FOR ADOPTION.
Referred to Joint Committee on Environment
FLORIDA
Daytona Beach - city commissioners are slated to talk about the county's spay-and-neuter law and decide whether to pursue something similar. They won't take a final vote for at least a few weeks, and they could just decide to drop the idea. The county government law will serve as a model for Daytona Beach city commissioners. That mandatory spay-and-neuter ordinance calls for having the procedure done by the time a pet is 6 months old, but does provide for about a half-dozen exceptions.
Marion County - (03/10/11) County Attorney Guy Minter wrote in court documents filed Thursday that the county "concedes" that its definition of a dangerous dog conflicts with that found in state animal-control laws and therefore the local definition is "invalid."
Palm Beach County - (03/15/11) County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to put some teeth in the laws meant to protect animals. Tethering, once allowed under certain conditions, is now banned unless the owner is outdoors and watching the animal, as in such cases when an owner is gardening or washing the car. Furthermore, there are new minimum standards in the care of guard dogs, including a mandatory 100 sq ft enclosure and 50 sq ft of living space for each additional dog with proper shelter to allow the dog to choose between a sheltered area and non-enclosed area. Dogs that are intact are not allowed to be housed together to reduce the chances of an uplanned pregnancy, resource guarding or aggression. If, in the hot Florida sun, the temperature rises above 85 degrees Farenheit, owners must provide some kind of relief in the form of air conditioning or electrical fans. Furthermore, guard dogs must be seen by a licensed veterinarian twice a year who will attest to the dog's condition and fitness for work. Companion animals are to be given an 80 sq ft enclosure and comparable exchange of air modifications.
HAWAII
SB1522 - A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DOGS.
Referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor
ILLINOIS
HB148 - Family and Personal Protection Act A BILL FOR AN ACT concerning firearms. Creates the Family and Personal Protection Act. Permits the county sheriff to issue permits to carry concealed firearms to persons at least 21 years of age who meet certain requirements. Requires an applicant for a permit to have completed specified training requirements developed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board consisting of classroom instruction and live firing exercises. Preempts home rule. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act and the Criminal Code of 1961 to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.
SB1637 - A BILL FOR AN ACT concerning animals. Provides that when dogs or cats are impounded, they must be scanned using a universal scanner and be examined for all other currently acceptable methods of identification within 24 hours of intake of each animal. Provides that a mailed notice shall remain the primary means of contacting an owner of an impounded dog or cat; however, the Administrator shall also attempt to contact the owner by any other contact information provided, such as a telephone number or email address. Provides that any impounded animal be held for a minimum of 7 business days to allow reclamation by an owner, agent, or caretaker. Provides that if an animal has been microchipped and the owner on the chip cannot be located or refuses to reclaim the animal, attempt should be made to contact the previous owner named on the chip, as well as the agency or individual who purchased the chip, prior to euthanizing, transferring, or adoption. Provides that prior to euthanizing or transferring an animal, the animal shall be rescanned using a universal scanner, for the presence of a microchip and, if a microchip cannot be detected, examined for all other currently acceptable methods of identification, including, but not limited to, identification tags, tattoos, and rabies license tag. Provides for the prioritization of intake of animals from within the State prior to animals from outside the State. Effective January 1, 2012.
Referred to Senate Agriculture and Conservation Committee
SB1704 - A BILL FOR AN ACT concerning wildlife. Amends the Wildlife Code. Makes it unlawful to place, set, or maintain a body-gripping trap (other than an underwater set) within 30 feet of bait that is not completely covered and concealed from sight and (ii) to place, set, use, or maintain certain types of traps within one-quarter mile of a residence, school, picnic area, playground, beach, campground, road, highway, public trail, golf course, or parking lot. Exempts certain government employees as well as their duly authorized agents from the latter of these prohibitions if certain conditions are met. Redefines the term "bait" to include certain types of oils. Effective July 1, 2011.
Lake County - Libertyville - County Committee Agenda: Animal Control Ordinances Articles X and XVII - changes to the ordinance will be discussed.
