April 15th Bills in August Maine

On Wednesday, April 15th, the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Conservation will hear the following Legislation that affects the rights of animal owners in Room 206, Cross Building in Augusta Maine.

LD 1103 - An Act to Amend Animal Welfare Laws --Also known as "October Surprise".
LD 964 - An Act Pertaining to the Breeding and Selling of Dogs -
LD 879 - An Act to Allow Licensed Kennel Owners to Vaccinate Their Own Dogs
LD 454 - An Act to Provide Representation for Dog Clubs on AWAC (Animal Welfare Advisory Committee)

***NOTE: You need to enter in the LD number referenced when you get to the page. Unfortunately, I could not get it to go directly to the document. Once there click on Web Download, and the document will come up.

Hopefully, I will get the information out in time. SOME OF THESE MAYhave some very scary language and consequences if they are passed. Please follow the links, and do your research while I scare up as much information as I can for you all.

UGH, the Animal Rights movement is here.

Does your dog need training (while we still can provide it in Maine LOL)? Call Mannerly Mutts Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, for your Maine Dog Training needs at 207-361-4395. Or e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com for your New Hampshire Dog Trainer, Massachusetts Dog Training, or Maine Dog Training needs!

The "Dog" Beach

I had an incident happen to me the other day on the beach, which I would love to say is not the norm. However, this year, 6 out of 7 days, you are approach by uncontrolled dogs on York Maine Beaches, where you can barely make out the owners (because they are no where near their dogs, and far off in the distance). The owners meanwhile could care less what their dog might be doing as they chat, and drink their coffee. In the last few months I have seen two dogs run into the middle of the road or go up to the sidewalk to the road unattended, dogs have slammed into me and my dogs who are in command, dogs are peeing on beach chairs, stealing packed lunches, ET.

BUT I WANT TO BE CLEAR HERE, IT'S NOT THE DOGS. As I explained to a very rude owner the other day, "it's not your dog, but it is his owner". The fact that this guy felt it was completely appropriate for his dog to be on the beach, unleashed, without any recall for safety or other people's space was shocking. Normally what happens is someone is unaware of the ordinance, you explain it, they apologize or they just apologize because something inappropriate happened (without you needing to explain the ordinance).

That last scenario is fine with me, and doesn't instigate a trip to Animal Control. However, this person did prompt me to make a complaint to our Animal Control officer. He was great and asked how far I would like it to go. I indicated that a warning from an authority figure should suffice, and so it ended there.

We got to chatting though. I like to keep abreast of what is going on here regarding beach laws and dog owners rights. However, as a dog owner, I am also very aware of everyone else's rights around me. Most York ME owners who frequent the beach are the same way. We do not take our accommodations for granted, and we have pride in our dogs and their behavior on the beach.

The officer was talking about why it was so much worse this year. One thing I have noticed, is apparently there has been an adoption binge on puppies this year. The ones training with me, thankfully, can be found being appropriate on the beach. The other owners have the attitude that since their puppy is cute and fuzzy that everyone and everything wants an unprompted greeting from them. This is one problem, but it's sure to be rectified by Animal Control as the year goes on, IF these people are locals.

The problem that the officer was explaining to me of the increased dogs, whose owners apparently take zero responsibility for their safety or the safety and well being of others, is that places like Eliot and Kittery finally had enough and banned dogs from their beaches. Apparently, we are attracting (as well as the tourists from out of state that come here every year and could care less about the ordinances) the very owners that ruined the beaches in their communities. Yeah!!

With only two on staff to take care of these problems, and remember these aren't just on the beach but everywhere within our town, officers just can't sit on the beach for eight hours waiting to catch the perpetrators. I have noticed that quite a few of the local dog owners that have had dogs here for awhile, must have been approached by Animal Control, and are so taking their privileges and responsibility very seriously. That has been great. The thing with this new problem is that you never know WHO is on the other end of the dog. For instance, the family involved with this incident was no stranger to York Police in other altercations. Fantastic. So now you have your own safety to be worried about, because someone could not care at all about the rights of others to enjoy a public beach.

Swell.

Would you like your dog to act appropriate in public? Call Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at 207-361-4395. Mannerly Mutts Dog Training provides Maine Dog Training needs. You can also e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com with any questions. Our website, http://www.mannerlymutts.com, will answer many of your fee, service, FAQs, and qualification questions.

Anti-Breeder Bill Being Introduced in Maine NOW!!!!

