Texas breeders- HB 1451

[BlackCat]

Have any of you heard about this bill that made it into law this past spring? How will it affect you? Is it good or bad for breeders in Texas? I have seen a lot posted pro and con by lobby groups, but very little from the folks most affected.

Texas Legislature Online - 82(R) History for HB 1451

TEXAS LEGISLATION HB 1451 COMMERCIAL DOG & CAT BREEDERS ACT

Welcome To THLN - Promoting the Humane Treatment of Animals Through Legislation, Education & Advocacy | THLN

[Emoore]

I'm a rescuer and I think it's a bad idea. All the rescue-related forums were circulating petitions in support of the bill and I asked if anyone had actually read the text of this bill they were supporting. Nobody said they had.

[Gwenhwyfair]

A Catch-22.

It's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that with all the news and information about puppy mills and the abuse people still buy dogs from questionable sources like pet stores? They enable and propagate the practice.

Then on the other hand we have people who want to do something about puppy mills, most of them probably mean well, but it becomes an issue of will legitimate, good breeders end up being punished?

[Emoore]

Originally Posted by Gwenhwyfair

A Catch-22.

It's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that with all the news and information about puppy mills and the abuse people still buy dogs from questionable sources like pet stores? They enable and propagate the practice.

Then on the other hand we have people who want to do something about puppy mills, most of them probably mean well, but it becomes an issue of will legitimate, good breeders end up being punished?

Exactly. I know people mean well and want to do something about them, but the way the bill is written it allows government officials to come onto people's private property and search the premises, even inside the house, without a warrant. I just strongly, strongly disagree with that. I can see it being abused very easily. I forgot what the criteria was for being considered a commercial breeder, but I remember it was fairly low.

[Gwenhwyfair]

Yup.

This bill is exceptionally surprising coming from Texas.

This on the heels of the couple that won a court ordered award for the sentimental value of their dog in Texas.

More concerns for people working with pets. Makes me wonder what the heck is going on down there?

Originally Posted by Emoore

Exactly. I know people mean well and want to do something about them, but the way the bill is written it allows government officials to come onto people's private property and search the premises, even inside the house, without a warrant. I just strongly, strongly disagree with that. I can see it being abused very easily. I forgot what the criteria was for being considered a commercial breeder, but I remember it was fairly low.

[BlackCat]

I live in San Antonio and, like many Texas cities, the Humane Society of the United States and other animal rights groups have gotten onerous laws passed. Often the laws sound good on first reading, after all, who wouldn't support people taking care of their pets, spay/neuter as needed, provide shelter, food, and water. The problem is in the details such as no warrant needed for search, little or no budget for proper enforcement, and no real oversight. I can't imagine how breeders can meet the requirements of the law and stay in business.

[Gwenhwyfair]

Yeah but the bill passed through TX state legislature and was signed by Gov. Rick Perry. Well....that sort-a explains it.

That's the difference between regulatory matters vs criminal matters, re: no search warrant.

I've not combed through the entire text of the bill, but generally inspections are expected in agricultural businesses....and plenty of ag businesses function and do well (when you guys have rain... )

How onerous it ends up being rests in the agents and agencies in charge. Don't get me wrong, I've been confronted with the goofy unrealistic PETA types and I get the concern about this bill, I do!

In the meantime I think the good people of Texas need to ask themselves if the elected representatives in their state legislature are doing a good job representing them, or not.

Originally Posted by BlackCat

I live in San Antonio and, like many Texas cities, the Humane Society of the United States and other animal rights groups have gotten onerous laws passed. Often the laws sound good on first reading, after all, who wouldn't support people taking care of their pets, spay/neuter as needed, provide shelter, food, and water. The problem is in the details such as no warrant needed for search, little or no budget for proper enforcement, and no real oversight. I can't imagine how breeders can meet the requirements of the law and stay in business.