Date: 04/24/2013
Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB13-201
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS
| Votes: View--> | Action Taken: |
| Moved to refer Senate Bill 13-201 to the Committee | PASS |
07:45 AM -- Senate Bill 13-201
The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Ryden discussed the order of events for the meeting. Representative Pettersen, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 13-201, concerning the designation of dogs and cats that are adopted from Colorado animal shelters and rescues as state pets. Representative Pettersen discussed her reasons for sponsoring the bill, and explained its effect.
07:49 AM -- Mr. Dan Anglin, representing the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs and the Colorado Pet Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Committee members received a packet of information expressing opposition to the bill (Attachment A). Mr. Anglin discussed the elevation of pet adoption above other methods of acquiring pets, as well as the preference for dogs and cats over other types of pets. Mr. Anglin discussed the materials in Attachment A, referencing the importation of dogs into Colorado and associated issues. Mr. Anglin provided alternatives to the designation of shelter dogs and cats as state pets, and discussed the potential for amending state statute to require protection of shelter animals. Mr. Anglin responded to questions regarding a measure similar to Senate Bill 13-201 introduced in New York that did not pass. Discussion ensued regarding the disposition of dogs raised by breeders that are not sold.
13HseState0424AttachA.pdf
07:59 AM -- Ms. Jessica Morgan, representing the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies, testified in support of Senate Bill 13-201. Ms. Morgan explained that shelter pets make the perfect state pets because they represent all types of breeds, and addressed the issue of shelter pets coming to Colorado from other states. Ms. Morgan discussed the shelter pet intake process, and referenced a recent outbreak of disease in a shelter. Ms. Morgan discussed the benefits of designating shelter pets as the state pets. Ms. Morgan responded to questions regarding the reasons for limiting the state pet designation to shelter dogs and cats. Representative Labuda registered certain objections to the bill, which Representative Pettersen addressed.
08:06 AM -- Ms. Taylor Vitale, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Vitale discussed her work as a volunteer at an animal shelter, and the hardships endured by shelter dogs and cats. Ms. Vitale read a poem about shelter dogs and cats.
08:09 AM -- Ms. Linda Hart, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Hart discussed the good work done by both animal shelters and breeders, and suggested that shelter pets do not rise to the level of a state symbol, referencing a public opinion poll on the subject. She discussed other ways to celebrate shelter pets, and objected to creating a preference for one type of animal. Ms. Hart discussed the importation of dogs from other states that end up in animal shelters, and suggested that the bill does not respect the state or animals.
08:13 AM -- Ms. Lori Greenstone, representing Colorado Voters for Animals, testified in support of Senate Bill 13-201. Ms. Greenstone discussed the benefits of passing the bill in the area of messaging, and the fate of shelter pets. Ms. Greenstone read a letter by Ms. Sharon Howard.
08:17 AM
No amendments were offered to Senate Bill 13-201. Representative Petersen provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Representative Ryden laid the bill over to the end of the calendar.