There Is Hope

By Bill Clanton

It is impossible not to notice how more and more people are winning their personal battles with legislation.  There once was a time when two opposing parties could settle their differences by talking and compromising.  Now though, it seems that the opposing side doesn’t even get their turn at the podium before some town council is voting into law some new ordinance that is stripping us of our freedoms.  Pet owners everywhere are facing these battles everyday.

Take for example the recent issues in Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, New Mexico, and Colorado to name a few.  Why should the responsible pet owner be punished for the acts of the irresponsible pet owner?  There are a few things that I will make clear; I am not against spay or neutering your pet, I am not against micro-chipping your pet, and I am not against due punishment for irresponsible pet ownership.  However, when such items are forced upon us it makes me wonder if I am still in America.  Also, when it becomes more and more difficult or expensive to own a pet where will that leave us?  Will we suddenly not have pets any longer?  Well if too many so called Animal Rights groups get their way, that is exactly what will happen.

Now throughout our American history there is one thing that has, on occasion, over powered legislation and politics.  Money!  The same evil tool that has made many politicians pass laws against pet owners can be used for pet owners.  It is one angle that nobody seems to mention.  There is a large voice that has yet to speak up.  If we suddenly see a decline in the number of pet owners due to breed specific laws and illogical town ordinances, we would also see a decline in the amount of spending on pet products and services.  Do you think that, with a pet industry that grossed over 38 billion dollars in 2006, these companies are going to sit quietly by as their profits are legislated away by some short sighted town council?  No, I don’t think they will.

Animal Rights organizations may have some pretty deep pockets, but are they ready to take on the “Big Dogs”?  I don’t necessarily endorse every pet product that hits the market, but that’s not the point.  My point is that businesses big or small are what make America what it is.  Additionally the right to own a pet is no different than the right to have children.  Pets these days are receiving better treatment and pampering than ever before and have become family members.  In fact I have seen many cases where the pet receives better treatment than the children.  So where does the problem lie? 

In closing I ask any business owner that may be reading this, to take notice of the things that are happening around this country.  Your prime customers are under attack and they need you just as much as you need them.  In the mean time the rest of us will continue to, not only speak the example, but also show the example of responsible pet parenting.  While at the same time speak out against this overwhelming Anti-American Legislation that is sweeping our country.