Thursday, July 19, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, Public Health and Human Services Committee meeting
July 18, 2012 Public Health and Human Services Committee
Item 3: Status Report on the Animal Shelter, the Implementation Plan to Reduce Animal Intake and Increase Live Animal Outcomes, and take appropriate action (Abigail Smith, Chief Animal Services Officer).
http://austintx.swagit.com/play/07182012-514
http://www.austintexas.gov/department/channel-6
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Monday, 7pm: Animal Issues Forum in San Marcos
This coming Monday, February 27, we will be meeting at 7pm at the San Marcos Public Library to discuss animal issues in Hays County. Everyone is invited to share their ideas for changes that are needed to current laws and practices that affect pets and their people. The forum will be facilitated by Lynda Rife who has facilitated the Austin Animal Issues Forum since 2009.
The recent case of Angel, a dog who was put to death for killing chickens, attracted a lot of media attention and requests that her life be spared. Hays County Commissioner Will Conley has proposed that the ordinance that caused Angel's death be changed and County Commissioners will be meeting again to vote on proposed changes. Monday's forum will provide an opportunity to discuss the proposed ordinance and to generate other ideas and suggestions from Hays County residents.
The recent case of Angel, a dog who was put to death for killing chickens, attracted a lot of media attention and requests that her life be spared. Hays County Commissioner Will Conley has proposed that the ordinance that caused Angel's death be changed and County Commissioners will be meeting again to vote on proposed changes. Monday's forum will provide an opportunity to discuss the proposed ordinance and to generate other ideas and suggestions from Hays County residents.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Serious Latin American disease is more common in Texas than thought
Austin American Statesman:
http://www.statesman.com/news/local/serious-latin-american-disease-is-more-common-in-1900225.html
A blood-sucking insect that claims thousands of lives in Latin America each year is believed to be a greater threat in Texas than previously thought and has killed dogs and possibly some people in the state, a state health official and University of Texas researcher said this week.
They don't know how many people have been exposed to Chagas disease or might have it because doctors are not required to report the illness to health departments. But state health department official Jim Schuermann and UT researcher Sahotra Sarkar want to change that and hope to make Central Texas doctors aware of the illness.
Central and South Texas are the two highest-risk areas in the state for Chagas, according to Sarkar, a professor of integrative biology and philosophy who has been studying the disease for five years.
"It's nothing people need to panic about," said Schuermann, staff epidemiologist for vector-borne and zoonotic diseases at the Department of State Health Services. "It's not like hundreds of people are dying" in Texas.
Schuermann said he will soon ask the board that oversees the state health department, the State Health Services Council, to require reporting of Chagas. It could take six to eight months for the council to make a ruling, he said.
Chagas disease can sneak up on people like its carriers, the triatomine insects — also called "assassin bugs" or "kissing bugs" — do when they infect mammals, birds and reptiles. The bugs, which are infected from biting rodents or other animals with Chagas, are nocturnal parasites that nest in brush piles, dog houses, rodent nests, chicken coops and cracks in substandard housing. They typically infect humans by biting around the mouth or eyes to suck blood while the person sleeps. The bugs leave infectious feces behind that get rubbed into the person.
The bite can cause an allergic reaction characterized by severe redness, itching, swelling, hives, or, rarely, anaphylactic shock, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Usually, the person recovers after experiencing flu-like symptoms that can include nausea and vomiting, rash and swollen glands. But without treatment, the infection can be lifelong. The CDC said that in 20 to 30 percent of cases, the disease can reappear a decade or two later as difficulty swallowing because of an enlarged esophagus, abdominal pain because of an enlarged colon, or heart disease, including congestive heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.
"How many heart attacks are Chagas? We really have no way of knowing," Schuermann said. "It is a leading cause of heart disease in Central America."
A blood test can tell whether a person or animal has Chagas, Schuermann said.
"Dogs can look perfectly healthy, and they'll be running around and just die," he said. Some veterinarians send the blood for testing to a lab, such as Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, which is part of Texas A&M University and can detect Chagas.
The disease can be transmitted from person-to-person by blood transfusions, from mother to child and by transplants. Between 75 and 90 percent of the U.S. blood supply is tested for it, Schuermann said. The Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas has been testing for Chagas since 2007, spokeswoman Andrea Lloyd said.
The kissing bug is found routinely in Central Texas, and "we are lucky we are not getting more of the transmission here," Sarkar said.
Half of the kissing bugs they've found are infected, he said, and that has raised the worry. A news release Thursday from Doctors Without Borders said that thousands of Latin Americans with Chagas will go untreated because of a shortage of benznidazole, the first-line drug that's used. The organization said up to 10 million people worldwide are infected with Chagas, and 12,500 die each year.
Sarkar was a lead author of a paper published a year ago in the journal Public Library of Science Neglected Tropical Disease that argued that the infection risk in Texas was high enough to warrant required reporting, as Arizona and Massachusetts do.
Because the disease is so little known in the United States, just seven cases have been confirmed nationally, including four in Texas and one each in California, Tennessee and Louisiana, the paper said. However, it said that one research group's estimate that 300,167 Americans might be infected is credible.
maroser@statesman.com; 445-3619
http://www.statesman.com/news/local/serious-latin-american-disease-is-more-common-in-1900225.html
A blood-sucking insect that claims thousands of lives in Latin America each year is believed to be a greater threat in Texas than previously thought and has killed dogs and possibly some people in the state, a state health official and University of Texas researcher said this week.
They don't know how many people have been exposed to Chagas disease or might have it because doctors are not required to report the illness to health departments. But state health department official Jim Schuermann and UT researcher Sahotra Sarkar want to change that and hope to make Central Texas doctors aware of the illness.
Central and South Texas are the two highest-risk areas in the state for Chagas, according to Sarkar, a professor of integrative biology and philosophy who has been studying the disease for five years.
"It's nothing people need to panic about," said Schuermann, staff epidemiologist for vector-borne and zoonotic diseases at the Department of State Health Services. "It's not like hundreds of people are dying" in Texas.
Schuermann said he will soon ask the board that oversees the state health department, the State Health Services Council, to require reporting of Chagas. It could take six to eight months for the council to make a ruling, he said.
Chagas disease can sneak up on people like its carriers, the triatomine insects — also called "assassin bugs" or "kissing bugs" — do when they infect mammals, birds and reptiles. The bugs, which are infected from biting rodents or other animals with Chagas, are nocturnal parasites that nest in brush piles, dog houses, rodent nests, chicken coops and cracks in substandard housing. They typically infect humans by biting around the mouth or eyes to suck blood while the person sleeps. The bugs leave infectious feces behind that get rubbed into the person.
The bite can cause an allergic reaction characterized by severe redness, itching, swelling, hives, or, rarely, anaphylactic shock, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Usually, the person recovers after experiencing flu-like symptoms that can include nausea and vomiting, rash and swollen glands. But without treatment, the infection can be lifelong. The CDC said that in 20 to 30 percent of cases, the disease can reappear a decade or two later as difficulty swallowing because of an enlarged esophagus, abdominal pain because of an enlarged colon, or heart disease, including congestive heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.
"How many heart attacks are Chagas? We really have no way of knowing," Schuermann said. "It is a leading cause of heart disease in Central America."
A blood test can tell whether a person or animal has Chagas, Schuermann said.
"Dogs can look perfectly healthy, and they'll be running around and just die," he said. Some veterinarians send the blood for testing to a lab, such as Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, which is part of Texas A&M University and can detect Chagas.
The disease can be transmitted from person-to-person by blood transfusions, from mother to child and by transplants. Between 75 and 90 percent of the U.S. blood supply is tested for it, Schuermann said. The Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas has been testing for Chagas since 2007, spokeswoman Andrea Lloyd said.
