Virginia Hunting Dog Owner's Association

Federal Issues
March 6, 2001

Late last year the Pittman-Robertson Act was amended to include the term "wildlife associated recreation." That new definition includes "field trialing" along with "hunting and fishing," an important victory for our hunting dogs and our ability to use state game lands. This amendment, contained in an abbreviated Title III of the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), was part of a single year P-R supplemental wildlife program which must be renewed in 2001.

CARA's chief House cosponsors (re)introduced legislation on February 14, 2001 employing its previous bill number, HR701. It's critical that all hunting dog owners support this effort so that last year's gains are extended and perpetuated. Currently three House committee chairmen and three ranking (senior Democratic) members are HR701 cosponsors. This is a high priority issue.
Action requested: Contact your US congressman and ask that he cosponsor CARA, HR701.

See Pittman-Robertson Working Group for background (http://www.radiks.net/~swagle/dogowners_vs_usfws.html). Contact details are below.

Doris Day Animal League v. US Department of Agriculture For years the Doris Day Animal League (DDAL) has attempted to convince the federal government to exercise greater control over animal and pet breeding and sales. Two related efforts are note-worthy, the first is an outstanding USDA proposed rule to license hunting dog sellers, the second involves a broader legal challenge filed in the DC Circuit Court over USDA's actions under the Animal Welfare Act.

The concern is that the US Congress appeared to direct USDA to license hunting dog sellers. The agency has concluded that only wholesale dog dealers are appropriately federally licensed. DDAL argues otherwise in what's developed into a docketed comment numbers contest. Individual VHDOA members may wish support USDA's position. The rulemaking is judged have a moderate priority. An excellent summary may be found at http://www.naiaonline.org/body/articles/archives/usda_help.htm. Comments are due by April 3, 2001. The litigation outcome is less predictable.

Contacting the US Congress

Every Virginian is represented in Washington by our two senators, John Warner and George Allen, and one of eleven House representatives. To verify your legislator's name and obtain contact information, visit US Congress and input your mailing zip code. It's recommended that you bookmark this site and place the contact information in an address book for future reference. Every constituent communication to a legislator should include a complete postal mailing address to insure due consideration.