Endangered by new state law Why flail animal rescuers?

The Roanoke Times ^ | August 6, 2002 | SHARYN HUTCHENS

[07055]

WHAT does it take to get through to Virginia's legislators?

In April they passed and Gov. Mark Warner signed a law that is going to get someone raped or killed. The law requires animal rescuers, most of whom are women and many of whom live alone, to post their home addresses and telephone numbers publicly in pounds, open their homes to the public "at reasonable hours" and make their rescue records available to the public upon request.

As if that were not stupid and dangerous enough, these volunteers' homes are now subject to a warrantless inspection by the state veterinarian. If you are suspected of manufacturing drugs, the state needs a warrant to enter your home. Apparently taking in animals that no one else wants is more serious.

This law was pushed through by the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies, a program of the national animal rights organization Humane Society of the United States. By referring to rescuers as "agencies" and calling the law an amendment "relating to shelters, penalties," the Virginia federation managed to hide from legislators the fact that they were talking about people's homes.

But now, when contacted by citizens concerned for their safety, our legislators say, "Talk to the VFHS." Since when are we required to talk to a lobbyist about changes we want in our law?

Rescuers were already subject to the same animal welfare laws as their neighbors. The state has no business coming into the homes of private citizens performing a public service using their own money and time to help these animals.

This law does not need to be amended; it needs to be rescinded, and it needs it now - not when the General Assembly goes back into session.

Many people are giving up rescue rather than put their families at risk. Others will comply with the law. Will it take one of the latter being raped or murdered in her own home to get our "honorable" legislators' attention?

Or... will perhaps one of them, before that time, actually read what this law says and decide something needs to be done about it?

Virginia rescuers hope so.

SHARYN HUTCHENS of Lexington has been in dog rescue for 35 years, and breeds and shows Whippets.

[Freebird Forever]

And if the law survives, the next rescue group that campaigns to clean up an animal pound will have an even more dangerous battle because the State Vet will be able to call for rescuer searches at will and (since the law is too vague to know if you are 'legal'), find as many violations as he wants.

Now I know that many folks here, including myself, are at odds with PETA and their antics, but......is there any chance that your group can "borrow" some of PETA's usefull idiots to assist in contesting this law?

[07055]

is there any chance that your group can "borrow" some of PETA's usefull idiots to assist in contesting this law?

Probably not.

PETA's true agenda is to ban pet ownership in the United States. HSUS has the same basic agenda. Both of them prey on animal-lovers who believe these groups are pro-pets. Heck, PETA's name even plays off this impression.

So, neither of these groups would be pro-rescue---in fact, HSUS was behind the law in the first place. Hopefully, some of the people who support PETA and HSUS (but are really pro-pet) will join this crusade.

I think that PETA and HSUS just want all dogs and cats to be set free to live a fantasy life in the forest.

VA legislators *have* been hearing from rescue people---I don't know if they will change the law, but they do realize they have stepped into a hornets nest.;-)

[kennyboy509]

I'm sorry this is happening. For years the "animal rights" nuts have taken over the "humane" movement for the shake of money. Every time there is a story put out via press conferance or news release the feeble minded "berkenstock wearing nitwits start writing checks to these peta people who KEEP the money and don't do squat for the animals.

Animal Rights is not about animal welfare or the environment!

It's about people control.

This is backlash via regulation.

Which is what the animal rights NUTS have been forcing on the rest of us because they can't win the hearts and minds of the general meat eating populace.

They are frustrated, so they'll force it on us any way they can.