Texas Horsemen Strongly
Oppose "Identification" Effort
“I own approx. 50 horses, they leave my property daily...this would be a catastrophic nightmare for bookkeeping. I'm ready to "burn my bridle" in defiance.” – Darolyn Butler, Humble, Texas
“Texas needs to be the leader in resisting this absurd proposal until it can be better thought out. Our country does need to protect our resources for human consumption, but not to the extent of over-burdening, taxing and fining and ultimately pushing the small businesses out of business. The large corporations/companies who produce vast quantities of meat will hardly be phased – once again, the average American will pay the ultimate price.” – Small Producer in Alvin, TX (submitted via HorseGazette.com)
“This whole ludicrous thing would be laughable were I not painfully aware that it is a serious proposal. The constant erosion of our rights and privacy is typified in this kind of legislated control. Untold millions will be spent on an ultimately ineffectual program, paid for by the very people it oppresses! Please abandon this incredibly unwieldy and unnecessary plan.” – Mary Fenoglio, Florence, TX
“The perfect setup for big government to put their thumb on every small farmer in America and squash the movement toward revitalization of small farm enterprises and true sustainable agriculture.” – Terry L. Pillard, Farmersville, TX
“Currently the TAHC is pushing through a program requiring all livestock owners to put a Chip in each animal, all livestock, and a requirement that a report be filed each and every time an animal leaves the registered property. Even if I just ride my horse to my neighbor’s house I HAVE to file a report. While some tracking of livestock raised for human consumption has merit, the TAHC has gone way to far in its interpretation of the Laws intent. I ask that you support the repeal of HB1361.” – Mike Franklin, Poteet, TX
“AHA Region 9 has not voted to take a position. My personal view is HB 1361 is totally unnecessary for Horses and will put extra, unnecessary expense and burdens on the horse industry that can run a lot of owners out of the horse business.” Thank you. Dale Harvill, AHA Region 9 Director (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana & Arkansas)
“This seems to be just another imposed law placed on the people. A lot of ranchers, whether large or small, feel resentment toward this issue. I think further investigation is necessary before anything is determined. There are a lot of people out there that still do not know about this. Everyone has an opinion on things that affect their lives and should be able to have a voice in those decisions.” Sherry Royce, Ben Wheeler, TX
“I believe it would make more sense to microchip the foreigners, drug dealers, child molesters, gang members and all incarcerated prisoners. Take away the rights of those who harm this country, do not take away the rights of those who help to make the state of Texas great!” - Proud Texan (submitted via HorseGazette.com)
“Paying to register my property, microchipping or tagging and informing the government about the horses on my property? I don’t think so. I breed, show and train horses as my business. My business is not to provide horse meat for human consumption and in the 35+ years I have been in the horse business I have never contracted a disease from a horse, and I haven’t met anyone who has either! I can’t imagine the government (key word here) EFFECTIVELY managing this ridiculous proposal. If you want to know about my animals contact my Vet, if you want a registration number & description of my horses contact my breed registry, if you want to know about me contact the IRS.” Hot Texas Horse Owner (submitted via HorseGazette.com)