Dialogue for Texas Legislators

RPOA Texas Outreach
And
Responsible Pet Owners Alliance

Sponsor

“Responsible Pet Owners Alliance Lobby Day”
Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Suggested Dialogue with Texas Legislators
if you need it!

1. Introduce yourself, tell a little about your special animal interest.  You won’t have much time, probably15-30 minutes at most.

2. Tell them that HSUS, Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), PETA and ASPCA do not represent you. 

3. Ask the legislator or aide with whom you are meeting:  “Do you own a pet?”  Focus on their pet a little if they have one. 

4. Ask if they are aware of the difference between Animal “Rights” and Animal “Welfare.”  Explain the differences briefly and leave them the RPOA flyer on Animal Welfare vs Animal Rights, which will be in their packet.

5. Tell them that HB 1451, the misnamed “Puppy Mill” Bill, is an HSUS agenda to stop all breeding, sales and ownership of pets -- not only in Texas, but all states.  We call it the “Pet Elimination Bill.”  The words “commercial” and “puppy mill” are not even in the bill.  HB 1451 was written to eliminate dog and cat breeders, not regulate them.  We’ll have a special flyer covering RPOA’s proposed Commercial Dog & Cat Breeder Bill and comparing it to sections in HB 1451.  We’re the “reasonable” voice regarding animals in Texas.

6. Point out the economic impact of pet ownership.  No Breeding = No Pets, No Sales, No Vets, No Pet Supplies and how that would be a major blow to our Texas economy, besides the loss of the human/animal bond.  In these stressful times our pets mean more to us than ever before.

7. If you are new to politics, tell them so and why you are here now.  We’ll provide you with a packet including all the information you’ll need.  Be sure to note which bills are House Bills or Senate Bills for the meeting with your representative or senator.  Don’t get them confused!

8. Tell them that there’ll be no purebred dogs or cats in 10 years if laws mandating spay/neuter and no breeding are passed.

9. Thank them for their time and ask that they oppose any Anti-Pet Bills sponsored by Humane Society of the United States, Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), ASPCA and other “animal rights” groups.  Tell them to contact Responsible Pet Owners Alliance of Texas if they ever need our expertise.  We’re the experts with animal issues – not the fanatical “animal rights” activists.