This is not directly related to felv, but a lot of us work in rescue and rescue a lot of leukemia positive cats. My positive is a rescue. I don't know whether it should be taken offlist or not.
I have read about the bill and done a little research, though I'm no authority. All I know is that the Cat Fancier's Association and the AKC (and now a 'purebred' cat rescue) are all posting that we should push for a NO to this bill.
Every animal welfare group I know of is saying we push for YES. This has been discussed on my local animal welfare and animal rights' lists. All animal groups I belong to here in Georgia say that the purebred groups are trying to 'scare' rescues into thinking this will hurt them, and that in fact, it will NOT hurt rescue groups, but help them by preventing the influx of animals from breeders. Rescue groups do not 'sell' animals for a profit. I have more info. for those interested, but from what I've read I am reassured that this will NOT negatively impact those in rescue.
We've had a long going discussion on the Georgia Animal Welfare list with a breeder/rescuer trying to get people to oppose, All rescuers have assured people that she is wrong. Breeders just do not want to be regulated. All of my local rescue groups, humane societies, etc... are supporting this legislation (except for those that deal only with purebreds or are breeders themselves involved in rescue).
How many felv + siamese, himalayans, etc... are in the homes of people on this list who were not 'bought' from a breeder, but RESCUED BECAUSE of a breeder's irresponsibility?
I have google searched this legislation, and groups against it are breeder or pet dealer type groups and every group in favor of this legislation is an animal welfare group working to help animals such as HSUS, Doris Day Animal League, Friends of Animals, etc...
The senators working on this bill are doing it to STOP the deaths of animals in shelters due to overpopulation and STOP horrible puppymill practices. I believe they are working directly with DDAL. DDAL has a strong focus on spay/neuter and stopping puppy/kitten mills.
I'm not an attorney, but I 'believe' the animal welfare groups over the breeders' groups, and I know the purpose of this bill is to help companion animal overpopulation, not to stop rescue work. If nothing else, think how many LESS animals there will be to rescue if we can stop backyard breeders and puppy and kitten mills....... I think it's unprecedented and a step in a positive direction to have people in Congress willing to even work on this.
Breeders are a well organized group as well. They jumped on this legislation and started urging people to vote NO on their petitions in full force before most of us (on Georgia rescue lists anyway) even knew what was going on........ They are also appealing to individual citizens saying they are going to lose their 'constitutional right' to do whatever they want with their 'property'.
That's my 3 cents.
tonya
TenHouseCats <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
TenHouseCats <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
http://purebredcatbreedrescue.org/paws.htm
PLEASE read what CFA Purebred Cat Breed Rescue has to say about PAWS
before you send out your letters. more info will be available on the
possible effects on rescue groups tomorrow, but this is important to
read NOW.
--
MaryChristine
AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
ICQ: 289856892
