HB 1375 Alert

[Humptulips]

I thought this bill was dead but Chairman Chapman has scheduled a hearing for the 10th on this bill in violation of House and Senate rules.
Normally I would ask you  to show up and testify against the bill but all the hearing are being done remotely. You can still testify via Zoom but the Chairmen seem to be practicing dictatorial powers on who gets to testify. I doubt many that are against the measure will be called. You can register your opposition to the bill and if you wish write a comment.

Please oppose HB 1375 the Ban on Fur Farming and Fur Production in Washington State legislature. Hearing scheduled for March 10th in House Agriculture. Thank you!

1. Log-in: https://app.leg.wa.gov/CSIRemote/House
2. Scroll down to Rural Development Committee, select 3/10/2021 meeting
3. Click HB 1375 Fur Production, then select type of testimony (written, live, or position)
4. Choose Position (Con) then fill in your name, address, etc., and ‘submit’.
5. If you would like, you can go back and submit written testimony as well.

[Humptulips]

Her is the letter I wrote. Feel free to steal my talking points.

This bill is clearly an over reach.
Admittedly mink from fur farms have tested positive for COVID-19. Dogs and cats have also tested positive. Should we ban household pets also? There is no evidence mink are transmitting COVID-19 to humans. Indeed, the only avenue for the mink to be exposed is through humans that come in contact with them, so it is far more likely humans are spreading the disease to mink and not the other way around.
If the Department of Agriculture wants to combat COVID-19 in fur farms while minimizing economic impacts there should be testing and if needed quarantine of exposed fur ranches, not forcing farmers permanently out of business and the associated long term economic effects of closing businesses.
This bill goes even further in not only attempting to close fur farms but also shutters businesses that produce or manufacture fur products.
FYI, there are no fur dressing or tanning facilities in WA that cater to fur products manufacturers. Any materials furriers or manufacturers of fur products handle will have gone through a several month tanning and dressing process that will have rendered them sterile before they are used in WA.
It seems like this bill is an attempt to end the fur trade while masquerading as a health measure.

[JakeLand]

Just filled out a similar response

[Loup Loup]

I haven't read this bill. What would it do to Taxidermists, and ranchers that produce livestock where the hide is utilized. Certain breeds of sheep, goats, cattle, rabbits, bison. What about livestock that are sheared for hair, or wool?
This underscores where WSTA needs to build alliances with not only other hunting, fishing groups, but also our producer friends. Commercial fishermen, Timber, Mining, Ranchers, Farmers.

[Humptulips]

I haven't read this bill. What would it do to Taxidermists, and ranchers that produce livestock where the hide is utilized. Certain breeds of sheep, goats, cattle, rabbits, bison. What about livestock that are sheared for hair, or wool?
This underscores where WSTA needs to build alliances with not only other hunting, fishing groups, but also our producer friends. Commercial fishermen, Timber, Mining, Ranchers, Farmers.

Taxidermists and leather producers are exempted.
The Farm Bureau, Cattleman's Association and the Hunters Heritage Council are all in to defeat this bill.

[DishBogget]

Looks like we may have some help getting the word out

https://www.sportsmensalliance.org/news/washington-bill-leverages-covid-destroys-fur-market-trapping/


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[Loup Loup]

I have attempted to submit my response several times. I see no where to put the - in my phone number to match their format. So it states invalid phone number and doesnt allow me to submit my data.
Any idea how I can enter? I even tried it with 360 instead of 509. Still thinks Im a robot!

[ThurstonCokid]

I dont have a dog in the fight, but submitted. Hoping for the best for y’all.


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[Loup Loup]

We all got a dog in this fight.

[Katalla]

Comments submitted!

We all have a dog in the fight to wisely utilize natural resources.

[bigdave]

Done.

[Humptulips]

I listened to all the testimony. It was very painful especially listening to the lady from NW Animal Rights Network.
It seems obvious they know it isn't going anywhere this year but hope to revive it next year. They have the hearing out of the way. If they can convince enough Committee members to vote it out of Committee they'll try to get it to the floor for a vote next year. Sounds like they are planning to amend the bill with some candy to get it passed. Have to watch out for it.