IOWA
HF257 - A BILL FOR An Act prohibiting certain trapping practices and providing penalties. Would prohibit setting live traps, conibear traps, and other instant kill traps that have a jaw spread of more than five inches unless the traps are only used completely under water. Currently, these types of traps are allowed if the jaw spread is less than eight inches. Additionally, the bill prohibits placing traps within five feet of any fence without the permission of the adjacent landowner and prohibits placing a body-gripping trap in a bucket if using bait or lures.
HF431 - A BILL FOR An Act relating to offenses involving agricultural operations, and providing penalties and remedies.
Referred to Agriculture
Referred to Subcommittee, Sweeney, Baudler, and Quirk
Elkader - City Council will be taking another look at the city ordinance governing dog ownership at its next meeting. Elkader doesn't have an ordinance in place that bars specific breeds, but it does contain a provision that makes it illegal for persons to keep dogs that, without provocation and while at-large, have attacked or bitten persons or domestic animals or fowl on two separate occasions within a one-year period. It also prohibits ownership of a dog that has bitten a person above the shoulders
Hopkinton - (03/07/11) City Council tabled debate on whether to ban Rottweilers.
MAINE
LD223 / SP 74 - An Act To Require Written Permission for Recreational Access to Cropland, Pastureland and Orchards
Referred to Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
LD467 (HP 360) - Act to Simplify Dog Licensure by Establishing a 3 Year License
Referred to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
LD482 (HP 375) - An Act To Amend Animal Welfare Laws
Referred to the Committee on JUDICIARY
LD546 (HP 429) - An Act To Amend The Motor Vehicle Laws Concerning Driving With Animals
Referred to the Committee on TRANSPORTATION
LD559 / HP 442 - An Act To Protect Owners of Private Property against Trespass
Referred to Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
LD652 (HP 482) - An Act To Amend Animal Welfare Laws. This bill amends the animal welfare laws to provide greater protection for victims of dangerous dogs. It also adds reports and records of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources pertaining to animal cruelty to the list of reports and records that contain intelligence and investigative information that are confidential.
REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
LD696 (HP 525) - An Act To Amend the Agricultural Working Dog Laws. This bill restricts the exemption from barking dog ordinances for agricultural working dogs to dogs engaged in agricultural guarding or herding activities on land that is classified as farmland under the State's current use taxation program for farmland and land that is not classified as farmland but meets other criteria relating to size, use and location.
REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
LD755 (HP 562) - An Act to Strengthen the Laws Regarding Dangerous Dogs
Referred to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
LD760 / HP567 - An Act To Establish an Animal Abuser Registry - This bill requires a person convicted of animal cruelty under Maine's criminal law or convicted of a comparable offense in another state to register as an animal abuser with the county sheriff for a period of 15 years. It requires the county sheriff to maintain a registry and disseminate information on the registered animal abuser. It requires the Department of Public Safety, State Bureau of Identification to maintain a central registry of animal abusers.
Referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety
LD850 (SP 253) - An Act to Improve the Enforcement of Laws Protecting Dogs
Referred to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
LD996 (HP 732) - An Act To Amend the Law Relating to Training Dogs During Bear Hunting
Referred to the Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
LD1075 (HP 810) - An Act To Prohibit Horse Slaughter for Human Consumption
REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
MICHIGAN
Ecorse - city is interested in public feedback regarding its pit bull ban passed in 2006. That includes bull terriers, Staffordshire or American Staffordshire bull terriers, American pit bull terriers and any breeds with those mixes. The current ordinance also prohibits any dog with violent tendencies and dogs known for unprovoked attacks on humans. The city is looking into whether it is too difficult to enforce the ordinance.
MINNESOTA
HF253 - A bill for an act relating to taxation; sales and use; repealing June accelerated tax payment; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 289A.18, subdivision 4; 289A.20, subdivision 4; 297F.09, subdivisions 1, 2; 297F.25, subdivision 2; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 289A.60, subdivision 15; 297F.09, subdivision 10; 297G.09, subdivision 9.