The kissing bug is found routinely in Central Texas, and "we are lucky we are not getting more of the transmission here," Sarkar said.
Half of the kissing bugs they've found are infected, he said, and that has raised the worry. A news release Thursday from Doctors Without Borders said that thousands of Latin Americans with Chagas will go untreated because of a shortage of benznidazole, the first-line drug that's used. The organization said up to 10 million people worldwide are infected with Chagas, and 12,500 die each year.
Sarkar was a lead author of a paper published a year ago in the journal Public Library of Science Neglected Tropical Disease that argued that the infection risk in Texas was high enough to warrant required reporting, as Arizona and Massachusetts do.
Because the disease is so little known in the United States, just seven cases have been confirmed nationally, including four in Texas and one each in California, Tennessee and Louisiana, the paper said. However, it said that one research group's estimate that 300,167 Americans might be infected is credible.
maroser@statesman.com; 445-3619
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Friday, October 7 Animal Issues Forum
Animal Issues Forum
Friday, October 7, 2011
12:15 - 1:45 pm
Terrazas Library
E. Cesar Chavez and Waller (just east of I-35)
Agenda
12:15 - 12:30 Announcements and Introductions
12:30 - 12:45 Presentations:
Presentation 1 - Spay Street Program, Luis Herrera, Public Health Educator and Animal Cotrol Officer, Austin Animal Center (confirmed)
Presentation 2 - Creating a New "Community Fund" for:
1. Creative/Innovative Animal Projects
2. Fund Unmet Community Needs
12:45 - 1:15 Q & A and Discussion about presentations
1:15 - 1:45 Brainstorm and Plan for Next Steps:
1. Open or Closed Animal Issues Forums?
2. Focus Groups in the Community?
3. Conduct a Survey about Community Needs?
4. Start Planning a Community Fund?
Please email me at patvt5@gmail.com if you cannot attend the October meeting but have suggestions/ideas for the November Animal Issues Forum.
Thanks.
Pat Valls-Trelles
Friday, October 7, 2011
12:15 - 1:45 pm
Terrazas Library
E. Cesar Chavez and Waller (just east of I-35)
Agenda
12:15 - 12:30 Announcements and Introductions
12:30 - 12:45 Presentations:
Presentation 1 - Spay Street Program, Luis Herrera, Public Health Educator and Animal Cotrol Officer, Austin Animal Center (confirmed)
Presentation 2 - Creating a New "Community Fund" for:
1. Creative/Innovative Animal Projects
2. Fund Unmet Community Needs
12:45 - 1:15 Q & A and Discussion about presentations
1:15 - 1:45 Brainstorm and Plan for Next Steps:
1. Open or Closed Animal Issues Forums?
2. Focus Groups in the Community?
3. Conduct a Survey about Community Needs?
4. Start Planning a Community Fund?
Please email me at patvt5@gmail.com if you cannot attend the October meeting but have suggestions/ideas for the November Animal Issues Forum.
Thanks.
Pat Valls-Trelles
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Canadian Petland Stores to Stop Selling Puppies and Kittens
Canadian Petland Stores to Stop Selling Puppies and Kittens
September 15, 2011, 12:24PM MT
By Cathy Scott, Best Friends staff writer
Pet store chain decides to follow a humane model and work with animal rescue groups
The Petland chain is phasing out selling puppies and kittens in its stores across Canada, giving hope to those in animal welfare that it is a continuing trend. The decision marks the second Canadian chain in recent weeks to make the humane move, with PJ’s Pets recently stopping its sales of puppies and kittens.
In its announcement, Petland said it was phasing out sales at its 50-some stores in Canada. Petlands in the U.S., however, according to the chain’s corporate office, are not participating.
Elizabeth Oreck, national manager of Best Friends’ puppy mill initiatives, lauds the move. “The fact that Canada is taking such progressive steps to address the puppy mill issue,” she said, “is a really good indication that the world is taking notice of the puppy mill-pet store connection.”
That’s because it is widely believed that overpopulation and abandonment at animal shelters is made worse because of pet stores being supplied by puppy mills, where dogs are bred for profit in inhumane conditions.
“Pet stores in the U.S. have been on the same track,” Elizabeth continues, “and I believe that once the Canadian Petlands demonstrate that a pet store can be successful without supporting puppy mills, their U.S. stores will follow.”
In place of selling pets, the stores plan to instead work with and help animal rescue groups by having adoption events at their locations and even taking in rescued pets at the stores to adopt out.
Petland chief operating officer Robert Brissette, in a statement released to the media, did not acknowledge ethical reasons for phasing out the sales. Instead, he said it was, in part, because of a decline in store sales caused by people shopping online instead of in stores.
“Our business decision to end these sales was a tough one and was based on business fundamentals,” he said. That decision “reflects the fundamental change in the way consumers are sourcing and purchasing puppies, resulting in a decrease of sales within pet stores.”
Lorne Terrault, with Paradise Pet Centre in St. Albert, said he is proud to be at the head of the trend, rallying to make it happen. “It makes me feel great that we were at the start of this," Terrault told CBC Canada, noting that he was motivated by concerns about animal treatment. "We've found, so far, that it hasn't hurt our business. If anything, we're having more people coming in."
Source: http://network.bestfriends.org/17654/news.aspx
September 15, 2011, 12:24PM MT
By Cathy Scott, Best Friends staff writer
Pet store chain decides to follow a humane model and work with animal rescue groups
The Petland chain is phasing out selling puppies and kittens in its stores across Canada, giving hope to those in animal welfare that it is a continuing trend. The decision marks the second Canadian chain in recent weeks to make the humane move, with PJ’s Pets recently stopping its sales of puppies and kittens.
In its announcement, Petland said it was phasing out sales at its 50-some stores in Canada. Petlands in the U.S., however, according to the chain’s corporate office, are not participating.
Elizabeth Oreck, national manager of Best Friends’ puppy mill initiatives, lauds the move. “The fact that Canada is taking such progressive steps to address the puppy mill issue,” she said, “is a really good indication that the world is taking notice of the puppy mill-pet store connection.”
That’s because it is widely believed that overpopulation and abandonment at animal shelters is made worse because of pet stores being supplied by puppy mills, where dogs are bred for profit in inhumane conditions.
“Pet stores in the U.S. have been on the same track,” Elizabeth continues, “and I believe that once the Canadian Petlands demonstrate that a pet store can be successful without supporting puppy mills, their U.S. stores will follow.”
In place of selling pets, the stores plan to instead work with and help animal rescue groups by having adoption events at their locations and even taking in rescued pets at the stores to adopt out.
Petland chief operating officer Robert Brissette, in a statement released to the media, did not acknowledge ethical reasons for phasing out the sales. Instead, he said it was, in part, because of a decline in store sales caused by people shopping online instead of in stores.
“Our business decision to end these sales was a tough one and was based on business fundamentals,” he said. That decision “reflects the fundamental change in the way consumers are sourcing and purchasing puppies, resulting in a decrease of sales within pet stores.”
Lorne Terrault, with Paradise Pet Centre in St. Albert, said he is proud to be at the head of the trend, rallying to make it happen. “It makes me feel great that we were at the start of this," Terrault told CBC Canada, noting that he was motivated by concerns about animal treatment. "We've found, so far, that it hasn't hurt our business. If anything, we're having more people coming in."
Source: http://network.bestfriends.org/17654/news.aspx
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Proposed 2011-2012 Animal Services Budget
Animal Services proposed budget for 2011-12 can be found on pages 225-227 of this pdf:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/budget/11-12/downloads/fy12proposed_budget_vol1.pdf
The Animal Services program’s FY 2011-12 Budget
includes an $816,662 increase for the Animal
Services Implementation Plan. This comprehensive
plan includes 5.50 new full time equivalent (FTE)
positions and several programs to assist in
maintaining live animal outcomes at 90% in the
Austin/Travis County community. In November 2011,
the new Animal Services Center will open for
operation. The FY 2011-12 Budget includes $121,441
for moving expenses, increased temporary and
overtime expenses related to the move and 1.0 FTE
to assist with the operation of the new center.
