Comments on: California veterinary association pulls support for mandatory spay-neuter bill

By: Liz Goggins

Liz Goggins — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:02:46 +0000

Some quick comments about the the US Virgin Islands program which sends dogs to the states. The program is called “Pets from Paradise and is run by the St. Croix Humane Society.” They are not dumping dogs; the dogs being sent to the states are small dogs requested by shelters because many stateside people are looking for smaller dogs which are not so readily available. All the dogs which are sent have been spayed or neutered. The shelters on St. Croix and St. Thomas - St. John are doing an excellant job promoting spay/neuter programs however there is a resistance among some local people and especially people from down island to have it done.

By: Jordan Fisher

Jordan Fisher — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 21:46:06 +0000

First of all, I live on a sailboat going from island to island in the Caribbean. Did you know that in the US Virgin Islands, there is a program that asks those flying back to the States to contact the local USVI SPCA who will provide a homeless dog, and pay its airfare if one is willing to take the animal back. Like we need more homeless dogs in the States? The weird part is that they do not spay or neuter in the islands that much. The USVI is not the only place that is trying to get rid of unwanted dogs in this manner. Check the BVIs, Martinique, and others. Maybe this needs to be looked into.

By: cheryl

cheryl — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 17:00:25 +0000

I wonder if Mancuso had children? Or did she get fixed? We really don’t need any more of her ‘breed’ overpopulating the earth. She obviously only has the ability to view things in black and white and therefore felt no need to research her subject before letting her bill and views loose on society.

By: straybaby

straybaby — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 13:29:38 +0000

“So how come I feel like crying?”

that seems to be a common reaction these days if you really look at the fed gov . . . .

By: Andrea 2CatMom

Andrea 2CatMom — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 03:57:50 +0000

Other Pat - About as bad as I thought - and when you think of the mills that don’t even do the minimum, its sickening.

I guess states will have to continue to step up because relying on the Feds for anything from food safety to port and border security to getting your passport renewed in less than 6 months is a joke.

So how come I feel like crying?

By: The OTHER Pat

The OTHER Pat — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 03:51:05 +0000

Andrea 2CatMom: Here’s an interesting series of pages on what the USDA regulations *legally* allow for the space provided for dogs in licenced facilities (and anyone reading this - “licensed” facilities are expressly *permitted* in AB1634):

http://www.kimtownsend.com/csusda.htm

By: Alan Alford

Alan Alford — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 01:06:39 +0000

Bravo to Gina for an absolutely marvelous article…clear, concise, communicative. And bravo to the California Veterinary Association for taking back control of their own organization.

By: The OTHER Pat

The OTHER Pat — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 23:58:49 +0000

Comment by Andrea 2CatMom — July 6, 2007 @ 12:23 pm

“Like the FDA, the USDA seems to be a do nothing agency when it comes to enforcement of already existing laws.”

Yup. I used to post to a board where a number of USDA licensed breeders posted, and they had no end of stories of inspectors who were unpredictable and inconsistent in what they would and would not cite as violations on inspection visits. (Not that it broke my heart to see their lives made more difficult - I just wish the dogs didn’t have to continue to suffer in their cages).

It’s very much like the FDA - underfunded, too few inspectors to really do an effective job, and powerful lobbying forces (JB Hunte - the biggest puppy mafia in the land) getting in the way of any meaningful changes.

But the one current that runs through all of it - the thing to keep in mind - is that this is the United States Department of AGRICULTURE. These animals’ “wellbeing” is being looked after by the same people who decide what constitutes acceptable care for cattle and swine. And that’s the mindset that rules - they see dogs and cats as *livestock*, and that colors EVERYTHING.

By: Andrea 2CatMom

Andrea 2CatMom — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 19:23:47 +0000

I see your point - but when I read about animals living in their own filth, sick animals, dead animals - one would hope that such things wouldn’t be allowed under USDA licensing.

I know, I live in a fantasy world. Like the FDA, the USDA seems to be a do nothing agency when it comes to enforcement of already existing laws.

By: ks dale

ks dale — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:45:39 +0000

What concerns me about his entire issue, is the pressure from breeders against this bill? Could this be an issue more from a financial stance than anything else?

If required to obtain permits for breeding with restrictions, how much of the actual earnings from breeding and selling animals would then have to be reported for Federal taxes? Maybe a bit too much of a problem for some perhaps? I’d like to see the income taxes of some breeders to see how much is being reported presently.