Date: Friday, April 24, 2009, 10:09 PM
SB 691 Invasive Species Act: Call so that Dogs and Cats are NOT Included in this Bill!!
This act is supposed to address species that are not native to our eco-system and could cause harm. Interestingly, the bill provides exceptions for humans, domestic livestock and non-harmful exotic organisms. There are no exception for domestic animals such as dogs and cats. There is a fear that someone might get the notion that they could use this law to target dogs or cats.
THLN has put out an action alert about this and they are on target with the potential problems of this law. They propose that there be a clarification by the Senate that dogs and cats are NOT invasive species. THLN has asked for our help in clarifying this bill and I agree that the bill needs to be amended, so let's all work together and make sure this happens.
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Here is what THLN says about the bill and their points are well taken:
Background. The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs is currently considering a poorly worded bill that could lead to the killing of Texas dogs and cats. SB 691 is intended to control, prevent and eradicate "invasive species" that are threatening the economy, the environment or human health. The bill's language is so broad and vague that dogs and cats could be considered "invasive species" and could lead to many of them being impounded and killed. The bill makes clear that domestic livestock and exotic livestock are not invasive species, but it doesn't give this specific exemption to dogs and cats. Clearly, if domestic livestock and exotic livestock are exempted, dogs and cats are entitled to be as well.
Action Needed. Please immediately contact the members of this Committee and ask them to amend this bill to expressly exclude dogs and cats from the definition of "invasive species". Remind them that at the request of the Exotic Livestock Association, they specifically excluded exotic livestock and Texas pet owners deserve the same for their dogs and cats.
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Here are my concerns. I can see this being used against certain breeds that certain people would like to irradicate off the map. I can also see this law being used against feral cats. There is an ongoing push to eliminate feral cats allegedly because they are not native or indigineous.
Zandra Anderson
www.TexasDogLawyer.com Permission to Crosspost.
I urge you to contact these senators below. Let's work together to make sure this clarification is made!
Please CALL and FAX these Senators and ask that domestic pets including dogs and cats be included as exceptions to the Invasive Species Act.
Senator E-Mail (512) Phone/Fax
Craig Estes (Chair)
craig.estates@senate.state.tx.us 463-0130/463-8874
Carlos Uresti (VC)
carlos.uresti@senate.state.tx.us 463-0119/463-1017
Juan Hinojosa
juan.hinojosa@senate.state.tx.us 463-0120/463-0229
Mike Jackson
mike.jackson@senate.state.tx.us 463-0111/475-3727
Glenn Hegar**
glenn.hegar@senate.state.tx.us 463-0118/475-3736
**Mr. Hegar is the bill sponsor