Revenue in the Animal Services program is expected
to have a net decrease of $65,510 due to the
increased number of adoption fee waivers needed to
maintain the 90% live outcome goal.
Animal Services
City Council approved the Animal Services implementation plan in an effort to increase live animal outcomes. This plan includes a new half-time Rescue/Foster Coordinator position. In addition to personnel, the plan includes funding for spay/neuter for owned cats and at rabies clinics, PARVO prevention, a feral kitten program and the Davenport Adoption Center.
The implementation plan also includes $53,500 for utilities at Town Lake Animal
Center (TLAC).
0.50 FTE $304,347
The Animal Services Implementation Plan also included a moratorium on euthanasia. As a result, Animal Services has experienced increases in costs related to personnel, food, medical and dental supplies, and cleaning supplies. The FY 2011-12 budget includes $278,588 for 5.0 FTEs and $233,727 for these increased costs.
5.00 FTEs $512,315
In the fall of 2011, the new Animal Services Center will open for operation. The FY 2011-12 Budget includes one Animal Care Worker position for the operation of the new shelter. In addition to the increased personnel, one-time increases of $76,240 are included for moving expenses, marketing, increased temporary and overtime expenses related to the move and cat carriers to transport the cats from TLAC to the new shelter.
1.00 FTE $121,441
The Animal Services Program reimburses the Austin Police Department for the detective who investigates animal cruelty violations. To cover APD's increasing cost resulting from salary adjustments for this reimbursed position, $43,238 is being added to the budget. $43,238
Additional funding is included in the FY 2011-12 Budget for increased database
maintenance cost for the Chameleon database in Animal Services. $11,520
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/budget/11-12/downloads/fy12proposed_budget_vol1.pdf
The Animal Services program’s FY 2011-12 Budget
includes an $816,662 increase for the Animal
Services Implementation Plan. This comprehensive
plan includes 5.50 new full time equivalent (FTE)
positions and several programs to assist in
maintaining live animal outcomes at 90% in the
Austin/Travis County community. In November 2011,
the new Animal Services Center will open for
operation. The FY 2011-12 Budget includes $121,441
for moving expenses, increased temporary and
overtime expenses related to the move and 1.0 FTE
to assist with the operation of the new center.
Revenue in the Animal Services program is expected
to have a net decrease of $65,510 due to the
increased number of adoption fee waivers needed to
maintain the 90% live outcome goal.
Animal Services
City Council approved the Animal Services implementation plan in an effort to increase live animal outcomes. This plan includes a new half-time Rescue/Foster Coordinator position. In addition to personnel, the plan includes funding for spay/neuter for owned cats and at rabies clinics, PARVO prevention, a feral kitten program and the Davenport Adoption Center.
The implementation plan also includes $53,500 for utilities at Town Lake Animal
Center (TLAC).
0.50 FTE $304,347
The Animal Services Implementation Plan also included a moratorium on euthanasia. As a result, Animal Services has experienced increases in costs related to personnel, food, medical and dental supplies, and cleaning supplies. The FY 2011-12 budget includes $278,588 for 5.0 FTEs and $233,727 for these increased costs.
5.00 FTEs $512,315
In the fall of 2011, the new Animal Services Center will open for operation. The FY 2011-12 Budget includes one Animal Care Worker position for the operation of the new shelter. In addition to the increased personnel, one-time increases of $76,240 are included for moving expenses, marketing, increased temporary and overtime expenses related to the move and cat carriers to transport the cats from TLAC to the new shelter.
1.00 FTE $121,441
The Animal Services Program reimburses the Austin Police Department for the detective who investigates animal cruelty violations. To cover APD's increasing cost resulting from salary adjustments for this reimbursed position, $43,238 is being added to the budget. $43,238
Additional funding is included in the FY 2011-12 Budget for increased database
maintenance cost for the Chameleon database in Animal Services. $11,520
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Animal advocate supports Kathie Tovo for City Council
Tracey Whitley, former member of the Animal Advisory Commission and current member of the animal advocacy community, wrote this statement of support for Kathie Tovo for City Council:
Folks--
I want to urge you to vote in the upcoming Council election run-off. I believe that this election is critical and can sway the direction the Council takes in the future and I urge you to vote for Kathie Tovo.
Despite the fear mongering by the home builders association, Mike Levy, and the chamber, Kathie was the clear choice for me and many other folks I work with on community and environmental advocacy issues. Tovo supports public safety across the board. That TV commercial attempting to scare people into thinking Tovo opposes safety, and even suggesting that building WTPA4 would help fire fighting is, frankly, shocking. There is not a shred of truth in it. And, Tovo has served on public planning and clearly understands the difference between "no growth" and "smart growth." Tovo stands for smart growth.
Tovo supports Austin as a No Kill city and she has promised an open door to animal welfare, environmental concerns and issues dealing with the poor and homeless. I believe that this will be a true open door where the insight and perspective of citizens will be heard.
I believe in Tovo so much that I have contributed to her campaign. I believe she can make a difference. I believe she is the better choice. Please vote on Saturday, June 18th. The animals need you. The environment needs you. The homeless need you. Austin needs you to make a change and make a difference.
Best,
Tracey Whitley
Folks--
I want to urge you to vote in the upcoming Council election run-off. I believe that this election is critical and can sway the direction the Council takes in the future and I urge you to vote for Kathie Tovo.
Despite the fear mongering by the home builders association, Mike Levy, and the chamber, Kathie was the clear choice for me and many other folks I work with on community and environmental advocacy issues. Tovo supports public safety across the board. That TV commercial attempting to scare people into thinking Tovo opposes safety, and even suggesting that building WTPA4 would help fire fighting is, frankly, shocking. There is not a shred of truth in it. And, Tovo has served on public planning and clearly understands the difference between "no growth" and "smart growth." Tovo stands for smart growth.
Tovo supports Austin as a No Kill city and she has promised an open door to animal welfare, environmental concerns and issues dealing with the poor and homeless. I believe that this will be a true open door where the insight and perspective of citizens will be heard.
I believe in Tovo so much that I have contributed to her campaign. I believe she can make a difference. I believe she is the better choice. Please vote on Saturday, June 18th. The animals need you. The environment needs you. The homeless need you. Austin needs you to make a change and make a difference.
Best,
Tracey Whitley
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Nearly 150 neglected dogs rescued from Bastrop Co. home
Nearly 150 neglected dogs rescued from Bastrop Co. home
Tuesday, May 24, 2011, 03:42 PM
FROM THE AUSTIN HUMANE SOCIETY:
Over the last several days, Bastrop County Animal Control and the Austin Humane Society have been working collaboratively to rescue almost 150 dogs from a Bastrop County home. Eighty-nine of the dogs were taken from the home on Friday and the remainder were removed today after the owners’ voluntarily surrendered them to Bastrop County Animal Control, stating they were overwhelmed with the number of dogs on their property.
The dogs were living in squalor, among feces, urine and trash. Several of the dogs had severely matted hair, filled with pounds of dirt and feces (photos attached) and all of the dogs were covered in urine and infested with fleas.
“It is astonishing to see these animals in this condition,” says Frances Jonon, AHS Executive Director, “and absolutely heartbreaking to see animals suffering such severe neglect.”
The majority of the dogs are under fifteen pounds and include breeds such as Yorkie, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Poodle, Jack Russell, Cocker Spaniel, and mixes of these breeds as well as several Australian Cattle Dogs and one Great Pyrenees.
