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2010-11_Report-Animal Welfare Committee Chairman 

Submitted by Webmaster on   4/15/2012
Last Modified

REPORT OF THE CFA ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

Gary C. Payne

The National CFA Animal Welfare committee enjoys regular participation by all it’s members who well represent the interest of CFA.  I cannot say enough about your committee, and make it a point to speak of them often, collectively and individually, in the text of my regular column, “Preserving Animals in the Circus”, published in each edition of our magazine, The White Tops!  Readership has increased as the column’s message spreads.

Go thru the CFA website www.circusfans.org to find our committee’s home base grassroots.circusfans.org. – this is where you will find verified facts, not the “gossip” that too often distorts what is truly going on.

The original focus of this committee was to show opposition to the various animal extremist’s businesses. We organize the members of CFA to insure that the public and our elected officials realize that what the extremists show is propaganda, NOT empirical evidence!  They capitalize on a natural human instinct – to love and cuddle animals.  Most of these businesses are gigantic corporate fund raising scams!

The past year’s ARE (Animal Rights Extremists) activity could probably best be described as a series of grass fires.  The ARE’s argument has collapsed due to their too often regurgitated and more often falsified propaganda videos.  Follow any of the videos up – you’ll discover that more often than not, no charges have been filed.  No evidence. No charges.  They allege but seldom prove.  The public is tired of their ranting.  They are by their own admission “publicity sluts”.
Attempts by ARE’s to capitalize on the book and movie “Water for Elephants” have largely backfired.  The book/movie, is, of course not fact based.  It is a work of historical FICTION.  (I should know, check the acknowledgements and you’ll see my name there – author Sara Gruen is now considered a personal friend)  The book/movie’s fans, particularly Rob Pattinson fans, have communicated with us.  They don’t buy the propaganda used by the extremists.  They have actually helped to show our side of the story and have involved themselves with our favorite elephant related charity, the International Elephant Foundation (IEF).  A “bracelet” selling campaign has been launched to

In a few states and municipalities, attempts were made by ARE’s to legislate the circus out of existence.  Their focus has been upon elephants and the elephant guide tool, attempting to call it a “weapon”.  It is of course, no more a weapon in the hands of a capable animal trainer than is a hammer in the hands of a carpenter.  In Fulton County, GA a “ban” on guide tools was indeed passed, the element of “surprise” probably landing the ARE’s their 4-1 vote against circus.  Five people voted to decide the matter!  Commissioners didn’t know about the proposal very far in advance.   Thus, our focus may soon expand to include “pushing back” destructive, special interest legislation such as this.

At the NY CFA Convention, we plan to meet with industry experts to discuss a grassroots “pushing back” campaign.  It will extend beyond the Georgia matter.

We are also calling for regular members of the CFA to register their intentions with us – stand up and counter protest versus the extremists at a circus and prepare to testify at hearings that could take place in your area – but please do check with us first!

Email Gary C. Payne   ptgcp@aol.com

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