Legislative Alerts Know the issues Protect your rights as a responsible owner

You should not examine legislation in the light of the benefits it will convey if properly administered, but in the light of the wrongs it would do and the harm it would cause if improperly administered. Lyndon Johnson, 36th President of the U.S. "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!" - Benjamin Franklin

The "Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005" (PAWS) Senate Bill 1139/House Bill 2669 - May 2005 The Pet Animal Welfare Statute (PAWS) was introduced to amend the federal Animal Welfare Act. The AWA currently regulates large-scale commercial breeders who sell pets at wholesale. PAWS would have dramatically changed the concept of the AWA as established by Congress, requiring federal licensing and inspection of the private homes of many hobby breeders. Presently no federal license is required to breed cats and dogs in a private residence and sell retail to the public. PAWS would change that for many in the cat and dog fancy. PAWS would require in-home breeders that fall within the number limits being established in the bill to follow AWA standards. These standards are written for commercial establishments and not in-home facilities. Compliance with commercial regulations would be difficult if not impossible for rescue and small, private cat and dog hobby breeders. Below are editorials, letters, and selected position statements developed by PAWS opponents and a list of animal organizations nationwide that stated their opposition in letters sent to congressional leaders. Is PAWS Justified? Examing the Claims by Cindy Cooke. from the Spaniel Journal Congressional letter from the American Rabbit Breeders Association Updates From the Animal Council - PAWS August 13, 2005 Organization of Pro Aviculturists, Inc. PAWS Alert Information for Cat Breeders, Fanciers and Rescuers from Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) PAWS Commentary and Language Analysis from MoFed National Animal Interest Alliance Position Statement on PAWS What is PAWS and Why Should I Care. Walt Hutchens, July 1, 2005, Content Canine NCRAOA FAQ on Pet Animal Welfare Statute (PAWS) PAWS - what it means to rabbit and cavy breeders. The International Cat Association (TICA) opposition letter NO PAWS! What is PAWS really about North Carolina Sportsman Magazine. A large, anti-PAWS mailing was sent to the Senate Agriculture Committee and others in Washington. The mailing was a joint effort by SAOVA, DFOW and NCRAOA. Contents of the mailing are listed in the cover letter. The Analysis by Jeff Helsdon Rebuttal to Senator Santorum's Statement to Congress Thoughts About PAWS, Ann Billington Living with USDA Licensing Salisbury Post: Letter to the Editor December 2005 NCRAOA Editorial - PAWS Hearing and the Birth of PAWS II Senator Rick Santorum held his one-sided hearing for PAWS on November 8th. Only PAWS supporters were permitted to speak, ten of eleven subcommittee members didn't make an appearance and the staff interfered with bill opponents' efforts to tell their story to the press covering the hearing. Our Roll Call full page advertisement was the talk of the Capitol Hill. Rick Santorum alluded to it in his opening statement and AKC personnel were visibly upset. The very talented Nick Van Duren drew two special illustrations for our use and the gagged animals magnificently made our point regarding the closed hearing. Thank you to the many financial donors who made insertion in the ~30,000 circulation Capitol Hill political newspaper Roll Call possible. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in a joint effort representing several animal groups also placed a Roll Call ad on the morning of the hearing. We extend our thanks to all who contributed to make certain our voice was heard loud and clear on the Hill that day. SAOVA/DFOW/NCRAOA statement for the November 8th subcommittee hearing NCRAOA opposition statement for the November 8th subcommittee hearing List of PAWS Opponents