Letter: Hidden consequences in ND animal initiative

North Dakota initiated Measure 5 is a wolf in sheep’s clothing and voters need to know the truth!

Measure 5 has the appearance of being a harmless feel-good initiative that any animal lover would support.

However, upon examination of its sponsor, the Humane Society of the United States -informed voters should recognize the deceit it enfolds.

In fact, the HSUS openly admits it has an agenda to destroy animal agriculture and in 2010 it tried to pass restrictions on hunting and property rights in North Dakota as well.

HSUS spends less than 1 percent of its $150 million war chest on the welfare of animals which follows the fact that they pirated the Humane Society name to appeal to naive contributors.

Measure 5 proposes a blanket felony for animal abuse incidences that are not clearly defined and subject to interpretation. The inflammatory language in fine print doesn’t even cover the most common animal welfare issues seen in North Dakota which are neglect, abandonment, starvation and lack of daily care.

To properly address animal welfare and abuse issues, a coalition of people and organizations was formed called North Dakotans for Responsible Animal Care.

This coalition is structured from and supported by local animal shelters (true humane society organizations) veterinarians, the North Dakota Veterinarian Association, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, Farm Bureau, Farmers Union, North Dakota Zoo, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, and the North Dakota Board of Animal Health as well as other related organizations and people.

The North Dakotans for Responsible Animal Care has drafted a legislative approach to deal with animal abuse and welfare that covers all animals, not just dogs, cats and horses.

I hope our North Dakota citizens will go to the polls informed and vote no on Measure 5 to avoid the unintended consequences hidden in the initiative.

Melvin Leland, McKenzie County rancher, Sidney, Mont.

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