Tomorrow, January 31, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is scheduled to meet in hearing room 103 at 9:00 a.m. to take testimony on a measure to give domesticated and wild animals the legal rights and privileges of humans. Within Senate Bill 164 is a new section allowing the creation of private contracts between animal owners and “guardians” to preserve the rights of animals as if they were humans.
Animal rights extremists are using “feel-good” terminology like “guardian” to make animal owners think this is a good bill. In fact, this proposal reduces the legal rights of an animal and can be a detriment to its health and well-being.
Sportsmen must take legislation like this serious, as animal rights extremists are trying to suggest this is only “voluntary,” but this is to pull a bait-and-switch so this extreme theory is on the books. The Sportsmen’s Alliance has seen this tactic used many times, and we know they will just come back year after year to broaden the language to completely wipe out hunting with dogs and increase burdensome requirements on caring for pets.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance is not the only organization opposed to SB 164, both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have detailed information on why they are opposed to guardianships for animals. As highly respected organizations working to protect animals, their opposition to guardianship should be taken seriously.
Please use our take action button below to contact the members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and urge them to oppose SB 164.
Do not forget to forward this important email to your family, friends, and fellow sportsmen and urge them to do the same.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.