Thursday, February 17, 2005
Dog bill backed
Bill Cochran
Recent mail
BILL: I would like to commend Terry Kilgore, R-Gate City, for introducing HB 2927. Dog breeders should recognize that the bill would not prohibit them from breeding but would require the purchase of a business license for $150. For how long do dog breeders think they can remain exempt from doing what every other business has to do?
According to you: “The measure would require that every dog or cat obtained from a release agency must be fitted with a microchip and sterilized before transfer.”
And why not? Why would shelters choose to become a revolving door for animals? Surely it is a moral responsibility of all shelters to require altering of animals that leave their facilities. Pet stores, too.
While the Virginia Hunting Dog Owner’s Association may be upset with this proposal, one only need to go to the Internet to view all of the unwanted retrievers, coonhounds and pointers--and myriad of mixed thereof--that are waiting for homes but will never leave the shelters alive simply because there are too many.
Virginia taxpayers alone should no longer solely bear the burden of surplus animals when most of them are not involved in breeding. The burden must be shared by those who contribute directly or indirectly to the problem. I believe that responsible dog breeders can and will see the forest for the trees by purchasing a business license.
HB 2927 is a bill whose time has come.
GAIL CLARK
BILL: I am a volunteer Master Hunter Education Instructor for the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and have been for over 11 years. Over my tenure, I have not seen the intensity of attacks against a state agency like the ones printed concerning the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
I have not seen any misappropriation of funds in any program that I have been involved with. I have worked with Mr. Woodfin, Colonel Bradberry, and Major Caison on numerous projects involving hunting and fishing in Virginia. Their focus has always been making the outdoor resources accessible to sportsman and non-sportsman by offering top-notch programs in the areas of wildlife, wildlife diversity, fisheries, boating, boating safety, outreach programs, and hunter education.
I am proud to be a volunteer with an agency that cares about its citizens and wildlife. Even in the face of budget cuts, programs have continued because of the dedicated agency staff and the dedicated army of volunteers.
Mr. Hoffler, Mr. Woodfin, Colonel Bradberry, and Major Caison should be applauded for their foresight to see beyond state lines and reach out to the international community that protects wildlife and promotes the shooting sports.
A few years ago the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries law enforcement division, federal law enforcement, and international law enforcement broke up a smuggling operation involving the illegal trade of Virginia black bear parts to other countries. I see their trip to Africa as opening a door which promotes alliances with International Law Enforcement agencies and shows a willingness to work together on wildlife issues and the shooting sports.
The investigation is still in progress, let it play out. The negative attacks appear to be predacious in nature and are counterproductive in finding positive solutions for all.
MICHAEL D. HOLSON
BILL: I read with great interest your report on the fall turkey kill. I do agree that the turkey numbers are significantly lower than they were in the early '90s, but do you think that the drastic decrease in the kill could be partially blamed on hunter numbers?
I saw a fair amount of turkeys this fall, calling in several for friends and family. My general statement was the hatch of 2004 was better than the last several years.
As many turkeys as I see, I see very few people hunting them in the fall anymore. As turkey-hunting popularity has grown, the focus has definitely been on the spring hunt. I think it is possible that we have fewer and fewer people every year pursuing turkeys in the fall. Most of the “old school” turkey hunters I know were traditionally fall hunters and didn’t even hunt in the spring. These old school turkey hunters are growing older and older and unfortunately the fall hunting tradition is not being passed along like we need for whatever reason.
It cold also be said that due to the terrible hatches we’ve had recently, and the terrible hunting as a result, that people have given up fall turkeys.
I am glad the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries made the decision it did back in 1995, or what shape would our flock be in today?
FREDDY MCGIRE
BILL: I am a grouse hunter and can't believe turkeys were hard to find this past season. I hunted both the George Washington and Jefferson national forests and I saw turkeys or fresh turkey scratchiness every time I was out. Maybe turkey hunters need to hunt further from the road.
ED BRADLEY
