At the Sportsmen ' s Alliance , all dogs matter , whether they engage in upland , waterfowl , small-game or big-game hunting . Dubious bills that make enjoying dog work in any of these pursuits are some of our primary targets .
Sheltering bills , usually in the form of specific requirements for kennel or housing construction , allowance for space , and flooring or bedding materials , was an extremely hot issue about five years ago and continues to show up in legislation time and again . The Sportsmen ’ s Alliance continues to fight these measures , especially where they attempt to institute purely objective criteria on what should often be a subjective determination based on a dog ’ s breed , health and what is in the best interest of the animal overall .
“ Cost of care ” bills are among the hottest for the animal extremists in state legislatures this year . Although this might seem incredible , these bills essentially require that where you have an animal seized by authorities for suspected animal abuse , you must post the “ cost of care ,” usually in the form of a bond , with the court while the case proceeds . In other words , while the case is pending , whatever the costs associated with your seized animal for shelter , feed , etc ., you are forced to post that amount or your animal is taken from you . And remember , this is before you are found guilty of anything .
If this wasn ’ t bad enough , there have even been “ cost of care ” bills introduced that don ’ t require the return of your money even after you are found innocent of the abuse charges that prompted the seizure of your animal in the first place ! This is an example of how these “ doing something ” emotional issues can drive legislators right off the rails into “ doing stupid ” that defies our most basic beliefs about right versus wrong in America . Innocent until proven guilty used to mean something , but to the extremists , all that goes out the window in the name of preventing “ animal cruelty .”
So , in many ways , the “ puppy mill ” legislation of yesteryear remains with us today . The animal extremists continue to use emotional appeals to limit , restrict and prohibit their way into canceling hunting with dogs on their continued quest to end hunting in America . As always , when you hear about “ animal welfare ” legislation , speak out and describe what ’ s really at stake , why we must demand logic with policy decisions , and how we must stand together and defend all of our brothers and sisters against those arrayed against us in the long fight to protect our cherished traditions for future Americans .
JERRY IMPREVENTO , SPORTSMEN ' S ALLIANCE DOG PHOTO CONTEST
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