S1139/HR2669 Pet Animal Welfare Act of 2005 (PAWS), The Most Significant Animal Rightist, Anti-Hunting Legislative Attack Ever Launched

Federal Issues
June 4, 2005 -

S1139/HR2669 Pet Animal Welfare Act of 2005 (PAWS)
The Most Significant Animal Rightist, Anti-Hunting
Legislative Attack Ever Launched

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has exposed rescuers, some hobby breeders and every seller of a dog for "hunting, security, or breeding purposes" to a very significant USDA licensing risk, involving burdensome commercial costs and inspection standards. On May 26th, the AKC announced that it had reached a *compromise* with the animal rightist Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) to amend the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), employing Senator Rick Santorum's (R-PA) S1139, "Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005" (PAWS). Both entities' press releases are heavily spun, focusing on importers or sellers advertising on the Internet and don't hint at the amendments' dangers to everyday dog owners. This is Sen. Santorum's second collaboration with HSUS to amend the AWA's pet statutes. The previous attempt failed and S1139 can not become law without the AKC's active support. Its defeat is assured if the registry joins with other organizations and individuals to vigorously oppose it. More at SAOVA re PAWS and NO PAWS

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