Here is some information on this bill, before I urge you to contact law makers and task force members mentioned to KILL THIS ANIMAL RIGHTS BILL.....NOW regarding HP666 (how's that for irony) and LD 964. More information on letter templates and contacting others within the industry. Let's protect responsible breeders who do a wonderful job, and seldom make any money off of it. Responsible breeders are not the problem, nor should they be funding the failings of sub standard breeding operations. Those operations should be forced to pay for their irresponsible behavior.

http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/91130.html (excellent article on the problem with this bill. also note, the search and seizure on private property without a warrant. This is happening in other states, where law abiding citizens are loosing their pets under this. By the time they straighten it out, their pets have been put to sleep or have died from old age)

http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/nov08/081115a.asp
http://janus.state.me.us/legis/LawMakerWeb/externalsiteframe.asp?ID=280027515&LD=2010&Type=4&SessionID=7http://www.pijac.org/files/public/ME_HB_1545.pdf (includes state politician information)

http://www.maineanimalcoalition.org/artman/publish/article_1330.shtml (information on members of the task force)

http://www.betrbeagle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=3055 (some explanation and logging on why this bill and others are alarming to those involved with dogs or pets in Mane)

http://www.camospace.com/archive/mod_blog/id_5085/title_more-dog-bill-madness/ (more reasons why people are concerned about this bill)

http://www.downeast.com/The-Tipping-Point/October-2008/A-Dogpile-in-Senate-District-15/ (maine politics and animal welfare)

http://blogs.mainetoday.com/dogslife/001753.shtml (shows strong support from HSUS, which causes me a lot of pause. HSUS? The same one responsible for killing puppies in North Carolina. Yeah, they have dog's best interest in mind)

http://members.boardhost.com/MolosserTalk/msg/1232400111.html (oh, it's hitting New Hampshire as well!!!!)

This is an anti-breeder bill NOT an anti substandard breeding practices bill. It "fines" each regardless of the status of their operations. It may put out of business those wonderful breeders who actually aren't in it for the money, but to keep some quality in the breed and lines. But even that is not the end goal.

The end goal of organizations like HSUS, who is pushing this, is to end pet ownership period. First they have convinced people that there is no need to train your dog to a standard, Now there will be no need to have dogs bred to any healthy standard. Next step? Dogs will not be available to be pets anymore.Use this information to send your concerns to your senators, legislators, and the task force members (the ones who have not already drank the poisoned punch). Two TDF (truly dog friendly) and one HSUS member are already involved and pushing for the success of this bill.

KILL THE BILL. That's the only answer and tell the Animal Rights people to go crawl right back under their rock (as opposed to the Animal Welfare people). There are unenforced laws out there right now that can protect animals against sub standard breeding operations. This is just a testing ground for Animal Right fanatics to wedge their foot in the door, as usual.

Thoughtful Thursday

(Above:  Jackie performs a roll over for the camera)

Many of my clients come here for the dog pictures, or videos (I know <G>).   I am sure some wonder about this other content that I write about, regarding the actual dog industry.   Some trainers don't write about this on their blogs, as the end result does not bring in more revenue AND they discount the value of educating their clients.

I want my clients to have at least heard about Breed Specific Legislation, so when they are out on the road they MAY not be surprised and have their dog taken from them.   No, I can't force my clients to know about these issues, but I CAN be sure that information is out there for them.   Does this bring me the $$$$$$s, not in any kind of direct way for sure.   On the other hand, a trainer that is knowledge about many aspects of the dog and dog world is very valuable.  Client's like when you are concerned for them and their well being (whether they are or not at the time).

So while issues like Organizations to Beware of, Breed Specific Legislation, nutrition, spay/neuter legislation, tethering legislation, HEART legislation, may all be a huge snooze to most, if the information isn't out there then NO ONE knows what is going on.

You should be able to have your dog professional be aware of the issues, and willing to educate about the issues.   I am not saying anyone needs to agree with me, but try to know what why and when of what is out there.   Especially be aware of laws that could be infringing on your areas!!!   Please comment or e-mail me (mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com) with any areas of interest and concern.   

Need training for your pooch?   Mannerly Mutts Dog Training provides efficient and effective training to enhance the relationship of an owner and their dog.   You can call at (207) 361-4395 or e-mail Robin at mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com.

Complaint to York Maine Police

Hello,

I am a dog trainer and owner in York Beach Maine.   I was out with my dogs this morning before 8am off leash.   A Sergeant walked up to me & my husband and stated that the dogs were supposed to be leashed.

When we first said, the ordinance clearly states between 6am and 8am dogs can be off leash, he belligerently stated otherwise.  By the way, my dogs were seated and are viewed by many on many mornings during training sessions where they are in voice control.  And so that was not in issue.

Finally, after suggesting he take a walk with me and read the ordinance, he relented and made a "somewhat" apology.   Then claimed he got the times of day mixed up.  This is after belligerently saying otherwise to us a few times.   

Being that I obey the leash laws to the letter (if after 6pm I am on the beach with my dogs, they are leashed) and I see many a tourist out there with their unleashed dog, this is very distressing to me.   There seem to be no officers out there enforcing the law, and because I am obeying the leash law (as I was this morning) my dogs and I are enjoying the beach less than non-tax paying tourists.

Additionally, the beach is disgusting with cigarette butts, juice containers and condoms, which I am forced to look out for so my dogs can be told to "leave it" so they don't digest such trash on the beach.

As a law abiding citizen, please allow me to enjoy the few minutes of lawful off leash time with my dogs in the morning without harassment.  Please see that police officers are dispatched and know the laws in the area so that those not obeying the leash laws can be fined.

