EAST TEXAS HOG DOGGERS FORUM

Crossposting is encouraged.
October 2, 2011

RPOA is the "reasonable" voice regarding animal issues at all levels of
government. We do not oppose regulations as such, but insist that proposed
legislation actually address the specific targeted animal problem it claims
to address and includes due process for animal owners.

Thanks to all of you who contacted Cedar Park city officials about their new
proposal for pet limits. The city now has no pet limits but had proposed a
total of 7 dogs and cats.

Police Captain Jeff Hayes gave a Power Point Presentation at the Public
Hearing Tuesday, September 27th, and announced that "Pet Limits" have been
removed from consideration as the ordinance moves forward!

RPOA members in attendance report that the city says they will be expanding
vaccinations and registrations of pets. Captain Hayes said the proposal
faces 2-3 stakeholder meetings before going to city council and anticipates
that will take more than a month. Then it is up to council.

RPOA wrote all city officials and attached our flyer on Pet Limits and a
thorough analysis of their proposed ordinance. Matt Powell (Place 1 city
councilman) responded immediately, thanked us for our input and encouraged
us to attend the community meeting. He said, "I hope what we end up with is
a balanced approach to the issue and thanks again."
His e-mail signature says: "Family Circle has rated Cedar Park as one of
the top ten places in America to raise a family." Hopefully it will be a
great place to own a pet also.

After such a contentious state legislative session, it is a pleasure to work
with people like Councilman Matt Powell and Police Captain Jeff Hayes and
others who agreed with our common sense position.

Cedar Park's 10 year-old ordinance did need to be amended to include an
Animal Nuisance and Animal Cruelty Section as it had none. Let's hope they
adopt a few other suggestions RPOA made.

More information regarding Cedar Park is in our Action Alert at:
www.rpoatexasoutreach.org under the blinking yellow Action Alert Button on
the Home Page.

We'll continue to monitor the animal ordinance proposal as it moves forward.
Thanks to our Cedar Park members (who shall remain nameless) that attended
the meeting and are keeping us informed.
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Our statewide membership includes concerned "John Q" Pet Owners with all
species of pets; dog, cat, bird clubs from all national registries; cat and
dog fanciers/exhibitors; all species rescuers; veterinarians; veterinary
technicians; sportsmen; working/hunting dog breed clubs and individual
owners; search & rescue dog owners; therapy dog owners; guide dog owners;
show dog handlers; pet sitters; dog trainers; pet groomers; boarding kennels
and other animal interests.