HF388 - A bill for an act relating to animals; providing standards of care for dog and cat breeders; establishing fees; authorizing rulemaking; providing criminal penalties; appropriating money;proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 347.
HF417 - A bill for an act relating to public health; providing regulation of commercial breeders to protect public health and animal welfare; requiring registration; establishing fees; requiring rulemaking; providing penalties; appropriating money;proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 145.
HF702 - A bill for an act relating to dogs and cats; providing for licensing and inspection of certain dog and cat breeders;proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 347.
MISSISSIPPI
SB2821 - Senate adopted SB 2821 (03/29/11) and the House followed this morning (03/30/11).
MISSOURI
Kirksville - (03/07/11) city council discuss the proposed ordinance that regulates the ownership of "pit bulls". Council would like to have the ordinance finalized in time for the March 21, 2011 council meeting. The council meets at the Kirksville City Hall Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. Section 5-20. Restricted Animals.
a) Defined. "Restricted animal" means: (1) Pit Bull dogs four (4) months of age or older The term "Pit Bull dog" is defined to mean:
1. Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed of dog;
2. American Pit Bull Terrier breed of dog;
3. American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog;
4. Any mixed breed of dog, which contains as an element of its breeding, the breed of Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or American Pit Bull Terrier as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or American Pit Bull Terrier.
5. Any dog which has the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of the breeds of Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier; and other breeds commonly known as Pit Bulls, Pit Bull dogs, or Pit Bull Terriers, or a combination of any of these breeds. Modifications made at study session
DANGEROUS ANIMAL ORDINANCE The ordinance has been modified to address the City Council's last discussions. Included with this Study Session Memorandum is a proposed final draft. This is a clean copy, meaning no mark-ups. Copies with the mark-ups will be available on Monday if anyone needs to review it. The ordinance was revised to address the following:
o Triggering date is noted as April 1, 2011 o Added language stating determination for exceptions will be made within 30 days from the date of the application
o Changed wording in the section on exceptions by replacing approving application to approving the request for exception or exception throughout the paragraph o Modified the section on Leash/Muzzle and Confinement General by deleting muzzle requirement when dog is on leash, kennel and pen requirement removed, fence height minimum of 60 inches added.
o Moved AKC certification program toward the end of this section to then also allow for exemptions from fencing and insurance if the certification is current
o Added language under Seizure and Impoundment that states if a dog is running lose and does not cause harm then it will not be seized and impounded o Removed reference to Humane Society replacing it with city's contract shelter. UPDATE: (03/21/11) City Council voted to approve an ordinance that will add pit bulls to the city's dangerous and vicious animal list. The new ordinance will add pit bulls to a variety of animals that are classified as dangerous. Among the animals included on the list are tigers, bobcats, raccoons, bears, monkeys, and venomous snakes. The ordinance defines "Pit Bull Terrier" as the following breeds: Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and any mixed breed of dog from these breeds. Mayor Todd Kuhn's was the only council member that voted against the ordinance. The ordinance will go into affect within 60 days of April 1.
Mexico - Back in July 2010 (included below today's article). Looks like after a very thorough review by the Animal Code Review Committee, city officials have decided to steer clear of breed specific legislation! The new ordinance will appear on the March 14, 2011 meeting agenda. The board met six times during the period from June 2010 to February 2011. Proposed changes in the ordinance.
MONTANA
HB515 - A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT PROVIDING STANDARDS FOR BREEDING DOGS; PROVIDING EXCEPTIONS; SETTING A MAXIMUM NUMBER OF BREEDING DOGS ALLOWED; ESTABLISHING RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING MINIMUM CARE STANDARDS; AND ESTABLISHING A PENALTY."
