If you live in Virginia, please ask your reps to vote for the Humane
Education Bill. We need this bill so children can learn how to provide
for
their pets' care and treat them humanely. This type information can be
used even by the hunters and their kids.
Delegate Frank Hargrove
General Assembly Bldg.
Richmond, Va.
Dear Delegate Hargrove:
I am horrified at and can't believe the extreme opposition being made
against all legislation in the General Assembly relating to the welfare of
animals in this state by the Virginia Hunting Dogs Association. This
legislation is vitally needed to help the animals in this state and to
reduce overpopulation of pets, WHICH IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IN MANY AREAS OF
THIS STATE.
For this organization to insinuate we are trying to get our foot in the
door to stop hunting is utterly ridiculous, unwarranted and totally
unjustified. We have been fighting for this type of legislation for years
with only the animals in mind. I have never heard in any animal welfare
alert or information put out by our groups this is being done to stop
hunting.
I know for a fact how many hunters abuse their animals, abandoning
them, barely feeding them correctly. My mother raised English and Irish
setters decades ago and sold a few to hunters. When she found out how they
treated the dogs she sold them to she stopped selling to hunters.
Are these most uncompassionate individuals worried they will have to
pay more to keep their animals well and regulated and too lazy to
implement the proposed regulations? Knowing the facts about hunting, I am
afraid they are.
Why are they afraid we will get our foot in the door? Why are they
afraid the students will learn the truth about hunting and kind treatment
of animals? This seems like evolution vs creationism. The evolutionists
are afraid of the truth the way the hunters are afraid of the truth.
Therefore, I urge for the sake of all animals everywhere, whether they
are game species or not, that you disregard the insane opposition to these
very humane and necessary pieces of legislation being raised by the
Virginia Hunting Dog Owners Association.
Most sincerely,
Richard W. Firth
