July 2006 / Issue 11
Chairman's Message
Be Active – Protect Your Interests
By Andrew Messinger
Chairman of the Board, APPMA
The California legislature’s recent proposal to more tightly regulate the handling and sale of pets should give all of us in the pet industry a reason to be alarmed. The industry, through PIJAC and the efforts of California’s pet interests, is responding. The chances of derailing this effort (AB2862) have been enhanced because PIJAC, APPMA, and other industry organizations have worked together to sound the alarm and communicate with interested parties.
PIJAC is our industry’s principal asset in tracking and responding to threats regarding live animal issues, and over the years, PIJAC’s record, thanks largely to the relentless efforts of Marshall Meyers, has been extraordinary. APPMA’s Board of Directors has recognized that more must be done to stay abreast of this ever-changing situation. Yes, we help fund PIJAC, but that is not sufficient to reduce the risks. We have enlisted the help of a Washington law firm to monitor product-related issues and other developments, and, generally, to complement PIJAC’s efforts.
Of course, APPMA does plenty now to keep up with legislative and regulatory issues. Our team of staff attorneys, led by General Counsel, Ed Rod, is involved daily in many issues including responding to inquiries from our member companies. The threats to our industry from some animal welfare and anti-pet groups and other organizations are constantly growing. These groups are well financed, emotionally motivated and very aggressive. The pet industry needs to work harder to ensure that our ability to lead the responses to such threats is strong and clear.
Although industry organizations have thus far been successful in protecting our interests, each of us needs to do more. Be active: get involved in state and local issues; write to your state and federal legislative representatives; lead local efforts to protect your interests.
The importance of maintaining very active efforts to review and influence legislation and regulations affecting the pet business can not be overstated. It is up to each of us in the industry to participate in these efforts.
BE AN ACTIVIST!