. . . well, not dead, but she isn’t running for City Council this year. The woman who carried the HEART Ordinance for three years, until the rest of the Councilors folded, has withdrawn. HEART is a piece of horrible Animal Rights legislation, 70 long pages, unintelligible, unenforceable (except selectively). An intact companion animal requires an annual permit ($150), and a license ($6), it must be microchipped and fully vaccinated. All companion animals must have water available 24/7. Crates must be the size of a laundry room. Dogs must be on leash unless they are in the owner’s fenced yard. The leashes may not be more than 8′ long. City residents may have a maximum of six companion animals and only four may be of the same species. . . . so, the author of this legislative abomination will be on the Council no more.
Step 2: Who do we elect? I suggest the man who responded to my query thusly:
“Thank you for your email. Regarding your question about the Heart Ord…I am against it. While out meeting people in my district knocking on doors, people have stated their dislike for the ordinance. I must admit that I did not realize this until speaking with responsible citizens who own dogs and were already caring for their animals properly. I think the ord was originally set up to stop irresponsible people who mistreat animals, but it unfortunately hurts the responsible ones, in my opinion.
‘I have sat and looked over the ordinance and must say that it is a bit overwhelming to try to get through. I would wholeheartedly support amendments to the Heart Ord that would make it more understandable and less cumbersome and less expensive for the law abiding responsible pet owners. I feel they have been punished for something that they should not have been punished for.
‘That’s where I stand on the matter. I hope you will consider voting for me. If you have any other questions, I would be glad to address them.
Sincerely,
Mike Cook”
You go, Mike Cook!
OK Dorothy, pick up those Red Shoes, and be on your way! Oh, and take the broom too. Clearly she won’t be needing it any more! 🙂
Can I vote for Mike? I don’t think I live in his district though….
What’s this? A politician who forthrightly and completely answers a question? Inconceivable! Somebody bottle that and ship it to Washington!
Well, it sounds hopeful. Albuquerque is otherwise such a dog-friendly place.