Post by: Humptulips on March 07, 2021, 08:46:42 AM
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.
Post by: Humptulips on March 07, 2021, 09:08:08 AM
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.
Post by: JakeLand on March 07, 2021, 09:31:10 AM
Post by: Loup Loup on March 07, 2021, 06:30:49 PM
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.
Post by: Humptulips on March 08, 2021, 09:49:16 AM
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?Taxidermists and leather producers are exempted.
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.
The Farm Bureau, Cattleman's Association and the Hunters Heritage Council are all in to defeat this bill.
Post by: DishBogget on March 09, 2021, 07:23:15 PM
https://www.sportsmensalliance.org/news/washington-bill-leverages-covid-destroys-fur-market-trapping/
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Loup Loup on March 09, 2021, 08:00:25 PM
Any idea how I can enter? I even tried it with 360 instead of 509. Still thinks Im a robot!
Post by: ThurstonCokid on March 09, 2021, 08:12:36 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Loup Loup on March 09, 2021, 08:18:54 PM
Post by: Katalla on March 10, 2021, 10:21:02 AM
We all have a dog in the fight to wisely utilize natural resources.
Post by: bigdave on March 10, 2021, 12:32:20 PM
Post by: Humptulips on March 10, 2021, 07:45:31 PM
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.