What would happen if..... ?

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a proposed ordinance passed? Would it do what its' creators wished? And... exactly what is the creators' agenda? What do they actually intend? Have they thought potential consequences through completely?

• In Sacramento County, California, a recently proposed pet control ordinance could have fined anyone who fed several stray cats and their resultant kittens $1,500. for the first litter (assuming kittens were advertised 'free to good homes' on Craigslist, on the lunch room bulletin board or on posters at the mall). Subsequent litters would be fined even more - and if unpaid, the fines could be liened on homes or other personal property.

• As written and if enforced, the ordinance would have heavily fined the time-honored giving of goldfish as awards at school fairs.

• If passed, owners of intact dogs and cats (except recognized caretakers for feral cat colonies) would have paid increased license fees of $150. per year.

• Every county veterinarian would have been required by law to report the intact or altered status of all pets receiving rabies vaccinations.

I listened and watched (8/15/06 video link is here) as presumably fair-minded, intelligent people spoke fervently to County Supervisors about the benefits of their proposed changes to existing pet laws. Seldom did anyone talk of better support for already-existing leash laws. Little mention was made of education for children and adults as to better pet ownership and responsibility.

The stated goal was to decrease the county animal shelter population. Yet... how could the obvious result of heavy fines burdening good citizens be overlooked or disregarded? How could they not see that when Veterinarians are required to snitch - yes, snitch - on owners who vaccinate their pets, the logical and inevitable result will be fewer pets inoculated against rabies?

Kudos to Sacramento's County Supervisors who sent this proposal back for an overhaul. They will be meeting to vote again on pet control ordinances this January. Stay tuned...