NFSS LEGISLATIVE ALERT - TEXAS - 2004

Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Dear NFSS Members,

Here is a news release from the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance (RPOA) concerning the effect of H.B.2328 on Pet Bird Owners in Texas.

Responsible Pet Owners Alliance appreciates the efforts of Representative Jim McReynolds in assuring that his House Bill 2328 (passed in the last Texas legislative session) didn't have a detrimental effect on pet bird owners.

Representative McReynolds appointed a member of Responsible Pet Owners Alliance (RPOA) to serve on a working committee regarding the implementation of his bill and he participated in the work sessions himself.

RPOA especially thanks Tom Kinsey, with Alamo Exhibition Bird Club, for representing RPOA and pet bird owners/breeders in the state of Texas so well on this working committee. Kathy Heaton, another RPOA member, attended the work sessions so we had two very knowledgeable bird enthusiasts offering their expertise to the committee

The bill was originally written to address birds used for agricultural purposes but as written would have inadvertently addressed transporting a pet bird to a veterinarian or anywhere else for that matter. RPOA wanted an exemption and we got it - as long as the exotic fowl aren't commingled with domestic fowl!

Note the exemption below:

"Dealers, transporters or distributors who handle ONLY exotic fowl, such as parrots or parakeets. To remain exempt, the birds must not be commingled with or sold at the same venue as domestic fowl, such as chickens, ducks or turkeys."

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Responsible Pet Owners Alliance (RPOA)
http://www.responsiblepetowners.org