Today the Ag Committee voted to pass HB 2524 – the bill to stop the black dye in pet milk rule. It was an overwhelming victory, 16 to 2. (Not all members were present.) Thanks to all of you who worked diligently to convince the Ag Committee members of the importance of this bill through emails, calls, and visits. Many staff members commented on how nice we were.
Representative Pricey Harrison did an outstanding job of keeping the meeting’s focus on pet milk for animal consumption despite the NCDA’s testimony against human consumption. State epidemiologist Dr. Jeffery Engel also gave testimony in opposition, ignoring the state health department’s promise not to interfere.
There is still work to be done. Next we move to the House Health Committee. There are thirty members to be contacted. Please email, fax, call and visit these members ASAP. The Health committee may vote on HB 2524 on Tuesday June 24th. Stay tuned for a confirmation.
NC House Committee on Health
Meets Tuesdays, Thursdays at 12:00 Noon in 544 Legislative Office Building
Chairman Rep. England 919-733-5749 Bobe (at) ncleg.net
Vice Chairman Rep. Earle 919-715-2530 Beverlye (at) ncleg.net
Vice Chairman Rep. Justus 919-733-5956 Carolynj (at) ncleg.net
Vice Chairman Rep. Rapp 919-733-5732 Raymondr (at) ncleg.net
Members
Rep. Adams, 919-733-5902 Almaa (at) ncleg.net
Rep. M. Alexander, 919-733-5807 Marthaa (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Allred, 919-733-5905 Carya (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Avila, 919-733-5530 Marilyna (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Barnhart, 919-715-2009 Jeffba (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Boylan, 919-733-5903 Joeb (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Brubaker, 919-715-4946 Brub (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Current, 919-733-5809 Billcu (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Dollar, 919-715-0795 Nelsond (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Farmer-Butterfield, 919-733-5898 Jeanf (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Glazier, 919-733-5601 Rickg (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Goforth, 919-733-5746 Bruceg (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Grady, 919-715-9644 Robertg (at) ncleg.net
Rep. J. Harrell, 919-715-1883 Jimha (at) ncleg.net
Rep. T. Harrell, 919-733-5602 Tyh (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Hughes, 919-733-5754 Sandrah (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Insko, 919-733-7208 Verlai (at) ncleg.net
Rep. McAllister, 919-733-5959 Marymc (at) ncleg.net
Rep. McComas, 919-733-5786 Dannym (at) ncleg.net
Rep. McLawhorn, 919-733-5757 Marianm (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Neumann, 919-733-5868 Wiln (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Parmon, 919-733-5829 Earlinep (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Thomas, 919-715-3012 Charlest (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Wainwright, 919-733-5995 Williamw (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Walend, 919-715-4466 Trudiw (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Wilkins 919-715-0850 Winkiew (at) ncleg.net
Please write a quick note to thank these Ag Committee members who voted in
our favor:
Vice Chairman Rep. Bell 919-733-5863 larryb (at) ncleg.net
Vice Chairman Rep. Braxton 919-715-3017 Vanb (at) ncleg.net
Vice Chairman Rep. Brisson 919-733-5772 Williambr (at) ncleg.net
Vice Chairman Rep. Lewis 919-715-3015 Davidl (at) ncleg.net
Members:
Rep. Coates 919-733-5784 Lorenec (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Daughtry 919-733-5605 Leod (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Pate 919-733-5755 Louisp (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Starnes 919-733-5931 Edgars (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Steen 919-733-5881 Fredst (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Tarleton 919-733-7727 Culliet (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Tolson 919-715-3024 Joet (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Tucker 919-715-3021 Russellt (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Underhill 919-733-5853 Aliceu (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Walker 919-733-5935 Tracyw (at) ncleg.net
Rep. E. Warren 919-715-3023 Edithw (at) ncleg.net
Rep. Wray 919-733-5662 Michaelw (at) ncleg.net
Best,
Ruth Ann Foster
Weston A. Price Foundation Chapter Leader,
Greensboro, NC
(336)286-3088
EatReal (at) gmail.com
Talking Points for HB 2524 – Raw Milk for Pets
(We are only discussing raw milk for animal consumption not human.)
Safety
- We want safe local food for our pets – many of us prepare all food given to our animals
- Pets will not drink black milk
- Many orphaned and rescued animals rely on raw milk – pasteurized milk makes them ill
- Goat cheese makers use raw cows milk as a substitute for their goat kid milk
- Farmers need unadulterated raw milk for young or orphaned animals, calves and foals
- Zoos rely on clean raw milk for the same purposes
- The NCDA has not addressed the safety issues of the chosen dye
- What pet food would charcoal black dye be used for?
Economics
- Consumers will not purchase a deliberately adulterated food for their animals but will travel to South Carolina where they may purchase raw milk on the grocery store shelf
- Farmers rely on the extra income pet milk sales provide
- NC farmers face tremendous financial strain
- NC is number one in the nation for farm loss
- Who will pay for and/or supply the dye?
- Is penalizing and restricting our small farmers the most beneficial use of our tax dollars?
Necessity?
- There are only two pet milk producers licensed with the NCDA (they were forced to sign under coercion by the department)
- Both producers are organic
- There is NO organic dye
- Adulterating their organic raw milk with a synthetic dye would render it non organic and force them out of business
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