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| Wilson Shepherding Scooby`s Law through US Congress |
February 21, 2006 |
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Rep. Pushes Hearing to Make Poisonous Antifreeze Less Appealing to Dogs and Children
Albuquerque, NM - U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson today watched agility-trained dogs weave through obstacles and jump through hoops as part of a demonstration at an Albuquerque dog-training center. The New Mexico Rep. says she too will jump through hoops—to prevent accidental dog poisonings from antifreeze. Wilson says sweet-tasting antifreeze also poses a danger to small children who, like dogs, are often attracted by the color and taste of the common household chemical.
The first hoop Wilson must jump through before the bill becomes law is scheduling a congressional hearing on the issue. The federal lawmaker has already set those wheels in motion by requesting a hearing on her bill in the coming weeks. Chairman Paul Gillmor of the Environment and Hazardous Waste Committee has committed to Wilson that his committee will work on the bill this year. Wilson says a hearing and a mark-up could come as soon as Spring.
“This is an important effort for keeping dogs and kids safe,” says Wilson. “We have some strong support for this all around, and I look forward to building support in the U.S. Congress.”
Trish Spradley is a second-generation dog trainer and owns Albuquerque’s Acoma Training School, where poison-proofing is an automatic part of the basic “puppy” and “novice” training curriculum. Spradley invited Rep. Wilson to see an obedience and agility demonstration while announcing her dog-friendly efforts in the U.S. Congress.
“We try to help dog owners connect with their pets, making those dogs a valued member of the family,” says Spradley. “Our poison-proofing training has helped save thousands of lives over the years, but antifreeze poisoning is in a whole other category and it’s hard to prevent. I think dog owners all over New Mexico support and thank Heather for her commitment to making this a federal law.”
Wilson’s effort at the national level mirrors existing law in New Mexico, but would provide a nationwide standard for interstate commerce. The legislation is widely supported by pediatricians, animal rights groups, and by the industry that will be responsible for complying with the federal legislation once it’s enacted. Every year an estimated 1,400 children and 10,000 pets ingest antifreeze, either accidentally or maliciously.
H.R. 2567, the Antifreeze Bittering Act of 2005, would establish a national standard for adding denatonium benzoate to antifreeze sold in quantities of 55 gallons or less. New Mexico, Oregon, and California already have state laws with similar requirements while many other states are considering laws with varying standards. Wilson says a clear national standard is necessary in this case.
Albuquerque veterinarian Dr. Melinda Eyrich has been a vet for 15 years and for 6 years has provided urgent care at all hours of the day. Eyrich is a co-owner at the Urgent Care Veterinary Hospital, and says anti-freeze poisoning in household pets is all too common, and all too painful.
“Anybody who’s passed a kidney stone has somewhat of an idea of what these dogs go through,” says Dr. Eyrich. “It’s a very painful way to die. Once a dog ingests a couple licks worth of the chemical, crystals start forming in their kidneys. Once that process starts, it usually means death. It’s great to have somebody like Rep. Wilson take the initiative at the national level to protect our family pets. I’d be happy if Heather’s efforts result in my never again having to treat a dog poisoned by antifreeze.”
"Prestone and all of the US antifreeze manufacturers support the federal legislation to provide a uniform national standard in order to protect pets and children. We commend Rep. Wilson for her leadership on this bill and urge the US Congress to pass the bill as soon as possible,” says Paul Zorowski, representing Honeywell Prestone, the leading U.S. manufacturer of antifreeze.
Legislation to add denatonium benzoate to antifreeze became known in New Mexico as “Scooby’s Law” after a dog named Scooby was killed by antifreeze. New Mexico State Rep. Kathy McCoy led efforts to pass the legislation in New Mexico and has already testified before Congress. She’ll likely be invited back as Wilson pushes the bill through the House.
“Our pets give us so much joy and unconditional love. The least we can do is protect them from toxic substances,” says McCoy. “New Mexico is at the leading edge of this effort and Rep. Wilson’s federal efforts address the interstate commerce issues that we can’t deal with at a state level. We all have the same goal of protecting our pets from poison, and I thank Heather for her work.”
Wilson’s federal efforts have wide support locally and nationally:
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Veterinary Medical Association have endorsed this legislation.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors passed a resolution in 2004 urging Congress to “help cities protect children and animals” by passing a bill to require the addition of DB to antifreeze.
The Consumer Specialty Products Association, which represents antifreeze manufacturers, actively supports federal legislation.
The Pet Food Institute, the Humane Society of the U.S., the Society for Animal Protective Legislation, and the American Humane Association have all endorsed H.R. 2567 and S. 1110.
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