Referred to House Agriculture Committee
NEBRASKA
Beatrice - (03/21/11) City Council held its first discussion regarding a proposed new animal ordinance. The ordinance that would regulate the ownership of "pit bulls", ordinance wouldn't ban people from having pit bulls as pets, it will require various breed-specific laws for pit bull owners, which has been a well-debated issue since brought up at a work session last year. Should the ordinance pass in its current form - the first of three readings was held Monday - the annual registration fee for a potentially dangerous animal or pit bulls, which would be defined the same, would be $25. The fee is in addition to the standard dog license fee, which is $5 for spayed or neutered dogs and $20 for all other dogs over the age of six months. There would also be an insurance requirement, which is typically included in a pet owner's renters or home-owner's insurance. The proposed ordinance also places a limit on the number of pets an owner can have, limiting them to five, though exceptions can be made if a person wanting additional pets applies for an application and passes an inspection declaring the environment fit for more pets. The permit for each additional dog or cat in addition to five will cost a pet owner $20. Current owners of more than five pets being grandfathered in, under the new ordinance, a similar rule would be put in place for large animals, such as horses, cows and other traditional farm animals.
NEVADA
AB282 (BDR 15-962) - AN ACT relating to firearms; authorizing certain members or veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, a reserve component thereof or the National Guard, who are at least 18 but less than 21 years of age, to obtain a permit to carry a concealed firearm; revising provisions concerning permits to carry concealed semiautomatic firearms; revising provisions governing the renewal of a permit to carry a concealed firearm; revising provisions concerning the confidentiality of information relating to permits to carry concealed firearms; revising provisions governing the possession and discharge of firearms in state parks; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
AB307 (BDR 45-872) - AN ACT relating to governmental administration; prohibiting a person from commencing the construction of an energy development project without first filing a notice with the Office of Energy within the Office of the Governor; creating the Energy Planning and Mitigation Fund; requiring the Office of Energy to coordinate with the Department of Wildlife to use money from the Fund for certain wildlife monitoring activities; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor
AB322 (BDR 45-150) - AN ACT relating to wildlife; revising the membership of the Board of Wildlife Commissioners to include one member who possesses experience and expertise in advocating issues relating to conservation; revising the circumstances under which the Director of the Department of Wildlife is appointed; revising the provisions governing a program for the issuance of certain additional big game tags each year; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Mining
AB324 (BDR 15-223) - AN ACT relating to crimes; revising provisions governing the basis and procedure for determining whether a dog is dangerous or vicious; providing a penalty; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
AB329 (BDR 48-312) - AN ACT relating to water; defining the term “wildlife” for certain provisions of law relating to water; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Government Affairs
AB347 (BDR 45-977) - AN ACT relating to wildlife; requiring the Department of Wildlife to make certain tags for hunting deer available annually; providing for the application for and issuance of those tags; establishing the fees that must be charged for the issuance of those tags; providing for the disposition of money collected from fees charged for the issuance of those tags; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Mining
AB368 (BDR 50-510) - AN ACT relating to livestock; requiring the State Department of Agriculture to prepare and maintain certain books in an electronic format; authorizing a person to transport a saddle horse into and from this State without a brand inspection or livestock movement permit issued by the Department under certain circumstances; requiring an inspector of the Department to carry or make available for use during a brand inspection a scanner or other device used to read an identification microchip subcutaneously implanted into livestock; revising provisions governing certain fees collected by the Department; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Mining
AB378 (BDR 45-52) - AN ACT relating to wildlife; requiring the Board of Wildlife Commissioners to adopt certain regulations concerning the possession and transportation of a carcass of a game mammal by a charitable organization; authorizing a game warden, sheriff or other peace officer to issue a written authorization to a representative of a charitable organization to allow the representative to possess and transport the carcass of a game mammal under certain circumstances; authorizing certain persons to possess the carcass of a game mammal without a tag attached to the carcass; requiring a person who takes possession of a carcass of a game mammal to transport the carcass to an official establishment for processing under certain circumstances; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Mining