None of the dogs were spayed/neutered or properly vaccinated, and it is clear that they had not received proper veterinary care.
“We are seeing a variety of medical conditions including skin conditions, malnourishment, open sores, weeping eyes and severely matted fur,” says Jonon. “Yet, despite of all they have been through, their tails are wagging and they are ready to give affection.”
This rescue effort has instantly doubled the Austin Humane Society’s animal population, placing a large financial burden on the shelter. We are asking the community to support the animals in any way that they can, either through donations or adoption. In addition to monetary donations, medium, large and extra large wire crates, medium carriers and towels of all sizes are needed and can be dropped off at the shelter at 124 W. Anderson Ln. between 7am and 7pm any day this week.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011, 03:42 PM
FROM THE AUSTIN HUMANE SOCIETY:
Over the last several days, Bastrop County Animal Control and the Austin Humane Society have been working collaboratively to rescue almost 150 dogs from a Bastrop County home. Eighty-nine of the dogs were taken from the home on Friday and the remainder were removed today after the owners’ voluntarily surrendered them to Bastrop County Animal Control, stating they were overwhelmed with the number of dogs on their property.
The dogs were living in squalor, among feces, urine and trash. Several of the dogs had severely matted hair, filled with pounds of dirt and feces (photos attached) and all of the dogs were covered in urine and infested with fleas.
“It is astonishing to see these animals in this condition,” says Frances Jonon, AHS Executive Director, “and absolutely heartbreaking to see animals suffering such severe neglect.”
The majority of the dogs are under fifteen pounds and include breeds such as Yorkie, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Poodle, Jack Russell, Cocker Spaniel, and mixes of these breeds as well as several Australian Cattle Dogs and one Great Pyrenees.
None of the dogs were spayed/neutered or properly vaccinated, and it is clear that they had not received proper veterinary care.
“We are seeing a variety of medical conditions including skin conditions, malnourishment, open sores, weeping eyes and severely matted fur,” says Jonon. “Yet, despite of all they have been through, their tails are wagging and they are ready to give affection.”
This rescue effort has instantly doubled the Austin Humane Society’s animal population, placing a large financial burden on the shelter. We are asking the community to support the animals in any way that they can, either through donations or adoption. In addition to monetary donations, medium, large and extra large wire crates, medium carriers and towels of all sizes are needed and can be dropped off at the shelter at 124 W. Anderson Ln. between 7am and 7pm any day this week.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Heather Bailey, No Kill supporter, endorses Kathie Tovo for City Council
Statement by Heather Bailey about Kathie Tovo, City Council candidate
Kathie is a woman of her word. She has been a strong supporter of neighborhoods and keeping our schools open. I served on a board with Kathie and have great respect for her. She is intelligent, compassionate, and honest. She delves into issues to make sure she understands them and does the right thing. Kathie is a strong supporter of no kill and has learned a great deal about what it took to get Austin to this point. She will work to keep us moving forward and saving companion animal lives. Kathie also understands the role the rescue groups play in keeping Austin no kill. I feel very comfortable that she will be another advocate on the council.
Kathie is a woman of her word. She has been a strong supporter of neighborhoods and keeping our schools open. I served on a board with Kathie and have great respect for her. She is intelligent, compassionate, and honest. She delves into issues to make sure she understands them and does the right thing. Kathie is a strong supporter of no kill and has learned a great deal about what it took to get Austin to this point. She will work to keep us moving forward and saving companion animal lives. Kathie also understands the role the rescue groups play in keeping Austin no kill. I feel very comfortable that she will be another advocate on the council.
Jackie Goodman's statement in support of Kathie Tovo for City Council
Jackie Goodman, animal-friendly Council Member from 1993-2005, on her support for Kathie Tovo in the June 18 run-off election for Austin City Council:
Many have worked hard for years on the Council & in the community, supporting a more sustainable, humane, committed direction for the City in animal welfare policy & program implementation. I'm truly appreciative & grateful for that, nothing can be taken away from anyone's efforts there.
In the current Council Place 3 race I don't see this as one of the issues that divides, as I support a long time friend & recent Planning Commissioner Kathie Tovo.
If Kathie wasn't an animal person though, if she didn't have genuine belief in & commitment to No Kill & another chance, increasing adoptions & affordability/accessibility of spay/neuter programs, didn't respect rescue groups, Boards/Commissions & other community voices - I would not have kept asking her to run these last six years.
Four of many good qualities from my perspective, Kathie is a hard worker who believes a Council Member's role is to serve the public; & that the "whole" is the sum of all its parts: she cares about all those parts. I bet Felix dog (formerly stray), Bartleby & Gracie cats (TLAC, Humane Society) would confirm that, if asked: she cares.
Many have worked hard for years on the Council & in the community, supporting a more sustainable, humane, committed direction for the City in animal welfare policy & program implementation. I'm truly appreciative & grateful for that, nothing can be taken away from anyone's efforts there.
In the current Council Place 3 race I don't see this as one of the issues that divides, as I support a long time friend & recent Planning Commissioner Kathie Tovo.
If Kathie wasn't an animal person though, if she didn't have genuine belief in & commitment to No Kill & another chance, increasing adoptions & affordability/accessibility of spay/neuter programs, didn't respect rescue groups, Boards/Commissions & other community voices - I would not have kept asking her to run these last six years.
Four of many good qualities from my perspective, Kathie is a hard worker who believes a Council Member's role is to serve the public; & that the "whole" is the sum of all its parts: she cares about all those parts. I bet Felix dog (formerly stray), Bartleby & Gracie cats (TLAC, Humane Society) would confirm that, if asked: she cares.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Quorum Report: Puppy mill bill appears to have legs
Published in Quorum Report www.quorumreport.com:
May 16, 2011 6:14 PM
PUPPY MILL BILL APPEARS TO HAVE LEGS
Whitmire looking to clean up bill as it heads to Senate floor
The Senate sponsor of the so-called “puppy mill bill” is negotiating with interested parties, including an opposing senator, in the wake of a contentious hearing last week.
Sen. John Whitmire (D-Houston) convened a meeting this afternoon with Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston) and others to work on HB 1451 by Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston). The Senate Criminal Justice Committee reported the bill Friday 5-0, with Patrick and Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Southside Place) both absent, apparently due to scheduling conflicts.
Floor amendments reportedly may be forthcoming, and perhaps even a floor substitute, according to sources familiar with the legislation. Nevetheless, Whitmire, the committee chairman, has vowed to pass a bill to address the inhumane treatment of dogs and cats bred and hoarded for sale by unscrupulous, clandestine operators.
May 16, 2011 6:14 PM
PUPPY MILL BILL APPEARS TO HAVE LEGS
Whitmire looking to clean up bill as it heads to Senate floor
The Senate sponsor of the so-called “puppy mill bill” is negotiating with interested parties, including an opposing senator, in the wake of a contentious hearing last week.
Sen. John Whitmire (D-Houston) convened a meeting this afternoon with Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston) and others to work on HB 1451 by Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston). The Senate Criminal Justice Committee reported the bill Friday 5-0, with Patrick and Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Southside Place) both absent, apparently due to scheduling conflicts.
Floor amendments reportedly may be forthcoming, and perhaps even a floor substitute, according to sources familiar with the legislation. Nevetheless, Whitmire, the committee chairman, has vowed to pass a bill to address the inhumane treatment of dogs and cats bred and hoarded for sale by unscrupulous, clandestine operators.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Competitive Place 3 campaign for Austin City Council
By attending the No Kill Coalition's candidates' forum on Sunday, May 1st, it was hard to discern a major difference in support for No Kill among the candidates for Place 3, the only competitive race in Austin's City Council election on Saturday, May 14. All three candidates for Place 3 pledged support for City Council's No Kill goal. The candidates' responses to the questionnaire sent out by FixAustin also showed that all three Place 3 contenders support No Kill.
