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Activists set to lobby for ban language in animal bill

By Ed Sealover, Rocky Mountain News

Published February 11, 2009 at 12:05 a.m.

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Animal-rights activists were disappointed that a bill to ban puppy mills died last week, but they may have found a loophole to resurrect the intent of the legislation.

Leaders of the Humane Society of the United States will organize a lobbying day Thursday urging lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 118, which continues state regulation of animal-care facilities. They will ask that the bill be amended to ban an individual who has been convicted of animal cruelty from holding a license to operate such a facility.

The humane society will host a 9:30 a.m. meeting for advocates that day at the First Baptist Church near the Capitol.

Then the fur really will fly when Rocky Mountain Animal Defense holds a 2 p.m. rally outside the Capitol where owners of puppy-mill survivors will share their stories.

In other action Tuesday:

* The full Senate gave final backing to Senate Bill 78 allowing the state to give up control of some roadways that are no longer considered part of the state highway system to counties and cities.

The state has set aside $20 million to give to local governments who want to take over the responsibility of maintaining such roads. The bill heads to the House.

Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray, said lawmakers should use the money to fix the state's worst bridges. But Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, said rejecting the bill would cost the state more money in the long run because it would have to keep paying for road maintenance.

* The Senate gave final backing to Senate Bill 36 cracking down on bootleg recordings, sending it to the House for consideration.

Selling pirated recordings is a misdemeanor and the bill would also make it a crime to transport such recordings. Violators caught with 100 or fewer recordings would be fined at least $100 but those with 100 or more would be fined at least $1,000.

* Require the state to train counselors to help homeowners avoid foreclosure (House Bill 1276).

* Require utilities to tell customers the types of fuels used to generate electricity (House Bill 1277).

The Associated Press contributed to this report.