SEN. DURBIN INTRODUCES SA 3723 (New PAWS AMENDMENT)

www.stopsa3723.com      CHECK IT OUT NOW

 Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced an amendment to the Senate
 version of the 2007 Farm Bill (HR 2419) which is a
 resurrection of the Pet Animal Welfare Statute (PAWS) sponsored by
 former Sen. Rick Santorum in 2005.

 SA 3723 is the latest of multiple attempts by HSUS since the failed
 PPA in 2001 to license private, in-home breeders. That regulation
 would reverse a long-standing, court tested basis for commercial pet
 business licensing to include retail sellers and hobby breeders.

 SA 3723 adds the definition of a regulated person to include persons
 selling dogs/cats (including hunting dogs and breeding stock) to
 require licensing of anyone selling more than 25 dogs/cats or more
 than 6 litters per year at retail. Sales under this number would
 not require regulation so long as the dogs/cats are bred and raised
 on the owners' premises. This opens the door for future reduction of
 numbers from 25/6 and ultimately to their desired end of any pet
 animal reproduction.

 SA 3723 adds a provision for certified third-party inspectors. Non-
 profit organizations would apply to USDA for certification as
 breeding facility inspectors and establish their own inspection
 standards which USDA would have to approve. Inspection standards
 would have to meet those required under the Animal Welfare Act. The
 current USDA commercial (engineering) standards do not lend
 themselves to in-home breeding situations. Most assuredly these
 inspections would be done for a fee paid by the breeding facility.
 HSUS certainly has the resources to apply for third-party inspector
 certification.

 There has been no comment to date on the amendment from AKC or AVMA
 who were stakeholders involved in PAWS 2005 negotiations.

 SA 3723 is part of SA 3500 which is the Senate's version of the Farm
 Bill. Once the Senate passes it's version of the Farm Bill, both
 versions will be sent to a Conference Committee for resolution.
 Possible members of the Conference Committee are unknown at this
 time; however, the Committee is generally composed of high-ranking
 congressional members.

 It is imperative that your Congressman know that SA 3723 is
 controversial and should be stripped from the Farm Bill.

 DO NOT BELIEVE that this will not affect you. Once the traditional
 retail/wholesale regulation barrier is broken it will be gone
 forever. The Federal Government or possibly HSUS and other animal
 rights organizations will be inside your homes inspecting your
 animals. HSUS will continue to push for tighter regulation—this is
 not the end of this issue—it is a strategic move to break down the
 retail/wholesale barrier and press for the elimination of pet
 breeding.

DO NOT BELIEVE that this will only affect dogs and cats.  Once the foot
is in the door, rabbit breeders and other animals breeders will be
regulated similarly.

 Further information, Senate contact information, and alerts are
 posted on www.stopsa3723.com

 Contact your Senators NOW and urge that SA 3723 be removed from the
 Farm Bill.

 Also send a fax to the Farm Bill floor manager and Senate
 Agriculture Chairman Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Ranking Minority
 Member Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA).
 Sen. Tom Harkin -- 202-224-9369
 Sen. Saxby Chambliss -- 202-224-0103