Tuesday was one of a couple of lobby days we have in the Missouri state legislature that are specifically for animals. Hector, one of the dogs from Bad Newz Kennels that is now owned by expert disc thrower Roo Yori, was in attendence to raise awareness for a new state dog-fighting bill.
I haven't read the new dog fighting bill -- I am hearing mixed reviews of it however. More to come once I get a chance to read it. The picture to the left is of my state Senator, Jolie Justus, and Hector hanging at the State capital. The picture was blatantly stolen from her blog on the topic.
In Montana, Robyn Driscoll's bill, HB 191, that would ban 'pit bulls' throughout the entire state of Montanais going to a hearing TODAY, January 22, at 3:00 pm in Helena. It is my understanding that there isn't much support for the ordinance, but if you are anywhere near Helena, get up there for the hearing today. This bill is not only not necessary, but would financially cripple animal control agencies across the state -- many of which are already facing budget cuts.
That is awesome seeing our district senator hanging with Hector! Sometimes, when we vote for our state reps, it is easy to forget about them and what they are doing. I've added her page to my favorites, in an effort to better keep up with my state and local elected officials.
Posted by: linskykitty | January 22, 2009 at 01:30 PM
That is awesome seeing our district senator hanging with Hector! Sometimes, when we vote for our state reps, it is easy to forget about them and what they are doing. I've added her page to my favorites, in an effort to better keep up with my state and local elected officials.
Posted by: linskykitty | January 22, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Dogfighting is already a state and federal felony. How many more laws do we need? I'm suspicious that in the (necessary) effort to stamp out dogfighting, legislators are making laws that will target perfectly innocent people and perfectly useful training/exercising tools.. not to mention Constitutionally protected reading matter.
Posted by: EmilyS | January 22, 2009 at 03:27 PM
Montana:
http://caveat.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2009/1/22/4066776.html
I don't think they voted on it today. The cheap theatrics by Driscoll at Committee are bringing back bad memories.
Posted by: Selma | January 22, 2009 at 07:36 PM
Emily S brings up a good point.
Lately, the trend in stamping out dogfighting is to introduce laws, usually straight from HSUS sponsored/influenced websites, that are ridiculously vague and come with a whole host of unintended consequences.
I suggest you push your legislators to have Law Enforcement agencies, NOT humane associations, do real police work in bringing these criminals down.
Dogfighting is often said to be linked to other more dangerous and illegal activities, so it shouldn't be too difficult to weed these folks out.
Posted by: Donovan | January 26, 2009 at 08:20 PM