The Trade Organization for Aviculturists
The Organization of Professional Aviculturists (OPA) is a 501(c)(6) Not For Profit Corporation, founded in 2002 by a group of 80 aviculturists for the purpose of strengthening the future of aviculture, both by protecting the rights of aviculturists and by fostering a high degree of professionalism.
Legislative News
Federal Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act
President Bush signed the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act into law on November 27. The AETA extends protection provided by the Animal Enterprise Protection Act of 1992 to individuals and third parties doing business with animal enterprises and sets fines and prison sentences according to the degree of violence, threat of violence and/or amount of financial loss.
California AB 2862
On September 29, 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed AB 2862. The original Assembly bill intended to regulate pet store practices in great detail. Before the bill was sent to the Governor, it had been completely "gutted" in the State Senate with the accord of the bill's sponsor, Assemblyman Ridley-Thomas. The final version would have required the Dept. of Consumer Affairs, rather than the Legislature, to adopt regulations for the care of animals sold at retail.
Pierce County, Washington —
The OPA applauds Pierce County legislators and aviculturists for their efforts to assure quality avian husbandry practices by developing an Aviculture Advisory Commission. Please see the main Legislative page for details.
Legislative Alerts
Massachusetts Action Alert — Oppose SB 2195
Legislation that was sitting in the Joint Community Development and Small Business committee without action since October 2005 has now been adopted by the committee and sent to the floor of both houses. Senate Bill 2195 would prohibit the import of unweaned birds into the state and charge the Department of Food and Agriculture with promulgating rules "as to what age and size each species of bird must be before said Unweaned Bird can be sold or transported into the Commonwealth." The measure can now be passed with a simple majority vote of both houses. Anyone concerned about this measure should contact their legislators immediately.
Please see the main Legislative page to read about this proposed legislation.
What's New with the OPA?
OPA Bulletin Board
The OPA now uses a private bulletin board system which consolidates the goals of the many email lists previously in use. The bulletin board is avaiable for use by all members. New applicants receive instructions on registering for the board once their membership status is approved. In addition to special announcements, a daily email is sent to all members informing them of new postings to the board.
Website
NEW Aviculture Question and Answer
Where do OPA's readers live?
This site has thousands of unique visitors each month. The map shows only visits to this page, but the proportions are representative of the total numbers.
