From Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM,
Your Guide to Veterinary Medicine.
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I'm late endorsing the proposed PAWS legislation, first because I don't think it goes far enough, second because I've been lied to before (Puppy Protection Act) and disappointed before (the campaign for a federal humane euthanasia law; see my signature). But when those timid and staid bodies who always err on the side of cautiousness and image, AKC and AVMA ENDORSE it, then it can only benefit the sorry state of animal welfare in this country.

Still currently the best summation I've found about PAWS is from the Humane Society of the United States. (Please don't respond with their alleged lack of response to "Katrina" - not only is that "apples and oranges," there was a lot of hearsay and bashing going on that proved to be unfounded against that organization and some others. HSUS rescued more animals than any other org. - over 8,200 - reunited more owners with their pets than any other org. - over 800 - and raised more money than any other group - over $18 million. Once again, state and local governments failed all living creatures leaving non-profits' and volunteers' efforts hampered and open to unwarranted criticism.)

For an excellent overview of PAWS, see:

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/paws.html

See the "Take Action!" box on the right side of the page; you don't even have to pick up the phone or send an individual e-mail to your federal legislators. Simply complete the form and add your individual comments to the sample letter provided. You can reach your legislators directly from:

https://community.hsus.org/campaign/2005_PAWS2

Also on the main page is a "Learn More" section that includes:

"Read a Legal Analysis of Why PAWS Will Not Affect Rescue Groups" and "Further Analysis on Why Rescue Groups Are Exempt From PAWS" (both are PDF files and require Adobe Acrobat Reader which is a free download).

They should go a long way toward dispelling some of the untruths circulating on even animal rescue-related lists, undoubtedly fueled by misinformation disseminated by the most unsavory sort of breeders.

PAWS is not "perfect" and there will always be those who profit from animals who will find a way around any attempt to regulate them, but in the face of apathy toward animal welfare in this country and lack of governmental protection of animals, this is all we can hope for at present.

Please pass on this info regarding PAWS to your address book and lists.

Thanks for participating.

Jim Willis/The Tiergarten Sanctuary Trust
(author of "How Could You?", etc.)
http://www.crean.com/jimwillis
(Founder of the "Killing with Kindness" campaign)
For information about the campaign for a federal humane euthanasia law, see:
http://www.crean.com/kindness
How is your tax-funded authority killing animals?

For more Jim Willis writings, please see The Viewer Viewpoint