Readers criticize a City Councilman’s comment and decry the
proposal for a state pet sterilzation bill
Councilman’s Statement Causes a Reader to Wonder Aloud About Local Leaders
Dear Editor,
In regards to the article in Thursday’s paper entitled “Barks Could Bite Pocketbook” from the page A6 continuation, the quote under City Councilman Russ Valiquette’s photo is ridiculous – verging on making no sense at all.
It is clear now how our government works even in our small city. I hope it was a misprint but I doubt it.
Jacqui Holladay, Gilroy
Pet Sterilization Bill Will Unneccesarily Punish Responsible Dog Breeders
Dear Editor,
Let the pet sterilization debate begin. You got the debate into the public eye now lets share some of the nitty gritty facts.
Here is a web site, for anyone who wants to read the entire bill – www.leginfo.ca.gov and it’s AB 1634.
This is the section that has the American Kennel Club and owners of purebred dogs the most concerned.
Having just purchased a show dog it has me very concerned, especially section 9(b).
(7) The owner furnishes the director of animal control services with a signed statement agreeing to the following conditions:
(A) Offspring of the unaltered animal may not be sold and may be adopted without a fee only after they reach eight weeks of age.
(B) Records will be kept documenting how many offspring were produced and who adopted them.
(8) The dog for whom the unaltered animal certification is sought is currently licensed pursuant to local requirements.
(9) The owner has considered having the animal microchipped for purposes of identification.
(b) The owner shall maintain records documenting how many offspring were produced or adopted, or both, and shall provide proof that the dog has been spayed or neutered after a single litter. This information shall be made available to an animal control agency upon request.
(c) The amount of the fee for an intact permit issued under this section shall be determined by the local jurisdiction and shall not exceed the cost of administering this section.
One of the purposes of AKC is to insure that the best qualities of a breed are maintained through careful breeding. It is an exceptional venue for responsible breeders. Backyard breeders fly under the radar, this legislation has no hope in controlling these people.
If responsible AKC owners abide by this law what will happen to these high quality dogs and their breeds as a whole – wonderful bloodlines restricted after one litter? Gone are the rights of these owners to perpetuate quality dogs, let alone their rights to continue to strive for further honors in the show ring. Neutered dogs are pets, not competitors.
I have owned several pound puppies and they make great pets. I believe in breeding for the betterment of the breed and bought my last dog after much research. He comes from a long line of champions. His raising and training will be a sizable investment for me. I hope someday he will prove himself an asset to his breed. No one should have the right to make life-changing decisions for me or anyone else.
Nancy Hjelmstad, Gilroy