Yet a number of Austin Pets Alive leaders are expressing personal support for Randi Shade. The Austin American Statesman endorsed incumbent Council Member Shade. Council Member Mike Martinez has also indicated his support for her. The Austin Chronicle, on the other hand, endorsed Kathie Tovo. The Sierra Club and environmental activists have also endorsed Ms. Tovo.
With the Austin community at large split on Place 3, it's possible that, if it turns out to be a close race, animal advocates may be able to make a difference...unless we split in the same manner as the rest of the community. It would be interesting to hear more from animal advocates on why they support one candidate or another. The fact that Austin Pets Alive leaders have endorsed Council Member Shade is likely to cause some APA followers, but not all, to vote with their leaders. But as we know, the Austin animal community is not just APA. Although APA has been more visible and active politically than other animal welfare organization, we have diverse views on a number of key issues that affect animals.
If you have not been paying attention to the Place 3 race, maybe you can take some time between now and next Saturday to look at the candidates' positions and make your opinions known. Whoever is elected in Place 3 will be sitting on City Council when the Council makes one of the most important decisions affecting the lives of homeless pets that will be made this decade - what to do about the current shelter facility once the shelter moves to Levander Loop. It deserves a little bit of your time and attention in the next 6 days.
Pat Valls-Trelles
Yet a number of Austin Pets Alive leaders are expressing personal support for Randi Shade. The Austin American Statesman endorsed incumbent Council Member Shade. Council Member Mike Martinez has also indicated his support for her. The Austin Chronicle, on the other hand, endorsed Kathie Tovo. The Sierra Club and environmental activists have also endorsed Ms. Tovo.
With the Austin community at large split on Place 3, it's possible that, if it turns out to be a close race, animal advocates may be able to make a difference...unless we split in the same manner as the rest of the community. It would be interesting to hear more from animal advocates on why they support one candidate or another. The fact that Austin Pets Alive leaders have endorsed Council Member Shade is likely to cause some APA followers, but not all, to vote with their leaders. But as we know, the Austin animal community is not just APA. Although APA has been more visible and active politically than other animal welfare organization, we have diverse views on a number of key issues that affect animals.
If you have not been paying attention to the Place 3 race, maybe you can take some time between now and next Saturday to look at the candidates' positions and make your opinions known. Whoever is elected in Place 3 will be sitting on City Council when the Council makes one of the most important decisions affecting the lives of homeless pets that will be made this decade - what to do about the current shelter facility once the shelter moves to Levander Loop. It deserves a little bit of your time and attention in the next 6 days.
Pat Valls-Trelles
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
House passes HB 1451, puppy mill bill
House Passes Puppy Mill Bill
By Jordan Smith, 4:01PM, Tue. Apr. 26, Austin Chronicle
http://www.austinchronicle.com/blogs/news/2011-04-26/house-passes-puppy-mill-bill/
After being held up twice by Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, the Texas House finally voted this afternoon in favor of a bill that would outlaw puppy mills.
The bill, House Bill 1451, by Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, earned bipartisan support in an effort to outlaw the large-scale inhumane breeding of dogs and cats. The bill requires breeders keeping 11 or more intact females to be inspected and licensed; the measure would require animals to be kept in cages of sufficient size, to be given exercise, food and water. A modest proposal indeed.
Still, Simpson – whose Longview district is home to some egregious cases of animal abuse (and whose mayor has come out in support of Thompson's measure) – argued on the House floor today that this bill just represented an expansion of government along the lines of Washington, D.C. attempts to "regulate light bulbs." Simpson says he is "very much in support of our animal cruelty laws" and that those should be "vigorously" enforced, but that this law represents a burden on breeders who operate in an ethical and humane manner. The bill only "burdens those who are keeping the law, responsible breeders."
Of course, what Simpson fails to note is that animal cruelty laws only kick in once animals have been abused and suffering – and in the case of puppy mills, often after the sickly and abused animals have been sold to consumers. The idea here is simple: Keep abuse from happening and keep consumers from being injured. Indeed, Thompson noted that the cost to taxpayers to round up and care for sick animals born in puppy mills can be great – in Longview, the city spent roughly $150,000 on a recent raid where many animals ended up having to be euthanized because they were so sick.
Despite Simpson's ongoing attempts to defeat the bill – maneuvering to pull it from the Local & Consent Calendar earned him the ire of several lawmakers, some of whom pulled their names as co-sponsors from Simpson bills – the House passed the measure today on a vote of 95-44 with two members present not voting.
By Jordan Smith, 4:01PM, Tue. Apr. 26, Austin Chronicle
http://www.austinchronicle.com/blogs/news/2011-04-26/house-passes-puppy-mill-bill/
After being held up twice by Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, the Texas House finally voted this afternoon in favor of a bill that would outlaw puppy mills.
The bill, House Bill 1451, by Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, earned bipartisan support in an effort to outlaw the large-scale inhumane breeding of dogs and cats. The bill requires breeders keeping 11 or more intact females to be inspected and licensed; the measure would require animals to be kept in cages of sufficient size, to be given exercise, food and water. A modest proposal indeed.
Still, Simpson – whose Longview district is home to some egregious cases of animal abuse (and whose mayor has come out in support of Thompson's measure) – argued on the House floor today that this bill just represented an expansion of government along the lines of Washington, D.C. attempts to "regulate light bulbs." Simpson says he is "very much in support of our animal cruelty laws" and that those should be "vigorously" enforced, but that this law represents a burden on breeders who operate in an ethical and humane manner. The bill only "burdens those who are keeping the law, responsible breeders."
Of course, what Simpson fails to note is that animal cruelty laws only kick in once animals have been abused and suffering – and in the case of puppy mills, often after the sickly and abused animals have been sold to consumers. The idea here is simple: Keep abuse from happening and keep consumers from being injured. Indeed, Thompson noted that the cost to taxpayers to round up and care for sick animals born in puppy mills can be great – in Longview, the city spent roughly $150,000 on a recent raid where many animals ended up having to be euthanized because they were so sick.
Despite Simpson's ongoing attempts to defeat the bill – maneuvering to pull it from the Local & Consent Calendar earned him the ire of several lawmakers, some of whom pulled their names as co-sponsors from Simpson bills – the House passed the measure today on a vote of 95-44 with two members present not voting.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
April 29 Animal Issues Forum
This coming Friday, April 29, we will have an Animal Issues Forum at
Terrazas Library on Cesar Chavez from 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM. Confirmed
speakers are Council Member Chris Riley, Austin Animal Center Chief
Abigail Smith and former Houston State Rep. Debra Danburg.
An important topic to discuss with Council Member Riley and all
Council Members and candidates running in the May election is what the
city is planning for the Adoption Center that is supposed to open at
the current animal shelter site when the city moves the main shelter
to East Austin. We have heard very little public discussion about
this and it's time to ask current Council Members and candidates what
is going on in this arena. Friday, April 29 Animal Issues forum will
be an opportunity to share information on this topic.
Also we'll hear from Abigail Smith about her first six weeks as the
Animal Center's Chief of Animal Services, about items on the agenda
for the next Animal Advisory Commission and any information she may be
able to share about the upcoming budget deliberations. (You may have
heard about the budget hearings the city has already scheduled.)
Also on the agenda for April 29 will be the status of current
legislation relating to animals in the Texas House and Senate. As I
write this, HB 1451, the large scale commercial breeder bill, has not
passed the House, but is on the calendar for Tuesday. Former state
representative Debra Danburg has agreed to speak and share some of her
insights about the workings of the Legislature as it relates to animal
issues. HB 3450, the Companion Animal Protection Act, has not yet
been scheduled for a hearing so it seems unlikely to pass, but we'll
have information on the status of that bill as well. There are
numerous other bills sponsored by THLN, by HSUS and by TFACS moving
forward and we'll have updates on those as well.
