Golden Highlights

I own a dog and I vote. Several bills have been introduced in Texas Legislature that attempt to deny me of my rights to own my dog. I support reasonable, enforceable, non-discriminatory laws to govern the ownership of dogs. And I believe that dog owners should be responsible for their dogs. Many of the provisions in pending legislation – including HB 925, HB 1982, HB 2001, , HB 3180 / SB 1910, HB 3380, HB 4277 / SB 1845 – however, are unnecessary and vague. Legislation of this type unreasonably impacts many responsible dog owners. I am AGAINST these specific bills and any bills of a similar nature.

Please do not be swayed by organizations that attempt to distort tragic, yet isolated, dog attacks as justification for overbearing government intervention into my everyday life with regard to how I interact with my dog. These organizations do not support responsible dog breeding; they do not offer dog rescues; they do not host pet owner education courses; they do not offer free veterinarian services. In short, these organizations have nothing to do with pet ownership or my relationship with my dog.

Please keep all Texas dogs and their owners free to enjoy each other’s company. Dogs are used in everyday life in Texas in many ways that these legislative proposals will impact in a negative, if not devastating way, including:

• Companionship at home and office

• Hunting

• Therapy for patients, for children, for veterans, for elderly

• Detection of cancer and seizures in patients

• Bomb and contraband detection • Livestock management

• Search and rescue

• Police assistance

• Personal security

My dog and I enjoy many activities together. Most of all, we enjoy participating in the many events sponsored by the American Kennel Club (and similar events sponsored by local clubs) that permit my dog to demonstrate its natural abilities for which it was originally bred. Please do not limit my ability to enjoy these events or to properly train for these events.

My dog is a pure bred dog from a responsible breeder. Please do not deny my grandchildren of the ability to purchase a similarly bred dog.

The issue before you is not a dangerous dog issue, nor is it a dog breeder issue. It is a dog ownership issue. The bills currently pending are attempts to limit my rights to own my dog. And I am AGAINST all such proposals.

Thank you for your time,

I Own a Dog and I Vote.