Sometimes I’m just too ashamed to say I live here in this city. I don’t know how people can’t see through this ploy by animal rightists but then they’ve been VERY effective at pulling the proverbial wool over most animal loving folks’ head. Sure we need to control pet overpopulation but not at the expense of our bad health by spaying and neutering us too young. And not at the expense of the good and reputable breeders. And not at the expense of losing our rights and freedoms because there are bad apples in every bunch. Remember with freedom comes responsibility and it does come at a price bepaws freedom ain’t free. Grrrr, just wake up out of the matrix okay??? Here is the help we need:

As Patte Klecan and I outlined at the caucus and the delegates meeting in Newark, the Albuquerque City Council has passed what many consider to be one of the most onerous and dangerous anti-breeding laws ever to come along. Known as the HEART (Humane and Ethical Animal Regulations and Treatment) ordinance, the law would limit the number of intact dogs that a household may keep to four, impose an annual $150 per dog intact companion animal fee, and abolish hobby breeder permits that have been in effect for decades. That’s just a few of its most objectionable provisions.

The ordinance also trivializes animal cruelty to the extent that one could easily face animal cruelty charges for many commonly accepted practices, and it is written so poorly that in many cases it is difficult to figure out just what it says. What’s more, it has animal rights fingerprints all over it. For anybody who wishes to read this manifesto in its abominable entirety, it can be accessed at http://daystar2.cabq.gov:81/Attachments/4333.doc.

The Rio Grande Kennel Club and members of the fancy worked tirelessly to prevent this legislation from passing. We tried talking to the sponsor (she wouldn’t listen to us), we tried talking to the mayor (he double-crossed us), and we finally took our case to the city council. Despite a tremendous turnout and testimony running more than 2 to 1 against the ordinance, the political “fix” was in and the ordinance passed on a 6 to 3 vote.

We are now seeking relief from the judiciary. The Rio Grande Kennel Club and eight individual plaintiffs have filed suit against the City of Albuquerque in New Mexico District Court, 2nd Judicial District. We are currently awaiting a decision on our request for a preliminary injunction (the hearing was held Monday), but whatever the judge’s decision on that, we have every intention of pursuing the matter to trial.

There is strong evidence to indicate that Albuquerque was targeted for this ordinance and that its proponents will consider success here as their “foot in the door” for similar legislation elsewhere. A victory in Albuquerque will only strengthen their position when they push for similar legislation in other communities. That is why we are asking for financial help in our fight against the ordinance, not only for the benefit of fanciers in the Albuquerque area, but also for the benefit of the fancy nationwide. If we can stop HEART here, that will provide valuable precedent for future battles.

Donations can be sent to: RGKC Legal Fund; P.O. Box 25672; Albuquerque, NM 87125-5672. Please make checks payable to Rio Grande Kennel Club.

Permission to cross-post as widely as possible is given.

Bill Green, Delegate
Rio Grande KC

Update:
Animal Opponents Fail in Recall Attempt and Repeal of HEART Ordinance
[July 21, 2006] For the second time in a row, dog breeders battling the new HEART Ordinance have come up empty-handed. Last week, they fell short in their attempt to force a recall of Councilor Sally Mayer, the author and tireless champion of the ordinance. In fact, they turned in no petitions at all by the deadline of July 14th.
The coalition then sought a repeal of the ordinance itself, but according to a story in the Albuquerque Tribune, they again failed to submit the required number of signatures by last night’s deadline. KRQE reports that Ron Gustafson, the Valencia County breeder leading the anti-HEART effort, “puts the blame on the city claiming the clerk failed to properly notify the public of locations to sign the petition.” The ordinance, designed to crack down on animal abuse and overbreeding, was signed into law by Mayor Chavez last month, and will go into effect in October 10 of 2006.

Unfortunately this HEART Ordinance smacks all over the place of animal rightists junk and the politicians are being used for their agenda. This only punishes the ethical, reputable breeders and is a first step in ending domestic animals altogether…too bad the politicians can’t see beyond their re-election campaigns.

Have a pawsitively tail waggin’, H.E.A.R.T.-free, REAL animal love day, WOOF!

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