Defeating AR Legislation like AB 241 isn't achieved by talking about what “should” be done.  PetPac has professional lobbying leadership and members who go to the capitol and buttonhole political leaders - just like HSUS. 

What is it that thwarts the HSUS / Animal Rightists' legislative plan to end all ownership and breeding of animals?  Dog legislation groups are comprised of volunteers, most of whom lead busy lives and have no prior experience in legislative lobbying.  Most dog people only see "politics" through their local dog club and unfortunately, that is not always a good example of selfless dedication and organization.

In the real world, there are people who put the overall benefit to dogs first.  Successful dog legislative groups know it isn't a party or pass-time, it is a second job!  It means learning new skills and seeing politics through a new prism.  Spend some time at http://www.petpac.net but for now, here's inspiration for all the legislative groups who work to defeat the deeply entrenched HSUS organization.  Despite the HSUS' announced legislative goals for 2009 and a $100 million bankroll, it failed in California. 

From Bill Hemby, July 14, 2009, to those tracking AB 241:

Never say never.  Never give up.  If we keep on pushing, we will win.  

There wasn't a chance in hell that AB 241, the 50 dog cap supported by HSUS, could be stopped in the Senate Public Safety Committee today, but it was!  

The arguments we put forth were finally listened to.  The lesson is this;  if you keep on trying, and don't get discouraged, you can always win the day. Even if we lose, lose, lose.  Even when the other side is shoving our face in it, we keep coming back until we win.

 Killing AB 241 for this year is a monumental win.  With all their heavy hitters, the HSUS, the California Peace Officers Association, the Police Chiefs Association, The L.A. District Attorneys office, and other animal rights groups they just couldn't pull it off.  They were stunned by this loss.  I thought Judy Mancuso from Social Compassion would melt.  She just couldn't contain herself. Had to run up to the mic, pull it away from one of her minions and spout off all kinds of untruths.  It didn't work.  

How can the HSUS lose?   Well folks they can, and we can beat them.  This ought to be a beacon of hope to all of us in other states facing similar threats from HSUS and their ilk.

What we did, was not get caught up in the debate over the number 50.  Put in their prospective, 50 sounds very reasonable. God! I even heard from many within the dog world saying "Well, who would want to have more than fifty dogs?"  "We need to stop the puppy mills."

Editor - commit the next paragraph to memory; rationale, talking points, and irrefutable LOGIC! 

'And the answer is:  What does this have to do with the arbitrary number 50?  Nothing.  Whether you have 10 or 200, conditions can be terrible or excellent.  That is why I testified AB 241 was a exercise in smoke and mirrors. There are a plethora of anti-cruelty laws on the books. Local cities already have limit laws. How can you enforce this law?  How can you tell a spayed bitch from one in her natural state without an expensive ultra sound?  Most puppy farms are controlled by the federal department of agriculture. They could only identify 5 puppy farms in California .  Not one of them failed a Dept. of Agriculture Inspection.  Is the state willing to preempt the field, and cover the $$$millions it would cost each year?

 Fifty dogs and cats is not and never has been the issue. The issue is allowing HSUS and animal rights wackos' to set the bar. Once that bar is set, then it is continuously lowered until you just step over.  When pressed, HSUS spokesperson couldn't justify the number 50.

 While we have been able to generate tons of opposition against MSN, the 50 dog cap was hardly opposed.  For those that did, I congratulate you!  For those who showed up to testify, I salute you!  

Bill Hemby
PetPAC

Update:  “Senate Pro tempore, Darrell Steinberg, waived the Senate Rules today, and called a special meeting of the Senate Public Safety Committee for a vote only on AB 241.  Republicans on the committee boycotted the hearing, as did Senator Rod Wright D- L.A. who had voted No on AB 241.  AB 241 was passed on a partisan vote 4-0. It now moves on to Senate Appropriations, or if they can jury-rig it again, directly to the Senate floor.”