Post by maryellen on Mar 8, 2013 21:09:40 GMT -5
www.wsoctv.com/videos/news/sc-bill-could-impact-animal-shelters-rescue-groups/vsnpq/
www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/sc-bill-could-impact-animal-shelters-rescue-groups/nWkbm/
ROCK HILL, S.C. —
Forces are mobilizing against a bill the some fear could shut down animal shelters and rescue groups across South Carolina.
The house bill requires government oversight of shelters by the Office of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, as well as a medical board of veterinarians.
Under the proposal, a veterinarian would have to check every pet adopted from a shelter before it leaves, or within 72 hours. Nonprofit rescue groups could no longer spend grant money on large-scale spay/neuter clinics for the community. They could only spay and neuter animals in their possession.
The bill also includes several other changes and restrictions.
"This would have a catastrophic effect," said Janet Richardson, who runs Richardson Rescue outside Rock Hill. "I’m here to save dogs, not to answer to all these agencies.”
Richardson rescue has about 100 dogs and cats, and takes in animals from abuse situations, puppy mills and the unwanted. They are animals that otherwise would be euthanized.
Richardson called the bill a “money grab” by some veterinarians who are losing money to low cost spay/neuter clinics around the state.
Rock Hill vet Lorin Lawrence doesn't see it that way.
"I don't think this is a desperate move my veterinarians. I really don't," he said. "It sounds like they've got their heart in the right place," he said.
Lawrence said some business has been lost because people can find less expensive care working with rescues, but it's not a significant amount. Lawrence called rescues very important and said they play a vital role in getting pets adopted. However, he agrees with the part of the legislation that would put more government oversight in place.
"I’ve seen some rescues I would've liked to shut down myself, but I didn't have the authority to do it. I think they should be inspected," he said.
State Rep. Ralph Norman has agreed to fight the bill.
"I spoke with the bill's sponsor and it was veterinarians who are behind this," he told Channel 9 on Thursday afternoon. "This is about money. These rescues, they are doing this because they love animals. To put them out of business with these regulations is wrong. This is a perfect example of government overreach.”
Currently, there is no state licensing for animal rescue groups, and they are not routinely inspected by health or labor officials.
Richardson said she runs her rescue on a tight budget and relies on volunteers to keep the place going. She knows some rescues aren't doing a good job caring for animals but doesn't feel the good should be punished with the bad.
"Not all rescues are created equal. If they have a problem with a rescue, then go after that rescue. Don't go after the whole state of South Carolina," she said.
More than two dozen people spoke out against the bill at a State House committee meeting in Columbia on Wednesday. It's not clear when or if it will come up for a vote.
www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/sc-bill-could-impact-animal-shelters-rescue-groups/nWkbm/
ROCK HILL, S.C. —
Forces are mobilizing against a bill the some fear could shut down animal shelters and rescue groups across South Carolina.
The house bill requires government oversight of shelters by the Office of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, as well as a medical board of veterinarians.
Under the proposal, a veterinarian would have to check every pet adopted from a shelter before it leaves, or within 72 hours. Nonprofit rescue groups could no longer spend grant money on large-scale spay/neuter clinics for the community. They could only spay and neuter animals in their possession.
The bill also includes several other changes and restrictions.
"This would have a catastrophic effect," said Janet Richardson, who runs Richardson Rescue outside Rock Hill. "I’m here to save dogs, not to answer to all these agencies.”
Richardson rescue has about 100 dogs and cats, and takes in animals from abuse situations, puppy mills and the unwanted. They are animals that otherwise would be euthanized.
Richardson called the bill a “money grab” by some veterinarians who are losing money to low cost spay/neuter clinics around the state.
Rock Hill vet Lorin Lawrence doesn't see it that way.
"I don't think this is a desperate move my veterinarians. I really don't," he said. "It sounds like they've got their heart in the right place," he said.
Lawrence said some business has been lost because people can find less expensive care working with rescues, but it's not a significant amount. Lawrence called rescues very important and said they play a vital role in getting pets adopted. However, he agrees with the part of the legislation that would put more government oversight in place.
"I’ve seen some rescues I would've liked to shut down myself, but I didn't have the authority to do it. I think they should be inspected," he said.
State Rep. Ralph Norman has agreed to fight the bill.
"I spoke with the bill's sponsor and it was veterinarians who are behind this," he told Channel 9 on Thursday afternoon. "This is about money. These rescues, they are doing this because they love animals. To put them out of business with these regulations is wrong. This is a perfect example of government overreach.”
Currently, there is no state licensing for animal rescue groups, and they are not routinely inspected by health or labor officials.
Richardson said she runs her rescue on a tight budget and relies on volunteers to keep the place going. She knows some rescues aren't doing a good job caring for animals but doesn't feel the good should be punished with the bad.
"Not all rescues are created equal. If they have a problem with a rescue, then go after that rescue. Don't go after the whole state of South Carolina," she said.
More than two dozen people spoke out against the bill at a State House committee meeting in Columbia on Wednesday. It's not clear when or if it will come up for a vote.
I look forward to learning much here