Letter: North Dakota Measure 5 a lie that just doesn’t jive

Measure 5 is a lie! Sure it reads nice. Who isn’t for protecting puppies, kittens and horses from abuse? But it would do nothing to help abused animals, rather it is all about making criminals out of animal owners.

The measure was written by out-of-state animal rights groups, mainly Humane Society of United States. Of their multimillion-dollar budget, HSUS spends less than 1 percent on helping animals. Their name is deceiving- and not to be confused with our local societies that actually run pet shelters.

Do you have a dog? Suppose you let it out in your backyard for exercise and fresh air on a cold day. Someone could see it there without a blanket or sweater and turn you in to the police for abuse. This might be an animal rights activist or maybe a neighbor. You would then be investigated and have to defend yourself. Or say that your dog accidentally injured himself to where you could be convicted of neglect or abuse. Now you could become a felon. (This would not be a misdemeanor crime, but a felony.) This means you lose the right to vote, own a gun and other rights of citizens.

Does this sound far-fetched? Watch and see if No. 5 passes. North Dakota already has laws against animal abuse. If they need strengthening, then let the Legislature debate and amend them sa is the proper way to handle this issue. North Dakotans can make our own laws. We don’t need outsiders telling us how to live.

No. 5 doesn’t jive!

Jim Lowman, Fairfield

Tags: opinion, letter, letters, fairfield, eletion