Welcome

Welcome to Diane’s "The Animal’s Voice." The mission of this blog is to prevent animal cruelty, improve awareness of the plight of homeless animals and help all animals live a long, healthy and happy life.

It sounds so simple, yet our Oklahoma laws or lack thereof, make it one of the most difficult challenges I’ve ever met. I applaud every single person who has ever volunteered to help with animal rescue. Most of you have seen horror you never want to see again, but it never goes away. An animal’s voice cannot be heard over the ignorant and greedy so we must speak for them. As an animal foster home, I’ve always had the philosophy that you’ll never save them all; but saving just one will make a difference---and I continue to believe that. However, here is an opportunity to save many! It’s very simple and I’m going to tell you how. There is ample information on the web regarding Oklahoma laws but it’s not very well organized so I’ve set up this blog to organize it for you.

At this time, there is URGENT Oklahoma legislation pending regarding several animal rights issues and your legislators MUST hear from you NOW. Believe me, there are opposing groups that are very well organized and have already begun writing and calling their legislators to oppose bills that absolutely must be passed to ensure our animals are protected. That’s why each and every one of us as taxpayers must be heard LOUD and CLEAR. Please, please, please call or write or email your legislators, both State Representative and State Senator. I’ve included links so all you have to do is click on your computer---very simple. I’ve also included a sample of my own email request to approve HB1332 that I sent to my State Representative and my State Senator but it would be best to change it up so we don’t sound like cookie-cutters…they are looking for individuals that really care, and we DO. A good email includes the bill number and short description, how you want them to vote and why. You can be emotional but still be polite. If you have a personal relationship with legislators, PLEASE call them now!

An animal protection bill that didn’t even get out of the committee last year for lack of interest (they did not hear us loud enough) is HB1332. I’ve included it below (it’s also in the link "bills pending") to emphasize that WE MUST GET THIS BILL PASSED THIS YEAR!!! It recently made it through the committee but it has PUPPY MILL owners and abusers and the AKC (moneygrubbers) organized to oppose it big time! There are other bills pending that need attention as well but this one is PRIORITY. Please contact your legislators today and tell them you want it APPROVED!

Thank you in advance for listening and helping and tell your fur people friends to do the same.

Bills pending in Oklahoma legislature (includes the US Humane Society’s position)

http://www.hsus.org/legislation_laws/state_legislation/state-legislation-list.html?state=oklahoma

Find your State Representative and State Senator and email addresses:
http://www.capitolconnect.com/oklahoma/default.aspx


Diane’s sample email:

Representative or Senator X XXX, Please APPROVE HB 1332 which will provide for licensing and regulations for individuals, shelters, or businesses that acquire or sell domestic dogs and cats. Help us shut down unscrupulous breeders and tax evaders that foster animal cruelty and fraud. Having provided a foster home for many of these unhealthy and discarded animals, I’ve seen first hand how badly we need this legislation. Volunteers (taxpayers) at animal rescue organizations pick up the pieces after the owners of these breeding sites walk free with no commitment and no taxes paid. Not one week goes by that I do not cry for these animals. As a taxpaying Oklahoman, I urge you to take a stand with me to stop unregulated puppy mills and vote to approve HB 1332, the Oklahoma Pet Quality Assurance and Protection Act. Please VOTE YES ON HB 1332. Thank you very much, Diane


THIS BILL IS URGENT RIGHT NOW:

BILL SUMMARY

1st Session of the 52nd Legislature

Bill No.: HB 1332

Version: As Introduced

Author: Representative Denney

Date: February 10, 2009

Impact: $441,050 annually in salary and travel expenses, 6.5 FTEs

Bill Summary

Research Analyst: Arnella Karges

The introduced version of HB1332, to be known as the Oklahoma Pet Quality Assurance and Protection Act, directs the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to license and regulate individuals, shelters, or businesses that acquire or sell domestic dogs and cats within the state of Oklahoma. The act also prohibits licenses to be issued to those who have held or applied for a USDA kennel license and had such license or application denied due to improper care of animals. The proposed new law requires that a person or enterprise must first obtain a Quality Assurance License from the Department to purchase, sell, or transfer animals, with an exception for municipal shelters. The Department is authorized to create rules consistent with current USDA standards governing the housing and care of animals, management of dealer/breeder facilities, and the maintenance of records. The Department is also required to train and certify personnel to enforce the Act through regular inspections, focusing training on state and federal laws and identifying possible animal abuse.

Peace or animal control officers are authorized under the Act to conduct inspections of the locations utilized by individuals or enterprises for the care and housing of animals provided the officers state the purpose of the inspection and present credentials. Officers are authorized to enforce animal cruelty laws during these inspections. All records required by the act shall be considered open records. The State Board of Agriculture is authorized to create penalties for violations of the act, in addition to civil penalties from $50 to $2,500. Section 7 of the Act creates the Pet Quality Assurance Enforcement Fund consisting of all the fees, fines, penalties and goods received or collected under the act for the purpose of issuing licenses, investigations, breeder and consumer education and responsible ownership.

The Department may refuse to grant or renew, or may suspend or revoke, a quality assurance license in cases of fraud, criminal history related to animal abuse, refusal to allow inspections of property and animals and for violations of the Act. Licensees may have animals in their possession seized and impounded when a license is denied, suspended or revoked and the health of the animals is endangered.

All quality assurance animals must comply with breeding regulations to be sold. Quality Assurance animals must have health records and a microchip implanted for identification purposes. All quality assurance licensees must have a bill of sale for animals transported or purchased



Fiscal Summary

Fiscal Analyst: Mark Nichols

HB 1332, as introduced, creates the Oklahoma Pet Quality Assurance and Protection Act. The act requires anyone who would sell more than 25 animals to obtain a quality assurance license from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. ODAFF is required to inspect facilities before issuing such license, and is allowed to establish fees for the purposes of implementing this act. ODAFF is also tasked with creating rules to enforce the provisions of this act. The measure also establishes at the State Treasurer’s office the Pet Quality Assurance Enforcement Fund. The purpose of the fund is to pay for expenses incurred by ODAFF as related to the provisions of this act.

Fiscal Analysis

Officials at ODAFF estimate that it will take 6.5 FTEs to successfully implement the program. The breakdown of employees is:

5 field staff salary and benefits: $236,250

Vet administrator salary and benefits: $78,300

One half of an admin asst salary and benefits: $23,000

Travel expense for field and office staff: $35,000

5 vehicles: $68,500

Total: $441,050

The measure also allows ODAFF to levy a fee on each applicant. The amount of the fee will vary based on the number of pets, and could range from $25 to $500 and would be placed in the Pet Quality Assurance Enforcement Fund and would potentially offset some of the costs involved in the enforcement of the act.

Long Term Fiscal Considerations
None

Fiscal Analysis Reviewed by:
House Fiscal Director