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Oregon May Empower Animal Welfare Agents

A bill to be heard Wednesday by the Oregon House Judiciary Committee would allow state police to commission employees of humane investigation agencies to enforce animal welfare laws.

The bill, HB4021, defines a humane investigation agency as a private, nonprofit animal care agency that has maintained an animal welfare investigation department for at least five years and has had officers employed as special agents.

The state police superintendant would be able to authorize an employee of a humane investigation agency as a humane special agent who has powers and protections afforded by Oregon state police.

The employee would have to be certified or eligible to be certified as a police officer under state law, and the agency would need an insurance policy sufficient to satisfy any legal claims.

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council opposes the law, saying the legislation could open up breeders, pet stores and pet owners to routine harassment. The council advised its members to contact the Oregon House Judiciary Committee with questions or concerns and, if possible, to attend the hearing.

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Oregon May Empower Animal Welfare Agents

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Geesh - someone with NO education in anything - that's those H$U$ devotees for ya!!!! They THINK they know everything. Used to teach my students to run fast and far from a self-described "expert" - as they were VERY dangerous!!!! Well - here ya go. These guys can't tell abuse, they can't even tell what is right for any species. Oh well - just like our politicians! NO NOTHINGS!!!! Carol, LA, CA Posted: 2/11/2012 12:26:06 PM Dear Veterinarians, Unless you want someone with 40-120 CLOCK classroom hours sitting in judgment of your practices and deciding unilaterally that those practices constitute cruelty, you too need to oppose the expansion of authority of NPOs and their "investigators" (who aren't trained in that field either). For those who aren't aware, here is where you can see the curriculum for these people who want access to your offices and homes and want a badge: LINK PJ, Houston, TX Posted: 2/11/2012 11:44:25 AM NPOs that have a vested interest in the outcome (e.g., $$$$ in sales of animals stolen under color of law) should NEVER be allowed to have police powers. It's called *conflict of interest*, folks, and it would enable those so empowered to target and harass animal owners more than these anti-breeder NPOs already do! STOP THE INSANITY of the anti-animal-use rabid minority! Do NOT give them teeth with which to attack animal owners. M Covault, Lawton, OK Posted: 2/8/2012 11:51:56 AM