Will Texas law make dogs “invasive species?”
Roaming dogs and cats could be considered “invasive species” under the wording of a bill now being considered by the Texas legislature
The bill, SB 691, is intended to control, prevent and eradicate “invasive species” that threaten the economy, the environment or human health. But the language of the bill is so vague that dogs and cats could fall under it, leading to them being impounded or killed, according to the Texas Humane Legislation Network.
While the bill makes clear that livestock are exempted, it does not exempt dogs and cats.
The bill is now before the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs. THLN is urging citizens to contact committee members, requesting that dogs and cats be exempted from the law. To learn how to do that keep reading.
The members if the committee are:
(Chair) Craig Estes (craig.estates@senate.state.tx.us) 512-463-0130/463-8874
(Vice chair) Carlos Uresti (carlos.uresti@senate.state.tx.us) 512-463-0119/463-1017
Juan Hinojosa (juan.hinojosa@senate.state.tx.us) 512463-0120/463-0229
Mike Jackson (mike.jackson@senate.state.tx.us) 512-463-0111/475-3727
Glenn Hegar (glenn.hegar@senate.state.tx.us) 512-463-0118/475-3736
Hegar is the bill’s sponsor.
Posted by jwoestendiek April 22nd, 2009 under Muttsblog.
Tags: agriculture, alert, bill, cats, dogs, eradicate, invasive species, law, legislature, livestock, rural affairs, sb 691, senate committee, texas, texas humane legislation network, wording