AB466 (BDR 48-1120) - AN ACT relating to groundwater; requiring the State Engineer to define, by regulation, the term “environmentally sound” for the purpose of making certain determinations relating to interbasin transfers of groundwater; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Government Affairs
SB223 - (BDR 50-760) - AN ACT relating to animals; making certain willful and malicious acts of cruelty to an animal punishable as a felony; clarifying that a retailer, dealer or operator who separates a dog or cat from its mother is guilty of a misdemeanor under certain circumstances; providing penalties; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources
SB226 (BDR 45-975) - AN ACT relating to trapping; making it unlawful for a person to trap a fur-bearing mammal within a certain distance of an occupied dwelling under certain circumstances; providing a penalty; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources
SB279 (BDR 15-1060) - AN ACT relating to concealed firearms; revising provisions concerning the renewal of permits to carry concealed firearms; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
SB299 (BDR 50-388) - AN ACT relating to animals; requiring the board of county commissioners of each county and the governing body of each incorporated city to adopt an ordinance requiring certain commercial breeders of dogs or cats to obtain a permit to act as a breeder; setting forth the requirements for the issuance of those permits; removing operators of animal shelters from the group of persons who must comply with certain standards of care for certain animals; providing that certain standards of care for animals apply to the care for all animals kept by certain persons; making various other changes to the standards of care for those animals; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources
SB302 (BDR 42-981) - AN ACT relating to crimes; prohibiting the sale of black powder and smokeless gunpowder to certain persons; providing a penalty; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Transportation
SB364 (BDR 50-357) - AN ACT relating to cruelty to animals; prohibiting a person from engaging in horse tripping for enjoyment, entertainment, competition or practice; prohibiting a person from knowingly organizing, sponsoring, promoting, overseeing or receiving admission money for a horse tripping event; repealing a requirement that any ordinance passed by a board of county commissioners creating an offense relating to horse tripping must impose a criminal penalty for the offense; providing a penalty; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources
SB435 (BDR 18-1173) - AN ACT relating to the Office of Historic Preservation of the Department of Cultural Affairs; transferring the Office from the Department of Cultural Affairs to the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Finance
SJR12 (BDR R-1113) - Expressing opposition to the designation of certain public lands as Wild Lands and urging the Secretary of the Interior to rescind the order requiring that designation.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources
NEW HAMPHSIRE
HB57 - *STATUS: Killed* in the House Criminal Justice Committee on March 2nd.
HB398 - *STATUS:* House Commerce Committee voted to recommend the bill *“ought to pass with amendment”.* The amendment addresses the issues that DOGS raised. It removes the repeal of allowing a restaurant owner’s dog in the establishment, the banning of orange apparel on non-service dogs, and the conflicts with the Federal Disabilities Act.
HB406 - *STATUS:* Killed. House Municipal Committee voted 15-0 for ITL and was affirmed by the House on 2/23/11.
HB526 - *STATUS:* *Killed* in the House on March 2nd. House Judiciary Committee recommended ITL in a 15-0 vote.
HB645 - *STATUS:* The House Ways & Means committee voted to retain the bills for further study.
HB646 - *STATUS:* The House Ways & Means committee voted to retain the bills for further study.
HB651 - AN ACT allowing the sale and possession of monk parakeets.
Referred to HOUSE FISH AND GAME AND MARINE RESOURCES
NEW YORK
S061 - UPDATE - defeated in the NYS Senate Agriculture committee
SB062 - AN ACT to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to the microchipping of dogs and the creation of a registry of dogs.
REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE
UPDATE - S062 - defeated in the NYS Senate Agriculture committee
A3591 - AN ACT to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to making tail docking of dogs unlawful. Prohibits the docking of dog tails for reasons other than to protect the life or health of the dog as deemed necessary by a duly licensed veterinarian; does not apply to dogs that have been certified as tail docked prior to August 1, 2011.
Referred to agriculture
A4480 - AN ACT to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to requiring the release of a shelter animal to a rescue group upon request of the rescue group prior to euthanasia of the animal.
Cheektowaga - (03/14/11) town board is only now considering letting dogs walk on leashes in town parks. A long standing law prohibits dogs, even those leashed by their owners, from being walked in town parks. A decision by the board should be make within two weeks.
NORTH CAROLINA
H395 - A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN THE LAW PROHIBITING COCKFIGHTING AND RELATED ACTIVITIES.
