From Responsible Pet Owners Alliance
Texas Outreach
April 13, 2015
To subscribe: Email
rpoa@texas.net ASPCA, Humane Society of the US, Texas Humane Legislation Network (the HSUS
arm in Texas) are at our Austin Capitol this legislative session as usual;
regulating animal ownership out of existence in Texas -- if we let them.
Three public hearings are scheduled this week so far. You can't judge a
bill by its "subject" matter! Read the official bill yourself. For copies
of RPOA positions, bill texts, and our Fact Sheets with Analysis for each
bill: Go to
www.rpoatexasoutreach.org , then select the "2015 Texas
Legislature Link," which includes instructions on how to find your personal
House Representative and Senator and other pertinent information.
The Texas Legislature website is:
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/ There
are "lists" that link to all members of the House and Senate and their
personal websites, where you can post a message. Let them know your opinion
as you're a very important person to them -- a vote! It is especially
important if they serve on any committees that are holding public hearings;
such as below. The RPOA Fact Sheets may be faxed or sent to them in a
variety of ways.
RPOA OPPOSES SB 1781 by Menendez: Relating to Euthanasia as Last Resort in
City/County Animal Shelters.
Intergovernmental Relations Committee; Public Hearing Monday, April 13th
(TODAY). Bill was left pending in committee with a substitute in the works
following testimony for and against the bill.
Committee Chair Eddie Lucio, Jr; Vice Chair Paul Bettencourt; and members
Donna Campbell, Sylvia Garcia, Jose Menendez, Robert Nichols, and Larry
Taylor.
RPOA SUPPORTS HB 1436 by Smithee: Relating to Appeals regarding Dangerous
Dogs.
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee; Public Hearing Tuesday, April
14th at 2:00 P.M. or ADJ., E2.026
Committee Chair John T. Smithee; Vice Chair Jessica Farrar; and members
Travis Clardy, Ana Hernandez, Jodie Laubenberg, Richard Pena Raymond, Mike
Schofield, Kenneth Sheets, Senfronia Thompson.
RPOA OPPOSES HB 235 by Farrar: Establishes a Pet Abuser Registry, similar
to Sex Abuser Registries.
Criminal Jurisprudence Committee; Public Hearing Wednesday, April 15th at
10:30 A.M. or ADJ, E2.030.
Committee Chair Abel Herrero; Vice Chair Joe Moody; members Terry Canales,
Todd Hunter, Jeff Leach, Matt Shaheen, David Simpson.
We OPPOSED HB 234 by Farrar at the recent Public Hearing, relating to costs
with proceedings regarding cruelty treated animals. A committee substitute
passed out of committee (which RPOA still opposes) and sent to the Local &
Consent Calendar -- chaired by Rep. Senfronia Thompson. This is not a local
bill and has opposition, but unless a representative requests the bill be
"pulled" for a full House Vote, it will be passed uncontested with a group
of other bills.
RPOA Texas Outreach is the "reasonable" voice regarding animal issues.
Animal "Welfare" and not Animal "Rights!"
