The following post was submitted for publication and expresses the views and concerns of an Equine Newsline member.  The Equine Newsline is a way of sharing news, opinions and concerns of the public related to the equine industry for the purpose of sharing information only. Posts included in the Equine Newsline does not necessarily reflect support, shared opinions or views by the University of Arkansas, the D.E. King Equine Program nor any persons related to those entities.

Last week our Freedom to Farm Act HB1046 was voted a "Do Pass" out of the House Ag Committee in Little Rock. It was proving to get a lot of support among the Representatives and it was expected to be voted through the House with no problems. Late last night there were some new developments.

Due to a mis-guided lawyer, certain animal rights elements in Arkansas are hammering Rep. Ragland and other Reps who are supporting our Freedom To Farm Act HB1046. They were told by this lawyer that our bill will allow puppy mills. The bill specifically names the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and the NAIS does NOT include dogs, cats, etc. so it does NOT legalize puppy mills. It does define animals, and dogs and cats would be in that definition as they are indeed, animals. But the bill concerns those species listed by the USDA for the NAIS. Elephants are animals, but the Freedom to Farm Act HB1046 does not allow you to own them just because they are "animals".

We are being told that PETA has now jumped into this to oppose our bill. PETA has supported NAIS from the beginning so we know why they oppose our bill.

The representatives who are standing up for the Freedom to Farm Act are BEGGING those who support it to CALL their representatives immediately to counteract these other entities. Please let your friends, neighbors, etc. also know. The bill is due to be voted on in the House on Wednesday, Feb. 11. WE DO NOT HAVE MUCH TIME!

If you want to keep your llamas, birds, horses, cattle, goats, etc., PLEASE help us save our bill!

Find your representative's contact info here:

http://www.arkansas.gov/house 

THIS IS SERIOUS AND CRITICAL. Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Submitted by Anita Messenger http://arkansasanimalproducers.8k.com