Re-referred to Committee On Judiciary
Gastonia - City Council members haven’t decided how far such a new ordinance should go in restricting or disallowing pet owners from tying or chaining dogs in local yards.
OHIO
SB130 - A BILL To amend sections 955.02, 955.10, 955.12, 955.20, 955.26, and 1901.183 and to enact sections 956.01, 956.011, 956.02 to 956.20, 956.98, and 956.99 of the Revised Code to establish licensing requirements and standards of care for certain dog breeding kennels, dog retailers, and animal rescues for dogs.
OKLAHOMA
Midwest City - This week the state supreme court refused to take up the issue, which means the Midwest City ban is now officially dead. Midwest City could still lobby state lawmakers to overturn state law. They could also draft a new, much less restrictive ordinance.
OREGON
HCR12 - Encourages dog owners to enroll their dogs in dog training programs.
Referred to Rules
PENNSYLVANIA
HB165 - An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for the offense of cruelty to animals.
Passed House Third consideration and final passage, March 8, 2011 (194-4)
HB1130 - An Act amending the act of December 7, 1982 (P.L.784, No.225), entitled, as amended, "An act relating to dogs, regulating the keeping of dogs; providing for the licensing of dogs and kennels; providing for the protection of dogs and the detention and destruction of dogs in certain cases; regulating the sale and transportation of dogs; declaring dogs to be personal property and the subject of theft; providing for the abandonment of animals; providing for the assessment of damages done to animals; providing for payment of damages by the Commonwealth in certain cases and the liability of the owner or keeper of dogs for such damages; imposing powers and duties on certain State and local officers and employees; providing penalties; and creating a Dog Law Restricted Account," further providing for seizure and detention of dogs, costs and destruction of dogs.
Referred to AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS
RHODE ISLAND
SB140 - AN ACT relating to animals and animal husbandry - Dogs. This act would provide guidelines for any person who keeps a dog outside tethered, penned, caged, fenced or otherwise confined without adequate shelter from the elements and would add definitions of "proper food" and "proper veterinary care" to the chapter on cruelty to animals.
Referred to Senate Committee on Environment & Agriculture
SB266 - AN ACT relating to animals and animal husbandry - cruelty to animals. This act would provide penalties for devocalization of dogs and cats.
Referred to Senate Committee on Environment & Agriculture
SOUTH CAROLINA
Greenville County - (03/15/11) County Council approved an ordinance that is designed to protect animals from being trapped in vehicles.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Aberdeen - Police Department is no longer proposing that pit bulls be banned in Aberdeen. Instead, the police and the city attorney's office are focusing on beefing up and enforcing the city's animal-at-large and leash laws. The Aberdeen City Council was presented Monday night with six options for dealing with animal control issues. They ranged from banning specific breeds of dogs to relaxing the city's animal ordinances. After members of the council discussed the issue, the council directed City Manager Lynn Lander to return with a proposed ordinance based generally on the recommendations presented by staff attorney Karly Winter. The council never planned to vote on any of the six options at the meeting. The goal was to hear the thoughts of council members so that a proposed ordinance could be drafted for a future meeting. In drafting the ordinance, Lander said he will consult with the city attorney's office and other administrators. The first reading of that ordinance will be March 14. UPDATE (03/14/11) An amendment put forward to ban pit bulls in Aberdeen generated a 4-4 vote at Aberdeen City Council meeting. The amendment did not pass because it failed to obtain a majority. The amendment would have made it unlawful for any person to own, possess, keep, exercise control over, maintain, harbor, transport or sell within the city any pit bull. Those dogs would include American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers. Existing owners of pit bulls would be able to keep their dogs under restricted conditions.
TENNESSEE
HB0042 - Animal Cruelty and Abuse Failed for Lack of Motion in Agriculture Subcommittee. This means the bill is dead in the House
HB212 - AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 8, Part 2, relative to the exercising of due care by motor vehicle drivers. Requires animals be restrained while in the interior of a motor vehicle in motion. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 8, Part 2.
