Local and State Legislation News |
| We need to FAX and CALL now more than ever to keep Breed
Specific language out of SB411!! Here is a sample letter and the link
to your Texas Senator (send to your Senator, not Representative): http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/Members.htm#FYI
Hon. Senator__________________ RE: Opposed to SB 411/HB1355 as Written & Opposed to the Addition of Any Breed Specific Language Dear Senator_____________ I am not for singling out any breeds for the laws of Texas. I am for the laws of Texas applying equally to all breeds of dogs and all dog owners. I am opposed to any addition of Breed Specific language in SB411 that targets certain breeds of dogs. The Legislative Intent is stated by the bill's original author and is not intended to contain Breed Specific language: HB 1355 (SB411) Statement of Legislative Intent (April 25, 2007) Rep. Rodriguez This bill doesn't specify any breed of dog? Rep. Gattis It does not and that's one of the things we wanted to make sure we didn't do. I will tell you, 99% of the time, we know what breeds of dogs this is typically going to be. But any dog treated in the wrong way, could become a very dangerous animal. This bill is to hold those unresponsible pet owners responsible. Rep. Rodriguez: And that's a good idea. One last question though Dan. If you have a city--and I know there are other cities around the country that have this--banning certain breeds of animals or defining them as dangerous. Would this supersede any ordinance that a city might have? Rep. Gattis: It does not and in fact in our current law a city or county can have a dog declared dangerous. We do not change that in any way. Our law in the State of Texas, though, does not allow a city to go do a breed-specific declaration and this doesn't change that either. I respectfully urge you to keep any Breed Specific language out of our Texas Laws. Thank you. Your constituent, --------------------------------- |