Please let me know if you plan to attend so I can plan for handouts,
if any, that need to be copied. And if you cannot attend but are
interested in what is going on with the Adoption Center, with the city
budget, or with state legislation, please let me know if there is a
question I can try to get answered.
Terrazas Library on Cesar Chavez from 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM. Confirmed
speakers are Council Member Chris Riley, Austin Animal Center Chief
Abigail Smith and former Houston State Rep. Debra Danburg.
An important topic to discuss with Council Member Riley and all
Council Members and candidates running in the May election is what the
city is planning for the Adoption Center that is supposed to open at
the current animal shelter site when the city moves the main shelter
to East Austin. We have heard very little public discussion about
this and it's time to ask current Council Members and candidates what
is going on in this arena. Friday, April 29 Animal Issues forum will
be an opportunity to share information on this topic.
Also we'll hear from Abigail Smith about her first six weeks as the
Animal Center's Chief of Animal Services, about items on the agenda
for the next Animal Advisory Commission and any information she may be
able to share about the upcoming budget deliberations. (You may have
heard about the budget hearings the city has already scheduled.)
Also on the agenda for April 29 will be the status of current
legislation relating to animals in the Texas House and Senate. As I
write this, HB 1451, the large scale commercial breeder bill, has not
passed the House, but is on the calendar for Tuesday. Former state
representative Debra Danburg has agreed to speak and share some of her
insights about the workings of the Legislature as it relates to animal
issues. HB 3450, the Companion Animal Protection Act, has not yet
been scheduled for a hearing so it seems unlikely to pass, but we'll
have information on the status of that bill as well. There are
numerous other bills sponsored by THLN, by HSUS and by TFACS moving
forward and we'll have updates on those as well.
Please let me know if you plan to attend so I can plan for handouts,
if any, that need to be copied. And if you cannot attend but are
interested in what is going on with the Adoption Center, with the city
budget, or with state legislation, please let me know if there is a
question I can try to get answered.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
HB 1451, large scale breeder bill, on House Local and Consent calendar
Thursday, April 14
HB 1451, the large scale commercial dog breeder bill, was on the House Local and Consent calendar today. The Quorum Report had lots of coverage about what happened. Check it out under "Daily Buzz" at
http://www.quorumreport.com
HB 1451, the large scale commercial dog breeder bill, was on the House Local and Consent calendar today. The Quorum Report had lots of coverage about what happened. Check it out under "Daily Buzz" at
http://www.quorumreport.com
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Tuesday, April 5: hearing on SB 939, cockfighting bill
The following information about today's hearing on SBB 939, the cockfighting bill is from the Texas Humane Legislation Network's Action Alert:
Hearing By the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
Scheduled for
SB 939 (Lucio)
Cockfighting Bill
To strengthen current cockfighting laws.
Companion Bill to HB 1043 (Christian)
Please attend the hearing and sign a card in SUPPORT of this bill. Please, no calls or emails to the committee at this time.
Hearing information:
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
1:30 pm
Capitol Extension
Room E1.016
About the Bill:
Cockfighting is a state jail felony and has been illegal in Texas since 1907. However, it is not illegal to own or operate a facility for cockfighting; possess birds with intent to fight; own cockfighting equipment; or attend a cockfight. These loopholes are exploited by cockfighters and hinder law enforcement's ability to crack down on these operations. This bill will eliminate these loopholes and providing law enforcement with the tools necessary to investigate and prosecute cockfighting activities.
The bill will make each of these supporting activities an offense and will categorize cockfighting as an organized criminal activity, allowing the seizure of cockfighting equipment as contraband. In particular, it will make the following activities a crime:
participating in the earnings of or operating a facility used for cockfighting;
using or permitting another to use property for cockfighting;
manufacturing, buying, selling, possessing cockfighting equipment;
owning, possessing or training a cock with the intent that it be used for cockfighting; or
attending as a spectator an exhibition of cockfighting.
Please sign a card in SUPPORT of SB 939 at the hearing. Thank you for your support!
TEXAS HUMANE LEGISLATION NETWORK
Promoting the humane treatment of animals through
legislation, education and advocacy.
Visit us at www.thln.org
Hearing By the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
Scheduled for
SB 939 (Lucio)
Cockfighting Bill
To strengthen current cockfighting laws.
Companion Bill to HB 1043 (Christian)
Please attend the hearing and sign a card in SUPPORT of this bill. Please, no calls or emails to the committee at this time.
Hearing information:
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
1:30 pm
Capitol Extension
Room E1.016
About the Bill:
Cockfighting is a state jail felony and has been illegal in Texas since 1907. However, it is not illegal to own or operate a facility for cockfighting; possess birds with intent to fight; own cockfighting equipment; or attend a cockfight. These loopholes are exploited by cockfighters and hinder law enforcement's ability to crack down on these operations. This bill will eliminate these loopholes and providing law enforcement with the tools necessary to investigate and prosecute cockfighting activities.
The bill will make each of these supporting activities an offense and will categorize cockfighting as an organized criminal activity, allowing the seizure of cockfighting equipment as contraband. In particular, it will make the following activities a crime:
participating in the earnings of or operating a facility used for cockfighting;
using or permitting another to use property for cockfighting;
manufacturing, buying, selling, possessing cockfighting equipment;
owning, possessing or training a cock with the intent that it be used for cockfighting; or
attending as a spectator an exhibition of cockfighting.
Please sign a card in SUPPORT of SB 939 at the hearing. Thank you for your support!
TEXAS HUMANE LEGISLATION NETWORK
Promoting the humane treatment of animals through
legislation, education and advocacy.
Visit us at www.thln.org
Friday, April 1, 2011
April 8 Aimal Issues Forum: State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez and City Council Member Randi Shade
The April 8 Animal Issues Forum will feature State Representative Eddie Rodriguez and City Council Member Randi Shade. In addition to these two speakers, Abigail Smith, the new Town Lake Animal Shelter Director, will also be in attendance and has agreed to say a few words and take questions.
The forum will be from 11:30 am - 1:15 pm at Terrazas Library on Cesar Chavez. The agenda is as follows:
11:30 - 11:45 Informal networking
11:45 - 12:15 State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez
12:15 - 12:45 City Council Member Randi Shade
12:45 - 12:50 Introduce and Welcome Abigail Smith, brief remarks
12:50 - 1:15 Open dialog, any topic
If you haven't done so already, please check out the Facebook page for Animal Issues Forum and RSVP there.
The forum will be from 11:30 am - 1:15 pm at Terrazas Library on Cesar Chavez. The agenda is as follows:
11:30 - 11:45 Informal networking
11:45 - 12:15 State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez
12:15 - 12:45 City Council Member Randi Shade
12:45 - 12:50 Introduce and Welcome Abigail Smith, brief remarks
12:50 - 1:15 Open dialog, any topic
If you haven't done so already, please check out the Facebook page for Animal Issues Forum and RSVP there.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
HB 716, allowing sale of seats on helicopter hunts for feral hogs and coyotes
HOUSE RESEARCH ORGANIZATION bill analysis 3/30/2011 HB 716
S. Miller, Christian, Deshotel
(CSHB 716 by Deshotel)
SUBJECT:
Allowing sale of seats on helicopter hunts for feral hogs and coyotes
COMMITTEE:
Culture, Recreation, and Tourism — committee substitute recommended
VOTE:
7 ayes — Guillen, Elkins, Deshotel, T. King, Kuempel, Larson, Price
0 nays
2 absent — Dukes, T. Smith
WITNESSES:
For — (Registered, but did not testify: Marida Favia del Core Borromeo, Exotic Wildlife Association; Seth Terry, Texas Farm Bureau)
Against — Patt Nordyke, Texas Federation of Animal Care Societies); (Registered, but did not testify: Nicole Paquette, The Humane Society of the United States)
On — Scott Vaca, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Law Enforcement
BACKGROUND:
Under Parks and Wildlife Code, sec. 62.003, no person may hunt any wild bird or wild animal other than an alligator, frog, or turtle from any type of aircraft or airborne device, motor vehicle, powerboat, or sailboat, or from any other floating device, except for animals and birds not classified as migratory that are hunted within the boundaries of private property or upon private water.
