TX-RPOA E-News
>From RPOA Texas Outreach and
Responsible Pet Owners Alliance
"Animal welfare, not animal 'rights'
and, yes, there is a difference."
Permission granted to crosspost.
Action Alert!
March 28, 2010
More information can be found on our websites regarding this new San Antonio
ordinance proposal and the existing regulations passed in December 2007:
www.rpoatexasoutrea ch.org and
www.responsiblepeto wners.org
San Antonio pet owners need your help! In San Antonio animal "rights"
extremists rule which has resulted in packs of dogs and stray cats running
loose on the streets posing a major public health and safety issue. Rabies
has been reported in animals locally which is fatal to humans. Animal Care
Services (ACS) doesn't pick up dogs or cats anymore unless sick, injured or
biting nor loan out traps. They seldom accept animals at the Facility. San
Antonio animals are "liberated" alright -- to be hit by cars, get into
fights and spread disease.
Since the animal ordinance which passed two years ago with Mandatory Dog and
Cat Sterilization, Intact Dog Permits, Cat/Dog Litter Permits, and permits
for ownership of all species of animals has failed, Animal Care Services
(ACS) is back asking City Council for stricter laws. Does that make sense?
Animals are being dumped in droves due to the existing ordinance and the
economy. At this time there is no formal document - only a vague list of
proposals (below).
Gary Hendel, ACS Director, says: "Mandatory Spay/Neuter is the only way to
become No Kill -- not have animals out there!" No Kill in San Antonio is in
direct conflict with Nathan Winograd's No Kill Philosophy which is programs
and services, not legislation. Hendel wants Bexar County to adopt the same
excessive regulations as San Antonio.
In "Can we Legislate No Kill?" Nathan Winograd (founder of the No Kill
Movement) writes: "All the legislation in the world isn't going to make a
community No Kill. Even if a law is passed, enforcement will be elusive,
complaint driven, ... and will provide nothing more than a drain on scarce
animal shelter dollars and a diversion from the business of saving lives."
Texas Humane Legislation Network's Joel Hailey, John Bachman (Voice for
Animals) and other animal "rights" groups have joined hands with Gary
Hendel, ACS director, in this renewed attempt to end all use, breeding and
ownership of animals in San Antonio. The extremists told city council the
2007 ordinance wasn't strict enough when it passed but was a good "first
step!" Now they're back for the 2nd Step. Dogs have a short life span and
must be replaced. San Antonio already has the most anti-pet ordinance in
the state which will eventually have a negative effect on tourism.
ACS is hosting public meetings (see our website) which are a total waste of
time as the mayor and city council are the people we must contact. We know
ACS wants it passed! A final draft of this proposal will be prepared April
19, go to ACS Advisory Board April 21; Quality of Life Committee Meeting May
11 and City Council vote on May 13.
This is SOP with this type legislation. Ram it through before pet owners
know what's really in it. San Antonio is the top tourist attraction in
Texas and has the most anti-pet ordinance in the state. We'll keep you
informed but for now to kick off our "Just say No" Campaign, please e-mail
these city officials below and express your OPPOSITION to these proposals.
mayorjuliancastro@ sanantonio. gov; citymanager@ sanantonio. gov;
PDiGiovanni@ sanantonio. gov; tc.broadnax@ sanantonio. gov;
gary.hendel@ sanantonio. gov; district1@sanantoni o.gov;
district2@sanantoni o.gov; district3@sanantoni o.gov;
district4@sanantoni o.gov; district5@sanantoni o.gov;
district6@sanantoni o.gov; district7@sanantoni o.gov;
district8@sanantoni o.gov; district9@sanantoni o.gov;
district10@sananton io.gov
These proposals below are now on the table which RPOA OPPOSES:
* ALL animals must be spayed/neutered in San Antonio city limits except
"police dogs, military dogs and competition dogs (Show Dogs)."
* ALL tethered dogs must be sterilized. No tethering above 95 F and below
35 F.
* ALL puppies and kittens must be sterilized including pet shops. Puppies
in violation of mandatory spay/neuter will be confiscated. Illegal to
sell/give away intact cats and dogs.
* Competition Dog Permit replaces existing "Intact Dog Permit" which is a
failure.
* Competition Dogs must have Breeder's Permit to be bred, must show proof
of a litter and be charged for each puppy. If not shown and bred, must be
sterilized.
* Breeder Permit replaces existing Litter Permit which is a failure.
Number of litters allowed to be determined. Litter Information not provided
means automatic sterilization.
* Rescue Groups Permit: Hendel stated that the city must ensure that
rescuers don't become "hoarders." Yearly inspections of permit holders.
Standards to be determined.
* Dangerous Dog Control: Hearing Process (change is needed here!) and
establishment of Potential Dog Protocol.
* Fowl/Livestock: No roosters, only non-fertile eggs allowed. Minimum
standards TBD.
See our websites above for more information!
Please join our email protest. It only takes a minute.
