February 11, 2008
Until we convince elected officials and pet owners everywhere of the extreme
agenda of the "Animal Rights" movement, we won't stop their NO Breeding
Campaign which is sweeping the country. Their anti-breeding legislation is
written with a few exceptions now in some cities but they'll be removed on
the next round of legislation because it will not solve the problem of
unwanted pets being killed at animal controls. In fact, it will only
exacerbate the problem. In San Antonio (TX), the extremists even told city
council they aren't happy with what passed but it's a "good start." Our
leading dog and cat registries are reluctant to say what Ron DeHaven, AVMA
executive VP, says below although RPOA has been saying it for 17 years.
It's about time ... and hats off to Mr. DeHaven for standing up to HSUS!
Quote: "Ultimately, it comes down to a fundamental difference in
philosophy," he said. "That would suggest that they would confer upon
animals the same legal rights that people have." Among the AVAR agenda, he
contends: eliminating animal ownership and the use of animals for food or
fiber.
(Thanks to the Animal Welfare Council Weekly Update for this story.)
______________________________________

http://www.sunherald.com/384/story/354971.html

DENISE FLAIM: Newsday
Humane Society group, AVMA butt heads over some animal-care philosophies

It's Godzilla versus Mothra.

I'm talking about the recent head-butting between the American Veterinary
Medical Association and the Humane Society of the United States.

Earlier this month, the HSUS and the relatively unknown Association of
Veterinarians for Animal Rights announced they would be merging to form the
Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association.

Of the approximately 80,000 veterinarians in the United States, only 3,500
are affiliated with AVAR, which focuses on reducing animal use in veterinary
training and on advocacy for companion and farm animals.

Its supporters say the creation of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical
Association - which is backed by the HSUS' healthy budget and boundless
marketing and media savvy - was a response to the AVMA's lack of
progressiveness and its kowtowing to industries that view animals as
commodities, not sentient beings.

"All too often, the AVMA sides with animal-use industries, and not with
animals," said Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive of the Humane
Society, at the announcement of the merger. "How could a veterinarian, who
takes a sworn oath to care for animals, not speak out against force-feeding
of ducks for foie gras or the confinement of veal calves in crates so small
that the animals cannot even turn around?"

The AVMA volleyed back a high-road response: "Credibility is earned by
engaging and gathering input from the broadest range of voices," said Ron
DeHaven, executive vice president of the American Veterinary Medical
Association, in a news release, "not by listening only to those who agree
with us."

But off the page, DeHaven is quick to note the distinction between an
"animal welfare" group like the AVMA and fringe "animal rights" groups like
AVAR and, by extension, HSUS.

"Ultimately, it comes down to a fundamental difference in philosophy," he
said. "That would suggest that they would confer upon animals the same legal
rights that people have." Among the AVAR agenda, he contends: eliminating
animal ownership and the use of animals for food or fiber.

Paula Kislak, president of AVAR, notes dryly that, as an association of
veterinarians, "it would be pretty counterproductive if we were working
toward eliminating pet ownership." As far as rights go, AVAR is concerned
with what she calls "minimal rights" - "the rights for animals to extend
their limbs and turn around and stand up in their confinement cages, or the
right to food, water and shelter, the right not to be abused or beaten or
not to live in fear or neglect."

Responsible Pet Owners Alliance
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