Under current law, an aerial hunting company may obtain a permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to use an aircraft to manage wildlife or exotic animals. The permit to aerial hunt is specific to nuisance animals such as feral hogs, bobcats, coyotes, and exotics and can only be used for management purposes, not for sport. The fee for this type of permit is $210 per year. In turn, the aerial hunting company contracts with landowners, who file an authorization to manage exotic animals by aircraft with TPWD.
This permit is allowed under federal law, which provides that no person may hunt or harass any animal or bird from an aircraft unless they have a state permit. In addition, a landowner authorization must be signed by the landowner and the aerial permittee, and the aerial permittee must report
HB 716
House Research Organization
page 2
- 26 -
the management activity to the United States Fish and Wildlife Department annually.
DIGEST:
CSHB 716 would prohibit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission from adopting a proclamation or regulation that would ban a landowner from acting as a contractor or participating as a hunter or observer in a helicopter hunt for depredating feral hogs or coyotes.
The bill also would require the commission to amend its rules to comply with the legislation as soon as practical after CSHB 716 took effect on September 1, 2011.
SUPPORTERS
SAY:
CSHB 716 would allow a landowner to sell seats on a helicopter hunt for feral hogs or coyotes. Currently, a landowner can pay a company to hunt the hogs, but this can be costly for the landowner. The bill would allow landowners to defray the costs of controlling these nuisance animals and to help address the feral hog problem during a state budget crisis, when TPWD might be forced to limit its operations.
It is estimated that 1.5 million feral hogs are in Texas. Feral hogs are a prolific species that may have two litters per year, with up to 12 piglets in a litter. The problem of feral hogs has spread from rural areas to the suburbs and highways. Feral hogs devastate agriculture by trampling crops, tearing down fences, spreading diseases to livestock, and eating seeds and livestock feed. Direct damage from feral hogs has been estimated at $400 million annually. Sympathy for feral hogs is misplaced, because they are omnivores that prey on lambs, kid goats, newborn fawns, ground nesting birds, and endangered sea turtles.
The bill would pose no safety concerns because numerous state and federal regulations govern the safe operation of all aircraft and TPWD regulations ensure the proper conduct of aerial hunts. The helicopter companies and their pilots have additional financial and personal safety incentives to screen those selected to be gunners on a hunt. Interested participants must be able to demonstrate that they have the expertise to handle weaponry properly. Those posing any danger to the pilot or the helicopter would be grounded promptly.
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, more than 75 percent of the state has suitable terrain and vegetative cover for aerial gunning operations. Aerial hunting remains the most effective method to control
HB 716
House Research Organization
page 3
- 27 -
populations of feral hogs and coyotes, which move quickly and cannot be trapped easily. While TPWD is working on a promising program to poison feral hogs, budget limitations could stall that effort.
Concerns about the rotting carcasses of feral hogs killed by aerial hunts are unfounded. While efforts to remove the carcasses can be made, it remains best practice to leave feral hogs where they fall. Diseases from wild hogs do not pose a significant threat to humans, even though their maladies can be passed easily to livestock and wildlife.
TPWD helped revise CSHB 716 to ensure that the change would not legalize ―sport hunting‖ and would meet the United States Fish and Wildlife Department standards. In addition, lawmakers could amend the bill to repeal the sections of the Texas Administrative Code that punish anyone ―who pays, barters, or exchanges anything of value to participate as a gunner or observer‖ and prohibit the use of an aerial hunt permit for sport hunting. Any ambiguity could be addressed further in the rulemaking process by the Parks and Wildlife Commission. The commission is well aware of the need for effective control of nuisance species.
OPPONENTS
SAY:
Shooting guns from helicopters to hunt feral hogs would pose serious safety risks. Low-flying helicopters can encounter wind shears, power lines, trees, or other land formations while pursuing feral hogs, leading to possible air crashes. Pursuit with low-flying aircraft is inherently cruel and could lead to misplaced shots, wounded animals, and animals left to suffer and die under unacceptable conditions. A moving helicopter provides an unstable aiming platform. Since it is difficult to aim precisely and kill a running feral hog, the rate of wounded and crippled animals is likely to be significant, and wounded animals could cause even more damage. Furthermore, feral hogs tend to occupy low-lying areas and depressions where brush is dense, presenting a difficult target for aerial shooting.
Aside from the safety risks, hunting feral hogs from a helicopter would be a nuisance to nearby residential areas due to the noise from helicopters and gunfire. The practice also could raise issues with carcass removal. Some hogs weigh hundreds of pounds, making it difficult to dispose properly of the carcass. Since the meat cannot be used, the hunter does not have much incentive to retrieve the carcass. If the carcass is not handled properly, health and safety issues could arise, particularly if a carcass was left to decompose near a water source, causing contamination. Since the hunting typically occurs on private property, there are no clear regulations.
HB 716
House Research Organization
page 4
- 28 -
Operating and maintaining a helicopter is expensive, so it is possible that this bill would not produce the financial bonanzas for landowners that many have predicted. Nonetheless, hunting from helicopters is an inhumane solution to the problem of feral hogs. Killing even feral hogs or coyotes from a helicopter should not be considered a sport, and selling seats on the craft would further blur the distinction between sport and slaughter.
OTHER
OPPONENTS
SAY:
As drafted, CSHB 716 would walk a very narrow line between predator management and sport hunting and may not meet the U.S. Fish and Wildlife standards. In addition, the bill would not address the sections of the Texas Administrative Code that restrict sport hunting.
The provision allowing the sale of seats to hunt coyotes should be removed. State law already allows these animals to be hunted from the air, but there is no evidence that coyotes create the same level of destruction to crops and land as do feral hogs.
NOTES:
The author is expected to offer a floor amendment that would amend the Texas Administrative Code provisions prohibiting the exchange of money or other valuable items to be a gunner or observer and to use an aerial permit for sports hunting.
The committee substitute differs from the original version of the bill by allowing landowners to contract with hunters to hunt coyotes as well as feral hogs from helicopters.
During the 2009 regular session, the House by 125-12 passed HB 836 by S. Miller, which would have allowed those with a proper permit to participate in helicopter hunts for feral hogs. The bill died in the Senate Natural Resources Committee after being re-referred from the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
S. Miller, Christian, Deshotel
(CSHB 716 by Deshotel)
SUBJECT:
Allowing sale of seats on helicopter hunts for feral hogs and coyotes
COMMITTEE:
Culture, Recreation, and Tourism — committee substitute recommended
VOTE:
7 ayes — Guillen, Elkins, Deshotel, T. King, Kuempel, Larson, Price
0 nays
2 absent — Dukes, T. Smith
WITNESSES:
For — (Registered, but did not testify: Marida Favia del Core Borromeo, Exotic Wildlife Association; Seth Terry, Texas Farm Bureau)
Against — Patt Nordyke, Texas Federation of Animal Care Societies); (Registered, but did not testify: Nicole Paquette, The Humane Society of the United States)
On — Scott Vaca, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Law Enforcement
BACKGROUND:
Under Parks and Wildlife Code, sec. 62.003, no person may hunt any wild bird or wild animal other than an alligator, frog, or turtle from any type of aircraft or airborne device, motor vehicle, powerboat, or sailboat, or from any other floating device, except for animals and birds not classified as migratory that are hunted within the boundaries of private property or upon private water.
