Action Alert; More trouble in Mass

     Well, it seems that our representatives here in Massachusetts really do, once again, think they know more about everything and anything than their constituents. Back in March of 2013, you may remember a post I put up about a bill that was introduced which tried to limit how dogs are housed, and imposed a curfew on outdoor dogs.

http://allseasonsoutdoors.blogspot.com/2012/03/action-alert-mass-ct-trouble.html

     This time a bill has been introduced which would mandate that anyone who wishes to breed a dog or cat in Massachusetts must be licensed, their home inspected to insure it is adequate for whelping, and restricted to 1 liter per animal per year. It also makes it a violation to transfer a dog or cat to another owner, whether for sale or just given away, without said license, as well as forbidding the breeding of their arbitrarily selected "dangerous breeds. This bill makes it a misdemeanor for those who don't comply, and naturally prescribes penalties; not less than $500 per animal and up to 90 days incarceration. The bill was introduced by Senator Mark C. Montigny. 

     As a sporting dog owner, who regularly campaigns in hunt test and trial, and plans to breed I see a big problem with this bill. First of all, what does the state of Massachusetts know about sporting spaniels, and their breeding? Or any dog for that matter? And the inspection? The bill doesn't set any standards of acceptable whelping and raising space, so the decision will be arbitrarily made by the animal control officer conducting the inspection. As for the animal control officers, well, qualifications may vary by community, but I can tell you that around here they are selected for that coveted city job by who they know. Not the kind of authority I want inspecting my home (not that I want any authority inspecting my home). I also disagree with the "dangerous dog" section. Sure, there are some breeds that have a predisposition to be "sharp", but anyone who has been to a dog show can tell you that there is nothing "sharp" about the "dangerous breeds" being shown. This section is grossly unfair to those show dog enthusiasts in Mass that happen to be involved with breeds on the list. In fact, it's contrary to common sense; we want those people breeding those dogs. They're in the game, and understand the responsibility of breeding responsibly. One also must wonder how long it will be until a sporting breed makes the "list". A lot of people have been bitten by Golden Retrieves of late, and some lines of German dogs are known to be "sharp". 

     So, if you are a Massachusetts sportsman it's time to take action. Take the time to pick up the phone, or compose an e-mail, and let the appropriate senators know of your disapproval of this kind of misguided, uneducated over-reach. You can find your legislators here.

     Here is a link to an alert by The Sportsmen's Alliance on the same issue. http://www.sportsmensalliance.org/news/alert-massachusetts-senate-bill-targets-all-dog-breeders-and-sellers/ 

    Also, I would like to thank the Facebook page administrator, Brice, at Patriot Sporting Spaniel Club for alerting me, and many other, by both posting this on the Facebook page, and bringing it up yesterday at the club meeting.

Mass Waterfowl Regs & Dates

      If you live or hunt in Massachusetts you've no doubt noticed that the Mass Wildlife web site has changed considerably. In fact, it's just plain confusing. I've had a hard time navigating the site, and finding the info I need. In Particular, it took some effort to find the waterfowl/ migratory bird season dates, and regulations. Well, now that I've found it I thought I'd link it here in case others are having difficulty finding it.

Mass Wildlife Migratory Bird Regulations 2013-14

     And seeing as it's a waterfowl kind of a day, how about a few pics of ASO pro staffer Sterling's recent Texas Teal hunt.

 

Action Alert; Mass & Ct Trouble

     Okay, Sportsmen. It's time to make some noise. It has come to my attention that there is trouble brewing in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. It's time to pick up the phone, and write some well crafted letters to the powers that be.

     We'll start in Conecticut. The governor there has decide that in an effort to close a budget gap that he would end the states pheasant stocking program. This is a problem in so many ways. First, pheasant hunting is a great tradition. Many sportsman list pheasant as their number one pursuit in the outdoors. As the state has failed to find ways to manage the wild pheasant population, ending the stocking program would end pheasant hunting in the state. Pheasant hunting is also a great way to start out a newbie or a youngster, and with hunting license sales generally dropping across the country we need a venue like tis to keep the hunting tradition alive. But I think the most disturbing thing about the attack on the stocking program is the fact that it won't really do anything to help with the budget trouble. Pheasant stocking programs are paid for by the hunters. The sale of hunting licenses are where the stocking money comes from.

Here's a link to an article about the trouble in Conecticut. Pheasant Trouble

     On to Mass. A dog loving rep has seen fit to file a bill that would change the way we care for our dogs. Apparently Rep. Cheryl A. Coakley-Rivera thinks owning a couple of mutts makes her more knowledgeable about dog care than the rest of us. She has filed a bill that would limit how you confine your dog. The bill goes so far as to say that a kennel must meet the approval of a building inspector. And get this, dogs will no longer be allowed to be kenneled outdoors between the hours of 11pm, and 7am. The language in this bill makes me sick. The good rep has obviously never visited a kennel of working dog, met or talked to any of the mushers in the community, nor have any understanding of the different breeds.

Here's a link to the bill. Bill H.2809

Yup. It's time to make some noise