Orlys Nilsen, Minot
I would like to encourage you to vote yes on Measure 5. After listening to calls to a radio station I realize a lot of people are misinformed. You will be able to brand your horses as this measure has specific exemptions. If they get hurt and need to be put down no one is going to come after you if you do that, as this measure is about malicious torture. Someone else said horses are not pets. Well, 80 percent of North Dakotans consider them their pets.
It was also said that legislature has worked on this, they have, and have done nothing and will do nothing again as they couldn't even agree to study the issue last session.
North Dakota and South Dakota are the only two states without a felony penalty for malicious cruelty to animals. Could all the other states be wrong?
This measure only covers cats, dogs and horses. One comment is that it is a foot in the door. Well, no one can put their foot in the door unless you let them. We will always be able to vote out any future measures we don't like. That is why we have elections.
As for the Humane Society, they were here in Minot to help with our pets during the flood, they were in Grand Forks and Katrina and many places that disasters have hit to help us care for our pets.
Money is coming from out of state for every campaign you see, including the opposition to this measure.
I encourage you to read the measure, see that it does not effect farming, ranching, fishing, hunting, trapping, etc. It is for dogs, cats and horses. It is written by North Dakotans for North Dakotans.
For the sake and love of our pets, please vote yes on Measure 5. If this measure helps even one dog or one cat or just one horse it will be your vote that counted. If you have questions seek an answer from someone who knows what they are talking about and that is not the opposition.