As many of you already know there are people who want to take the right of dog ownership away from the average person. This past legislative season here in West Virginia, we were under attack again. These people evidently do not think we are responsible enough to own or be the care taker of dogs. In my opinion they are using a back door attempt to take dog ownership away from us. One example of these bills that was introduced was as follows; Every owner or operator of a kennel, wherein dogs are bred, kept, boarded or sold as a commercial venture for profit, rescue shelter, home-based rescue and private owner of ten or more dogs, cats or combination thereof. You must have spaying and neutering of all those animals, except bred for commercial purposes.

Other items in these type bills include how a dog must be housed and the length of the chain or tether being used. When no one but commercial breeders can raise dogs, who will be able to afford one? Only a few wealthy individuals will be able to purchase a dog. Then I am sure it will have to be neutered or spayed before they can purchase the dog. If my grandson had two beagle females and they had pups, we would have to neuter and spay ever dog and cat we own. I really don't think these people want us to have a gold-fish in a bowl.

Another example; there is a city ordinance in one city here in West Virginia that states, you cannot leave any dog out side for more than two hours at any time. Then the dog must be brought in side two hours to warm up or cool down depending on weather conditions, before returning it out side again. I guess if you have a job out side the home you will have to hire a dog setter.

If you are an owner of a dog I cannot stress enough, you need to get involved. If not we all will loose our rights. Weather you have hunting dogs, working dogs or just pets, you need to join a dog organization. Numbers are our best defense for dog owners to keep the right to own dogs as we know it now. The Kennel Clubs in America have fought hard to keep our rights, they can not do it alone. We must help!

Don't take the attitude it wont happen, because it will. Remember one woman got prayer taken out of our schools. So not only can it happen, without you, it will happen. There are several dog organizations here in West Virginia. Just to name a few, West Virginia Sporting Dog Association, West Virginia Coon Hunters Association and West Virginia Bear Hunters Association. I would urge all hound hunters to at lest join one or more of these groups. If hunting is not your bag, then join one of the other dog groups. All dog owners and dog lovers are riding in the same boat. Believe me there is a big hole in the bottom of the boat, if we are not careful we all are going to sink together. Anyone interested in joining the West Virginia Bear Hunters can go to www.westvirginiabearhuntersassociation.com for membership application. Thanks for your consideration.

Gary Knapp President West Virginia Bear Hunters Association

Spokesman West Virginia Sporting Dog Association