|
S.D. Stockgrowers support HB 1305South Dakota The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association will work to advance HB 1305, a bill to prevent the state of South Dakota from participating in or implementing the National Animal Identification System. According to SDSGA Vice President, Kenny Fox, Belvidere, S.D., SDSGA members support animal identification only in a completely voluntary form. He said that while the USDA states that the National Animal Identification System is currently "voluntary at the federal level," it has been providing funds to the states to implement the program. With this federal funding, several states have implemented or proposed implementing mandatory programs. Moreover, some states have registered individuals in the program without their consent, or have used coercive measures to increase participation while claiming NAIS remains voluntary. "Our members overwhelmingly oppose a mandatory animal identification program and we will do our best to explain to our legislators why we do not need or want NAIS in South Dakota." said Fox. Fox said the members of SDSGA approved the following policy: "The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association opposes any government action that funds or mandates premises registration and individual or industry participation in NAIS or South Dakota Animal Identification System." SDSGA District 12 Director Chris Harvey, Valentine, Neb., said the bill will not hinder the state's animal health efforts. "HB 1305 specifically states that 'Nothing in this Act prohibits the state from establishing or participating in disease control programs specifically designed to address a known disease in a specific species of livestock.'" One misconception about animal identification is that it will improve animal health. "Identifying livestock will never prevent or stop a disease," says Harvey. Harvey says there is no concern of HB 1305 infringing on livestock owners' rights. "On the contrary," said Harvey. "This bill works to protect the rights of individuals. HB 1305 is very specific in that it prohibits the state from participating in NAIS." The bill will not prevent any individual in South Dakota from participating, said Harvey. "We want producers to have the right to take part in any program that they believe will help them. We just don't believe that the state government should mandate participation." Harvey reminds livestock owners that NAIS is likely to have serious unintended consequences on all citizens of South Dakota, especially those who reside in rural communities. The potential cost of participation in NAIS will burden producers who are facing rising expenses and are already stretched to their economic limit. The bill will be brought before the House Ag Committee soon, likely in late January, said Fox. "I hope ranchers who want to protect their personal freedoms and private property rights will show up to support the bill." Fox said similar bills are being introduced in Missouri and Nebraska. 2/4/08 Date: 2/21/08
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
