After what happened a month or so ago the last time I posted something like this, I hesitate to even bother but am doing so ONLY because there are SOME who probably do not know about this and may wish to take action. Don't bother asking me any questions about it as I won't be back to this thread (unless I feel a great need as in this case). It should be self-explanatory but there is a name and number for a contact in the event anyone wants to find out more.
Below is an email I just sent to the Dept. of Ag. Basically the short of it is that the Legislature passed a law last year making it illegal to transport any livestock on public roads/highways without a valid health certificate. Persons found to be in violation can be fined up to $1000. The Dept. of Ag is tasked with enforcement of the infractions. I talked with Jodi Jones today who told me they are proposing changes to the Code to specifically include language that will make the infractions applicable to ONLY those animals being transported into the State and they are also proposing the following penalties: 1st Offense - $100, 2nd Offense within 3 years - $150, and 3rd Offense within 3 years - $250.
For those who may be wondering, I specifically asked what the definition of livestock is and was read the definition which does include poultry and waterfowl. Now some may be saying, Well, lets just see them try to enforce that. Thats one way of dealing with this. My recommendation is that we get the word out and bombard the Dept. of Ag with letters, emails, and/or phone calls.
Anyone who would like to inquire further or has questions may contact Ms. Jodi Jones with the Dept. of Ag at (360) 902-1889.
God Bless,
R. E. Van Blaricome
Seek Ye first the Kingdom of God, and all His Righteousness
- then these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33)
________________________________________
From:
[email protected] [mailto:
[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 5:52 PM
To: '
[email protected]'
Subject: WAC 16-92 Proposed Changes
To Whom It May Concern:
Per my conversation with Ms. Jodi Jones today, I wish to submit the following for consideration:
It is my understanding that a proposed change is under consideration for WAC 16-92 to include language referring specifically to livestock that is imported into this State and that violations of said Code will only apply within the already established guidelines of WAC 16-54 which specifically deals with livestock being transported into the State of Washington.
I wish to voice my support for the proposed changes to wit: The ONLY violations that will be considered as an infraction will be those where the animal is transported across and into the State of Washington and under NO circumstances will a violation be considered to have occurred when an animal is simply being transported from one area within the state to another.
It should be noted that it is ludicrous to expect anyone to be required to have a valid health certificate just to transport a chicken or duck across town to anothers home. The same could be said for one who wishes to transport their horse to the nearest trail for a day-ride. Or a goat to a neighbors so they can eat their blackberries.
Failure to accept and apply the proposed changes put forth will only serve to shut down poultry shows across the state, severely impact if not shut down the various State and County Fairs, and further solidify in the minds of most people that lawmakers have simply lost touch with all common-sense. The economic impact of people who will stay home from shows and fairs alone so as to not violate the law will be tremendous and I would submit will be far more than any revenues generated by such a silly law.