Transportation Committee: Recommended for passage w/amendments
Referred to Finance, Ways & Means Committee 3/8/2011
HB567 - AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated Title 29, Title 43 and Title 44 relating to bovine. As introduced, limits liability of a bovine owner for injuries, loss, damage or death of another resulting from bovine activities if the bovine owner maintains proper warning notice on signs, and maintains proper fences and enclosures.
SB339 - AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated Title 29, Title 43 and Title 44 relating to bovine. As introduced, limits liability of a bovine owner for injuries, loss, damage or death of another resulting from bovine activities if the bovine owner maintains proper warning notice on signs, and maintains proper fences and enclosures.
SB621 - AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 8, Part 2, relative to the exercising of due care by motor vehicle drivers. Requires animals be restrained while in the interior of a motor vehicle in motion. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 8, Part 2.
Referred to Sub of Transportation Committee
TEXAS
HJR44 - A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing a constitutional amendment to allow the voters of certain counties to adopt a charter that restructures and empowers the county government and that may allow the integration of the county government with certain other political subdivisions located wholly or partly in the county.
Referred to Committee County Affairs
HB413 - A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the confidentiality of certain information held by a veterinarian.
Referred to Agriculture & Livestock Committee
HB431 - A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the adoption of a county charter by Bexar County.
Referred to Committee County Affairs
HB1788 - A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to capturing reptiles and amphibians by nonlethal means; providing a penalty.
HB2116 - A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to standards of care and confinement for dogs and cats; providing a penalty.
HB1919 - A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of cruelty to nonlivestock animals under certain circumstances.
SB1517 - A BILL TO AN ACT relating to the sterilization of dogs and cats; providing a penalty.
SB1850 - A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to appeals regarding cruelly treated animals.
Grande Prairie - Enforcement Services has been working on an update to its animal control bylaw by completely re-writing it.
The proposed changes include:
• Doing away with breed-specific legislation, as well as allowing rremoval of vicious dog sanctions placed on an animal's owner, if approved behavioural training is completed and there are no incidents for three years.
• Further definition of "vicious dogs," with different leevels according to assessed risk.
• Adding a clause covering animals attacking other animals.
• Adding a clause stating that all animals in public spaces be "attended" by its owner.
• Prohibiting owners from putting animals in open truck beds, whilee the truck is in motion, and while the truck is parked.
• Lowering the licence fees for cats.
• Adding a nuisance animal clause where three or more convictions iin a year could lead to doubled licence fees, increases in fines on future offences and more.
• Adding potbelly pigs, miniature goats and miniature horses, among other creatures, to a new list of animals not allowed to be kept as pets within city limits.
Thank you Jodi Preis
VERMONT
H371 - AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMAL HOARDING - This bill proposes to impose criminal penlites for animal hoarding.
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture
VIRGINIA
SB1026 - An Act to amend and reenact §§ 3.2-6500 and 3.2-6569 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 3.2-6503.1, relating to care of agricultural animals by owner; penalty.
[S 1026] Approved
WASHINGTON
HB1813 - AN ACT relating to establishing a certification program for commercial egg laying operations; amending RCW 69.25.150; adding new sections to chapter 69.25. RCW; prescribing penalties; providing an effective date.
Referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources
SB5487 - AN ACT relating to establishing a certification program for commercial egg laying operations; amending RCW 69.25.150; prescribing penalties; providing an effective date.
Substitute - AN ACT relating to egg and egg products in intrastate commerce; and amending RCW 69.25.020, 69.25.050 and 69.25.250.
Referred to Agriculture & Rural Economic Development
(03/07/11) passed; yeas, 34; nays, 13; absent, 1; excused, 1
WISCONSIN
New Berlin - relaxing various elements of its dog ordinance, New Berlin will not only let dogs under voice control off their leads, but, under certain conditions, will allow families to have an unlimited number of dogs and even to keep dangerous dogs.
IN OTHER COUNTRIES – OF INTEREST !!
INDIA
Mumbai - Animal activists are hoping that this will be the last cricket World Cup in which leather balls are used. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA India) volunteers protested outside Wankhede Stadium to demand a ban on the use of the balls for the sake of cows.
Comments