NC ALERT: STOP HOUSE FROM ADDING HSUS PLAN TO BUDGET

The HSUS/McCrory plan to regulate dog breeders and transfer animal welfare from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Public Safety, Law Enforcement Division was written in the Governor’s Recommended Budget, Senate Bill 842 and House Bill 1208.

On May 31 the Senate passed their 2014 budget bill, SB 744, WITHOUT including this plan.  SB 744 has been sent to the House.

The proposed regulatory plan would license and inspect anyone possessing more than nine intact females regardless of ownership or breeding activity.  There are NO EXEMPTIONS for hunting dogs, co-ownerships, working, herding, or security dogs.

Indoor and outdoor kennels must meet standards in the NC Animal Welfare Act which are based on Federal regulations. Surfaces with which dogs come in contact must be constructed so that they are impervious to moisture and can be readily sanitized.

The plan would also transfer animal welfare enforcement from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Public Safety, Law Enforcement Division which has no experience in animal husbandry. It is a waste of precious resources to turn this Division's essential staff into puppy police.

Moving Animal Welfare to the Department of Public Safety is an attempt to start rewriting laws regarding animal welfare in accordance with the animal rights agenda.

The plan creates a state database available to the public of everyone who owns/co-owns more than nine intact female dogs.

If you thought HSUS only wanted to regulate "puppy mills" think again. Advocates are lobbying House members to have their plan added to the House Budget.

ACTION REQUIRED NOW
CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IN THE HOUSE.  Ask them to OPPOSE the transfer of Animal Welfare and dog dealer regulations.  House Members: http://tinyurl.com/2b56d

Contact Appropriation Committee Chairs and ask them to reject the plan.

Rep. Nelson Dollar
919-715-0795
nelson.dollar@ncleg.net

Rep. Justin Burr
919-733-5908
Justin.Burr@ncleg.net  

Rep. Bryan Holloway
919-733-5609
Bryan.Holloway@ncleg.net
 
Rep. Linda Johnson
919-733-5861
Linda.Johnson2@ncleg.net  

Rep. Pat McElraft
919-733-6275
Pat.McElraft@ncleg.net

For additional contact information, talking points, and updates visit SAOVA

PLEASE CROSS POST WIDELY
Susan Wolf
Sportsmen's and Animal Owners' Voting Alliance