CONGRATULATIONS ON THE "BUDDY BILL"!
Buddy, the German Shepard rescue dog shot and killed by his new owner just after being brought home from a shelter, will long be remembered because of the efforts of Representative Fred Camillo to prevent similar senseless tragedies from happening in the future.
While we can all celebrate Governor Malloy's signing the "Buddy Bill" into law, some behind the scenes insight into the legislative process; and Representative Camillo's hard work over a two year period, will illustrate just how significant his efforts were at quarterbacking this legislation.
The need to be able to euthanize animals is a sensitive subject for many in the farming community; for law enforcement officials charged with protecting the public; for situations where safety does not allow for time to get a licensed veterinarian on scene, to name just a few scenarios.
Representative Camillo had to draft legislation that addressed all of these concerns, many of which were articulated in discussions with his colleagues in the General Assembly during the 2012 legislative session.
Camillo even communicated with Governor Malloy soliciting the Governor's comments; all in an effort to craft a meaningful bill that would be passed and signed into law.
The Governor's input was very important given prior attempts by other legislators to pass bills dealing with humanly euthanizing animals before the Buddy incident; particularly in view of legitimate concerns raised by farmers, their lobbyists and law enforcement.
The 2012 bill was then redrafted by Representative Camillo and he garnered the support of virtually everyone in the General Assembly; gaining both verbal support and many bill sponsors. All this I might add after hours and hours of hard work on the part of Representative Camillo, explaining why the Buddy Bill should be passed even after other bills on this subject had failed.
It is a testament to Representative Camillo's persistence and determination that the Buddy Bill passed almost unanimously in both the House and Senate.
It is a further testament to Representative Camillo's excellent relationship with his colleagues in both parties; and with the Governor in the opposite party, that he gets things done!
Make no mistake about it, the Buddy Bill was important legislation since it provides protections for those who can not speak for themselves; and that it passed where other bills had failed.
The legislation was hard work on the part of Representative Camillo;and he is to be congratulated on his success!
