Texas Dog Owners ALERT!! continued - Page 1

And a separate requirement for a dog to be under “immediate” control while on a leash would appear to prohibit training on a checkcord, or using retractable leashes to give a dog more freedom of movement.
 
Here is a link to this legislation: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/doc/SB00634I.doc.
 
The American Sporting Dog Alliance is asking Texans to contact Sen. Seliger and ask him to withdraw this dangerous legislation. His email is kel.seliger@senate.state.tx.us. His capitol phone is (512) 463-0131 and his fax is (512) 475-3733. This page will give contact information for his district offices: http://www.txdirectory.com/online/person/?id=23248&office=16684.
 
We also are asking Texans to contact their own senator and representative to express opposition to SB 634. Here is a link for all senators: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Members/Members.aspx?Chamber=S. This link is for members of the House of Representatives: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Members/Members.aspx?Chamber=H.
 
The American Sporting Dog Alliance represents owners, breeders and professionals who work with breeds of dogs that are used for hunting. We also welcome people who work with other breeds, as legislative issues affect all of us. We are a grassroots movement working to protect the rights of dog owners, and to assure that the traditional relationships between dogs and humans maintains its rightful place in American society and life.
 
The American Sporting Dog Alliance also needs your help so that we can continue to work to protect the rights of dog owners. Your membership, participation and support are truly essential to the success of our mission. We are funded solely by your donations in order to maintain strict independence.
 
Please visit us on the web at http://www.americansportingdogalliance.org . Our email is asda@csonline.net .
 
PLEASE CROSS-POST AND FORWARD THIS REPORT TO YOUR FRIENDS

Just more people who apparently cannot read and who think conditions that are reasonable are onerous. Eventually, because even people who should be in favor of reasonable regulations go nuts over any kind of proposal, we will see serious restrictions placed on us. Why? Because society demands it and that urgency gets passed to the legislators we elect. Society demands it because there ARE so many irresponsible breeders and owners out there, and there IS a huge problem in this country with unwanted dogs. 

" Just more people who apparently cannot read and who think conditions that are reasonable are onerous. Eventually, because even people who should be in favor of reasonable regulations go nuts over any kind of proposal, we will see serious restrictions placed on us."

Hodie, I agree with you that fighting even reasonable regulations/laws can be counterproductive.  I am impressed with the strategies of Virginia's dog club and breeder federation.  They are making sure, when reasonable legislation is proposed, that their members write the legislators to personally thank them.  Think of it as positive motivational dog training, as opposed to all compulsion, jerk-and-fry methods.

If someone is concerned about a part of a proposed bill, it may help their cause if they can find something good in the legislation, and praise Senator Good Intentions, while pointing out the fallacy of those points that they find dangerous.