PAWS Legislation

[Andy L]

I dont post in this forum much, even though I love and hunt with dogs, they are a bit different than most. They arent refined bird dogs or retrievers. But, there is some legislation out there that we as dog hunters should all pay attention to. I usually dont cross post, but this is copied from another site and explains it better than I could and also cotains links to learn more about it. This may not affect alot of you directly, right now. But you need to read it carefully and think about it. It could have adverse affects on smaller breeders. You know. The ones that tend to raise the best hunting dogs, as opposed to puppy factories. Please take time to read this and if you agree, write your senator and congressman before its too late. Remember, this is also backed by PETA and other like minded groups.

Thanks
Andy

Senator Santorum has written a bill that will affect many dog and cat owners and breeders if it becomes law. It is known as PAWS, the Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005. PAWS would amend the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The AKC supports the legislation and has stated that it will affect only 4 percent of dog breeders, but other knowledgeable people believe it will have much broader consequences. I’ve read and reread the AWA and PAWS and the AWA with the PAWS changes in it. The legislation is poorly written, ambiguous, and consequently, impossible to completely understand. What is clear to me is that it will severely and needlessly restrict the rights of dog breeders and owners. Anyone who buys or sells dogs without an understanding of the law could find themselves in violation of the law. If this proposed legislation becomes law, many breeders may choose to stop breeding. I am a bit puzzled about why there is so little discussion of this looming disaster on the dog boards.

I’ve listed three links below. The first link is to an article written by the Collie Club of America, the second is to an article written by Charlotte Clem McGowan that critically examines the legislation, and the third is to the AWA with the PAWS changes included. Until 2 days ago, there was an excellent position paper by the American Brussels Griffon Association on the Web, but it appears that the AFGA Web site, including the position paper, have been pulled. Hmmm? However, there is a great deal of info, pro and con, on this issue on the Web. I urge you to at least take the time to check out the following three links.

http://www.collieclubofamerica.org/l..._news_view.php
http://www.dognews.com/mcgowan.html.
http://www.dfow.org/Paws_integrated_..._July27_05.pdf