Councilman Peter Vallone has animal rights written all over him.

First, he floated the idea of banning breeds in New York City - despite a NY State law stating that breed bans are unconstitutional.  That idea didn't have any traction.

Not one to give up easily, and determined to press his AR agenda, Vallone went back to the drawing board.

He liked the look of anti-tethering.  Most AR types do.

Why?

Well, who in their right mind would agree that a hapless pet should be tied up in the backyard round the clock?  We all agree that this practice is abominable, except when managed properly by a responsible dog owner, that is.

So, using the tried-and-true tactic of purporting to be concerned about animal welfare, Vallone introduced the idea of an anti-tethering law in NYC.

Anti-tethering, like 'guardian' and mandatory spay/neuter, is the new BSL.   With breed banning falling under the gavel, the anti-animal agenda needed a more subtle trick.

It is an intrusive, animal rights-driven concept.  Remember, the goal of animal rights groups is to eliminate domestic animal husbandry, not to mention meddle in your life as much as possible.

That means no more pets.  No more cats. No more budgies. No more guppies.

No more dogs.

I don't think of dogs as pets.  I think of them as friends from a foreign nation.  I remember them, deep in my psyche, as being the only species which chose to join forces with us when we were still living in caves, before we'd invented the axle.  Dogs are the only ones who prefer us to their own kind.  They run towards us as puppies.  They stay by our sides when we are happy or sad, young or old, rich or poor.

They aren't pets.

I went over to Newsday's website and read the article.

Then I voted in the poll.  I voted against the intrusive, unfounded agenda which is geared towards extinction.

I voted 'no'.

Here's the link.

Thanks to Dog Politics for the tip, AND for this additional info:

"PS - The ASPCA & Vallone are in it together.