RPOA - TX: Take HB 1451 and shove it!

Everyone PLEASE contact your Senator TODAY!!! Ask them to PLEASE VOTE NO on HB 1451!!

Crossposting is encouraged.
May 15, 2011

FYI: The message below has been faxed to all Texas senators; emailed to
Capitol media, and our E-News List. Two more weeks and our state
legislature adjourns. In the meantime anything can happen. We're counting
the days!

NEWS BULLETIN from Responsible Pet Owners Alliance
Contact: Mary Beth Duerler, Executive Director
Office Phone: (210) 822-6763

TO: ALL TEXAS SENATORS 82nd Legislative Session

SUBJECT: HB 1451, the HSUS Anti-Breeder "Pet Elimination Bill"
Note: HSUS has no affiliation with local humane societies and is not a
government agency.

This bill is fundamentally flawed and can't be fixed with amendments.

It is ironic that while celebrating the 175th Year of our Texas Independence
we are fighting a fanatical cult-like group of zealots who want to force
Texans to conform to their radical meatless and pet-less ideology by passing
oppressive legislation. HB 1451 is not written to regulate dog and cat
breeders but rather to eliminate them with federal USDA regulations that
can't be met in a home environment.

HB 1451 violations are a misdemeanor and provide less punishment than
existing Texas Penal Code 42. It includes warrantless unannounced entry to
premises violating the Fourth Amendment; criminal background checks; and
mandates annual license fees that must cover all administrative and
enforcement costs of $1.3 million which is impossible. Senator Dan Patrick
stated that this bill makes no sense whatsoever and asked: "Where is it
coming from?

Cile Holloway, Texas Humane Legislation Network president (THLN Meeting,
September 2010): "We have to take things slowly, passing laws in small
increments. Just ensure that you get 'something' on the books, making it
easier to pass increased provisions later." THLN is the Texas HSUS
affiliate. That's where it is coming from, Senator!

Legislators need to know that BREEDERS IN TEXAS will not apply for a "Dog
and Cat Breeder License" if the HSUS HB 1451 Bill passes this session.
Therefore when any breeder is cited for noncompliance, we will have
established "standing" in the court system. There will be no revenue to the
state.

Before jumping in bed with the Animal Non-Use Movement, legislators should
consider that they would end all of the following in addition to animal
research:

1.. Raising farm animals for food, clothing and animal byproducts.
2.. Breeding and owning pets.
3.. Hunting, trapping, and fishing.
4.. Using animals in education and entertainment, including zoos, rodeo,
circus, etc.
Source: "Animal Rights, The Inhumane Crusade," by Daniel T. Oliver; page
xiii.

Consider the economic impact of pet ownership alone in this state! Check
out the pet food and supplies aisle in any store which increase sales taxes
to state coffers. RPOA has spent two legislative sessions attending
hearings and presenting testimony on Rep. Senfronia Thompson and Senator
John Whitmire's bills to no avail. HB 1451 is being rammed
through with all rules suspended and will go to the Senate for a Floor Vote
soon.
Please vote "NO!"