Under current law, an aerial hunting company may obtain a permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to use an aircraft to manage wildlife or exotic animals. The permit to aerial hunt is specific to nuisance animals such as feral hogs, bobcats, coyotes, and exotics and can only be used for management purposes, not for sport. The fee for this type of permit is $210 per year. In turn, the aerial hunting company contracts with landowners, who file an authorization to manage exotic animals by aircraft with TPWD.
This permit is allowed under federal law, which provides that no person may hunt or harass any animal or bird from an aircraft unless they have a state permit. In addition, a landowner authorization must be signed by the landowner and the aerial permittee, and the aerial permittee must report
HB 716
House Research Organization
page 2
- 26 -
the management activity to the United States Fish and Wildlife Department annually.
DIGEST:
CSHB 716 would prohibit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission from adopting a proclamation or regulation that would ban a landowner from acting as a contractor or participating as a hunter or observer in a helicopter hunt for depredating feral hogs or coyotes.
The bill also would require the commission to amend its rules to comply with the legislation as soon as practical after CSHB 716 took effect on September 1, 2011.
SUPPORTERS
SAY:
CSHB 716 would allow a landowner to sell seats on a helicopter hunt for feral hogs or coyotes. Currently, a landowner can pay a company to hunt the hogs, but this can be costly for the landowner. The bill would allow landowners to defray the costs of controlling these nuisance animals and to help address the feral hog problem during a state budget crisis, when TPWD might be forced to limit its operations.
It is estimated that 1.5 million feral hogs are in Texas. Feral hogs are a prolific species that may have two litters per year, with up to 12 piglets in a litter. The problem of feral hogs has spread from rural areas to the suburbs and highways. Feral hogs devastate agriculture by trampling crops, tearing down fences, spreading diseases to livestock, and eating seeds and livestock feed. Direct damage from feral hogs has been estimated at $400 million annually. Sympathy for feral hogs is misplaced, because they are omnivores that prey on lambs, kid goats, newborn fawns, ground nesting birds, and endangered sea turtles.
The bill would pose no safety concerns because numerous state and federal regulations govern the safe operation of all aircraft and TPWD regulations ensure the proper conduct of aerial hunts. The helicopter companies and their pilots have additional financial and personal safety incentives to screen those selected to be gunners on a hunt. Interested participants must be able to demonstrate that they have the expertise to handle weaponry properly. Those posing any danger to the pilot or the helicopter would be grounded promptly.
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, more than 75 percent of the state has suitable terrain and vegetative cover for aerial gunning operations. Aerial hunting remains the most effective method to control
HB 716
House Research Organization
page 3
- 27 -
populations of feral hogs and coyotes, which move quickly and cannot be trapped easily. While TPWD is working on a promising program to poison feral hogs, budget limitations could stall that effort.
Concerns about the rotting carcasses of feral hogs killed by aerial hunts are unfounded. While efforts to remove the carcasses can be made, it remains best practice to leave feral hogs where they fall. Diseases from wild hogs do not pose a significant threat to humans, even though their maladies can be passed easily to livestock and wildlife.
TPWD helped revise CSHB 716 to ensure that the change would not legalize ―sport hunting‖ and would meet the United States Fish and Wildlife Department standards. In addition, lawmakers could amend the bill to repeal the sections of the Texas Administrative Code that punish anyone ―who pays, barters, or exchanges anything of value to participate as a gunner or observer‖ and prohibit the use of an aerial hunt permit for sport hunting. Any ambiguity could be addressed further in the rulemaking process by the Parks and Wildlife Commission. The commission is well aware of the need for effective control of nuisance species.
OPPONENTS
SAY:
Shooting guns from helicopters to hunt feral hogs would pose serious safety risks. Low-flying helicopters can encounter wind shears, power lines, trees, or other land formations while pursuing feral hogs, leading to possible air crashes. Pursuit with low-flying aircraft is inherently cruel and could lead to misplaced shots, wounded animals, and animals left to suffer and die under unacceptable conditions. A moving helicopter provides an unstable aiming platform. Since it is difficult to aim precisely and kill a running feral hog, the rate of wounded and crippled animals is likely to be significant, and wounded animals could cause even more damage. Furthermore, feral hogs tend to occupy low-lying areas and depressions where brush is dense, presenting a difficult target for aerial shooting.
Aside from the safety risks, hunting feral hogs from a helicopter would be a nuisance to nearby residential areas due to the noise from helicopters and gunfire. The practice also could raise issues with carcass removal. Some hogs weigh hundreds of pounds, making it difficult to dispose properly of the carcass. Since the meat cannot be used, the hunter does not have much incentive to retrieve the carcass. If the carcass is not handled properly, health and safety issues could arise, particularly if a carcass was left to decompose near a water source, causing contamination. Since the hunting typically occurs on private property, there are no clear regulations.
HB 716
House Research Organization
page 4
- 28 -
Operating and maintaining a helicopter is expensive, so it is possible that this bill would not produce the financial bonanzas for landowners that many have predicted. Nonetheless, hunting from helicopters is an inhumane solution to the problem of feral hogs. Killing even feral hogs or coyotes from a helicopter should not be considered a sport, and selling seats on the craft would further blur the distinction between sport and slaughter.
OTHER
OPPONENTS
SAY:
As drafted, CSHB 716 would walk a very narrow line between predator management and sport hunting and may not meet the U.S. Fish and Wildlife standards. In addition, the bill would not address the sections of the Texas Administrative Code that restrict sport hunting.
The provision allowing the sale of seats to hunt coyotes should be removed. State law already allows these animals to be hunted from the air, but there is no evidence that coyotes create the same level of destruction to crops and land as do feral hogs.
NOTES:
The author is expected to offer a floor amendment that would amend the Texas Administrative Code provisions prohibiting the exchange of money or other valuable items to be a gunner or observer and to use an aerial permit for sports hunting.
The committee substitute differs from the original version of the bill by allowing landowners to contract with hunters to hunt coyotes as well as feral hogs from helicopters.
During the 2009 regular session, the House by 125-12 passed HB 836 by S. Miller, which would have allowed those with a proper permit to participate in helicopter hunts for feral hogs. The bill died in the Senate Natural Resources Committee after being re-referred from the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
HB 1451 referred to Licensing and Administrative Procedures
HB 1451
Relating to the licensing and regulation of commercial dog and cat breeders; providing penalties.
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB1451
Relating to the licensing and regulation of commercial dog and cat breeders; providing penalties.
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB1451
HB 716 heard 3/2/11, left pending in committee
82R4968 SLB-D
By: Miller of Erath H.B. No. 716
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the taking of certain feral hogs using a helicopter.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 43.109, Parks and Wildlife Code, is
amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c) A proclamation or regulation of the commission adopted
under this subchapter may not prohibit a person or the person's
agent or lessee who holds a landowner's authorization and a permit
under this subchapter from using a helicopter to take depredating
feral hogs.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the Parks and Wildlife Commission shall amend rules as
necessary to comply with Section 43.109(c), Parks and Wildlife
Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.
By: Miller of Erath H.B. No. 716
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the taking of certain feral hogs using a helicopter.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 43.109, Parks and Wildlife Code, is
amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c) A proclamation or regulation of the commission adopted
under this subchapter may not prohibit a person or the person's
agent or lessee who holds a landowner's authorization and a permit
under this subchapter from using a helicopter to take depredating
feral hogs.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the Parks and Wildlife Commission shall amend rules as
necessary to comply with Section 43.109(c), Parks and Wildlife
Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.
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