Being pro-active about pet owner’s rights
In the United States there is an organisation called PetPAC which is involved in fighting against anti-pet and anti-pet-owner legislation, such as pet limit laws and breed specific legislation.
Breed specific legislation, or BSL, is legislation dealing with the banning of certain breeds of dogs which have been, for one reason or another, labelled ‘dangerous’. ‘Dangerous breeds’ vary from state to state and include such breeds as Staffordshire terriers, American pit bull terriers, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherd dogs, Malamutes, huskies and many others.
While I don’t agree with every single stance that PetPAC takes, for the most part I am solidly behind them. They do excellent work in making pet owners aware of legislation that they need to take action against and in co-ordinating lobbying against laws that are bad for both pet owners and their beloved charges.
What I really like about PetPAC’s approach, however, is that they are not only reactive, in taking action against legislation that needs to opposed, they are proactive as well. They are involved in drafting, and lobbying for the enactment of, legislation that specifically protects the rights of pet owners and that ensures the welfare of their pets. This is, I think, a fantastic idea, and something we should be considering in South Africa, where, it seems, our governing bodies are determined to take every failed piece of legislation from other countries and implement it here.
PetPAC has drawn up a pet owners bill of rights, which can be seen on their website. The quotes below are taken from this bill of rights:
• We have the right to protection from Government interference into our privacy regarding decisions about our pets.
• We have the right to be protected from threats and intimidation, illegal search, seizure and unnecessary impoundment of our dogs or cats.
• We have the right to be informed of how our pet tax and licensing dollars are spent.
• We have the right to protest pet laws regarding unreasonable or restrictive licenses, fees, or fines.
• We have the right to require Government to conduct open and impartial hearings, and thorough research prior to voting on laws that could affect the health and safety of our dogs and cats.
• We have the right to demand public resources be provided for the exercise and enjoyment of our pets.
• We have the right to require public information regarding pet safety and education be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community.
