As Virginia General Assembly convenes for 2008 next week, it looks like a disgraced professional football player may have a large impact on Virginia’s production agriculture. There are countless bills rumored to being introduced to deal with the dog fighting issue that are worded broadly enough to carry over to production agriculture. As of today, January 3, 2008, there are six (6) bills currently introduced under the subject of animal, horticulture and food, all six bills are dealing with issues directly related to the actions of Mr. Vick.

The actions of Mr. Vick have brought national attention to one instance of very cruel individuals. Quite obviously anyone that relies on animals for their livelihood would never treat an animal in this manner. Mr. Vick is someone who does not rely on any animal for his sources of income. It appears that members of our General Assembly that are not as educated on production agriculture are ready to deal with the issue in one swipe, and paint a broad streak on the issue.

For example there is a proposed bill that would ban the tethering of animals less than six months of age. This would have a major impact on one of the most wholesome and respected rural traditions; the 4-H/FFA/Junior Livestock Shows traditions that allow today’s youth to be involved in production agriculture. Under this proposed legislation, it would ban the haltering of show steers, lambs, goats and horses under six months of age.

It is interesting to read other blogs on the issue of Michael Vick’s dog fighting and to see how very quickly the general public aligns this with livestock production. As producers of animal livestock, we realize that proper handlings, nutrition, housing, etc. for livestock are imperative for their well being. We as animal producers have not only economic ties but very emotional ties to our animals. We realize that every animal has a purpose and handled correctly these animals lead a very comfortable life until their purpose is met.

Quite simply any legislation proposed in the wake of the Michael Vick events should be based upon science, not fiction and/or a knee-jerk reaction to this. Maybe Mr. Vick would have never entered into these types of actions if he had participated in a 4-H or FFA livestock show as a youth.