Thank you,

Robin

Dogs in The News

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13562659/ Moose (Eddie in Frasier Television Series) dies at 16 1/2


http://www.dailypress.net/stories/articles.asp?articleID=2565 Article on "leashing" your pet, would rather you "trained" your pet (unless an unsafe pet of course which should be both trained and contained at all times-----or destroyed)


http://www.wane.com/Global/story.asp?S=5062388 Florida postmen being bitten by dogs. The bad news always gets out, the good news never does. Be responsible for your dogs daily actions, and train your dog responsibly. We will all loose our rights otherwise.


http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/living/people/family/14910707.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_family Balanced training finds favor in child rearing LOL.


http://www.dispatch.com/science/science.php?story=dispatch/2006/06/27/20060627-B5-00.html Dogs tracking whales!!!


http://www.lakesunleader.com/articles/2006/06/27/news/20.txt Bomb sniffing dog finds bomb in mailbox.


http://english.pravda.ru/society/stories/82583-0/ From Russia with love, dogs as good medicine for sick children


http://english.pravda.ru/hotspots/crimes/13-06-2006/81928-homeless_dog-0 From Russia with love, good samaritan saves dog skinned by a$$holes. (sorry temper got the best of me there.)

Proposed York Beach Maine Dog Ban

I recently moved from Worcester MA to York Maine, unwittingly unaware of a huge issue that has come about here. First of all, York Maine is a community that does not have a leash law per say (outside public parks and beaches), but does require dogs to be under voice command. So that means an owner is required to be somewhere nearby, and their dogs under control. I happen to live on four acres, near 30 acres of woods that while owned by individuals, is pretty much used as public ways. Especially the stretch down the power lines that goes on for miles near picturesque streams. I happen to live on a dead end. So my dogs get tons more freedom and fun, beyond being on the beach too, than they used to. Dirt roads are all around us, so most of the time there are no cars there, and I walk my dogs unleashed around the neighborhood. Course one of the reasons we moved here, is proximity to the beach, and the excellent dog community that meets at the beach. Also, I happened to know that there are no other balanced trainers in the area. Long Sands Beach, where I walk and one of three public beaches and more than a few public parks, where people enjoy taking their dogs, is two miles long at low tide, and probably a quarter of a mile in. During the winter, people and their off leash dogs (same voice command rule applies but apparently hasn't been enforced) are allowed 24/7 on the beaches. During the summer the rule has been, off leash dogs are allowed on the beaches from 6PM to 8AM (the summer being defined as from May 1 to October 1). Unknown to me before I moved here, the selectmen having been trying to get the dogs banned during the summer, and thought to be banned from all beaches eventually.It is thought that the grass roots organization, which I have been sure to support, ARF, has convinced the selectmen that a ban is not going to be passed at all, and the newest revision gives off lead time at one beach from sunrise to 8AM only. Then at 6PM, on lead dogs would be allowed. The position of ARF is not to give up any rights. Dog waste has been an issue. I should say that someone dug up last years figures during the summer, and out of 700 incidents reported only 40 citations were handed out. While I would bet not all the 700 incidents were tourists, I would bet the majority are tourists, and the animal control officers certaintly did not do their jobs by letting 640 go. 640*250 (citiation new amount) would be 160,000; certaintly insuring some money for the monitoring of a couple hours in the morning of compliance with the statutes. In addition to this, there have been incidents of (from what I can gather) mostly friendly but untrained dogs running up to people, who do not want to see their dogs, and knocking them over or just scaring them. This is understandable too. And even with the dog group I hang out with, great wonderful dogs, but under voice control? I don't think so. Dogs have run up to mine, with the owner saying twenty "come Fifi" in a row. So that's a problem. On the other hand, the two incidents that were talked about in the meeting were a wife attacked by a dog on lead, not at the beach, and a man claiming that if a spec of dog hair gets near him, he needs to go and shower off. In addition, he made front page news, claiming a dog had jumped on him from behind. Then publically in the meeting said, I don't know whether the dog licked me or what, but I was startled and could have fallen. Course this same guy is "unable" to walk the beaches at any other time other than 6am to 8am. And wouldn't be satisfied with perfectly trained dogs, he wants no dogs ever, and I am sure once they are banned from the beach, he will want them banned from the streets. This being said though, there is definate room for improvement. These are also good people here, who are trying to get a handle on how to turn this around, and what voice control means. If any of you live in my area, and would like to be involved in this, please contact http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2h7gi/arfofyorkmaine/ Even if you are a tourist that comes, it's important to know that the selectmen are not considering that this is a vacation destination for dog owners. It used to be my vacation destination, and now I live here. Who knew that small towns have way more time on their hand for these issues than big cities LOL!!! Never had these kind of brew hahas in Worcester MA. I have been steering them towards training info, and tool info. Course my dogs make an impression, and I am seeing an increase in business sooner than I was expecting (I was expecting May and have had several training inquiries these first weeks in March). I think any seminars that could be extended to ARF may be invaluable to them. Just some food for thought. Awhile ago, I know there was a discussion on dog park models (rules for allowing or testing for off leash reliability). If anyone wanted to send them or me that info, that would be great as well.