News Archives: SB777 dies in Ag Committee: 2007-03-27
Please Note: Information in this archived article may no longer be accurate.
Sadly, after hearing testimony from a sheriff, a Little Rock veterinarian, and a 14-year-old child whose father cruely killed her pet as well as her neighbor's, committee members sided with the Farm Bureau and the bill was killed. A bill that had nothing to do with agriculture, farming, or farm animals, but domestic dogs and cats. As was mentioned in today's hearing, you can write a hot check for $200 and it's a felony and nail your neighbor's dog to a fence and get away with it. Arkansas is one of only 8 states left in the country without a strong animal cruelty law on the books.The stories told today by those who testified in support of this bill were heartbreaking. It is sad to live in a state that allows those things to go on while lawmakers look the other way. I hope you'll take a minute to write these individuals and let them know your disappointment with their vote today. All of them voted against SB777.
Stan Berry - berrys@arkleg.state.ar.us
Scott Sullivan - sullivans@arkleg.state.ar.us
Roy Ragland - raglandr@arkleg.state.ar.us
Bill Sample - sampleb@arkleg.state.ar.us
James Norton - nortonj@arkleg.state.ar.us
(2 members do not have e-mail addresses)
And also send a message to these fine people who had the courage to do the right thing and vote for the bill and for the animals.
Lindsley Smith - smithl@arkleg.state.ar.us
Sandra Prater - praters@arkleg.state.ar.us
Gregg Reep - reepg@arkleg.state.ar.us
Robbie Wills - willsr@arkleg.state.ar.us
John Lowery - loweryj@arkleg.state.ar.us
And Pam Adcock and Sue Madison for bringing it so far (and they haven't given up yet--see attached letter from rep Adcock below); and Eva Madison for her wonderful work today at the Capitol, and for keeping us informed.
And encourage everyone you know with Farm Bureau insurance to cancel it!
Note from Rep Adcock:
I knew it was going to be impossible to get 777 out of committee, but there was no way I would back off and not have the hearing. We, the kids, the animals, and all citizens, deserved to have it heard.
I'm sorry it didn't pass, but...I could bring it to the committee for one last hearing, which would be Wednesday of this week. I and others will talk (again) to committee members, especially those that were absent. If 777 can get 11 votes then it would pass. Watch the website for any update, that's the fastest way I know of to get the word out. Thanks again for your support
Pam