Barbara J. Andrews © TheDogPress  07|01|09 - Paul Revere’s warning to the colonists was enabled by a handful of  valiant Americans. Were it not for their dedication to freedom, there would have been no famous ride - and no United States. Over two centuries later, citizens have instant communication, yet we only shout at each other…

Incredibly, most dog owners don’t realize that we have lost the Right to pursue happiness with whatever breed we choose. We no longer have an inalienable Right to eat meat, wear fur, and keep animals for the emotional benefits they provide.

In the last ten years, business owners have been stripped of their Right to set policy in their own establishments and in many cities, citizens have lost the Right to smoke in their own homes! If a survivor of Tiananmen Square had been told that the Land of The Free and The Brave would tolerate such extraordinary loss of personal freedom, he would have scoffed. Conversely, had he told your grandparents that his government controls how many children he can have, they would have thought it was a crude joke.

Remember Einstein’s Theory of Relativity? Well here’s another theory; it’s called Political Relativity and it applies to our right to keep and breed dogs or any other animal. The really cognizant reader is already extrapolating my theory. It’s a subject best dealt with in another format but let me give you a simple analogy that relates to the “animal rights” legislation sweeping America.

We had not reached our second century of hard-fought freedom before moonshiners were hunted down and arrested so the government could protect us by regulating the safety of alcohol. Man has made intoxicating brews since he first learned to make fire but in the blink of an eye, the legislature decided what we can drink, and what it will cost. Political Relativity isn’t a theory. It works. It is not alcohol that’s controlled, it is the citizenry - forced to pay more Federal Tax on alcohol than it costs to make, bottle and transport it.

The moonshiners didn’t see it coming but today we can see the Political Relativity. We’re lucky. We have time to fight for the Freedom to make (breed) quality purebred dogs so that the government and animal rightists (1) can’t legislate it away to puppy mills! (2)  If you agree, here’s how to unite.

A: GET A NAME that has a pronounceable, easy to remember acronym. In order to be heard, dog breeders must unite with other hobby breeder groups whether they breed horses, cats, or bunny rabbits! The United Breeders of America aka TUBA has a nice sound. The TUBA sets the pace because it is the biggest voice in a marching band! Oompah, oompah, oompah!  We need a band!

B: UNITE and COORDINATE. Stop duplication and the waste of volunteered time. TUBA leaders must be actively involved in lobbying and campaigning. Delegates can be chosen from Legislative groups that submit a one page document enumerating bills defeated and funds spent per bill. That will eliminate many legislative groups but TUBA’s board should welcome all groups as members and help them become better organized, funded and successful.

C: PRIORITIES must be decided and assigned. Some groups already maintain lists of proposed and pending state legislation but voters need a Voter’s List of the politicians, associations, or PACs that sponsored, supported, or voted for adverse animal-related legislation. Only then can we insure a congress and senate that will protect our freedom at both the state and federal level.

Now we’re getting somewhere.  TUBA should appoint Regional Delegates to organize the following:

Pet Rallies to gain and mobilize voters. Quit preaching to the converted! Hold pet owner rallies in taxpayer-funded parks, fairgrounds, and athletic fields. Shopping centers and Malls love crowds so get permission to draw them in! Do Obedience, Tricks, Agility demonstrations, anything to attract a crowd. Serve lemonade and give pony rides for donations. Give out an information pamphlet with a website and a key person to contact. If you don’t provide a phone number or email address, the animal rightists have already beaten you. Admit it and either join another group or decide that you are an American with the same rights as “them” and stand up for what you believe in.

Political Rallies and Tea Parties. Take your dog, parrot, or a really “cool cat” because regardless of your political affiliations, that’s where you meet people who know nothing about “animal rights” but they are interested in politics and will be attracted by your pet. And what better place to meet legislators in a friendly situation? Tell them about TUBA and that all animal owners are dedicated to this cause. Explain that your group would like to know that they will legislatively support pet owner and breeder rights. Ask if they oppose fiscal waste and more legislation instead of enforcing existing animal cruelty and welfare laws… all of which translates to solid support and VOTES in the next election. Give them your hand-out pamphlet and ask them to contact you.

Split assignments. Send one team to the flea market, armed with handouts and a well behaved pet. Send another to the lake or the beach. Split up between a skate board park, softball or high school basketball game; places where there are youngsters. An unusual pet draws kids like a magnet, and kids bring their parents – potential members who vote!

Local Elections. Send reminders and Voter Lists with the candidates’ records so people can take it with them to the polls. If citizens don’t know how each candidate voted, how can they vote effectively? Offer transportation when needed. People have to be motivated to go to the polls. If you haven’t given pet owners and tax payers a reason to go, join another marching band!

All states have a Pet Law list. Some work, some don’t. Some states have several “legislative groups” but that’s ineffective. It siphons funds and volunteers away from each group. If The United Breeders Of America brought together an average of 200 activated members per state, that’s 10,000 people marching for their rights. If every member donated $100 or more for start-up expenses, that buys TUBA groups millions of dollars in press and pamphlets! Factor in donations and TUBA has accountable funding, nationwide leadership, and a truly united legislative purpose.  The TUBA band has main street's attention and support.

Like the doctor who watched for the lantern signal and the stableman who saddled Paul Revere’s horse, we must give up individual glory and ego and come together for the common good. Sound familiar? It should, it’s what made America free!

Dog breeders need to get organized or get another hobby! I don’t know about you but I’d rather join the TUBA marching band. Can’t you hear the oompah, oompah, oompah, the drumbeat, and the clear sweet call of a bugle? You betcha!

Barbara J. Andrews, Editor