When the Governor’s race was in full swing, Governor Brown posted pictures of her riding horses and pictures with dogs. Her team discovered that dogs and horses increased views significantly. Everyone loves their pets. Representative Rob Nosse (D-Portland) should know the benefits that animals bring to therapy from working for the Oregon Nurses Association. But, his lack of that personal experience is apparent in his introduction of HB 3008.

HB 3008 prohibits a person from using domestic dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, cows, Ilama, sheep, reindeer, pigs, goats, and many exotic type animals in the Traveling Animal Act, which prohibits performance in which an animal is transported to perform. “Performance” is defined as a carnival, circus, display, exhibition, exposition, fair, parade, petting zoo, photographic opportunity, race, ride, trade show or similar undertaking during which an animal performs tricks, gives rides or otherwise entertains or amuses an audience, whether or not a fee is charged.

If your grandchild brings his pet over to show you new tricks, are you entertained or amused? No more photo ops for the Governor, no more petting animals for kids at the fair, no more horse clues, no more livestock shows for 4-H clubs and Future Farmers of America. These organizations teach our youth how to be responsible owners and breeders by taking pride in showing their animals. This experience provides the basis to be good productive citizens. It begs the question of why Rep. Nosse wants to dash the dreams of animal lovers and future farmers.

As this bill is written, even the most common kind of therapy animal, a therapeutic visitation animal, would be in jeopardy. Violations in the bill allows forfeiture of the animal, which could be devastating to a patient. The bill seems to be aimed at abusive training of an animal. Oregon has several laws in place for abuse and neglect of animals. ORS 167.350 requires forfeiture of rights when an animal is mistreated. Every type of animal has an organization that studies the effects of training on an animal. Animals are empowered when presented choices, which helps eliminate stress. According to the Animal Behavior Center, training builds mental confidence and it even makes medical examinations less stressful for the animal.

What about those professional pet photos? Will Governor Brown remove her riding pictures from social media?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 0000-00-00 00:00:00

Last Update: 2021-01-30 18:30:08