LINDA VALDEZ

Ducey said whoa: You say thanks

Linda Valdez
opinion columnist
Goats are seen at The Simple Farm in Scottsdale, AZ.

If you are among those who urged Gov. Doug Ducey to veto a bill that was bad for farm animals, your job isn't done.

Now you have to say thank you.

According to a tweet from the Republic's Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, Ducey's office got 19,251 contacts regarding HB 2150, which would have removed farm animals from existing animal cruelty statutes and put them in a separate category. All but three of those constituent contacts were opposed to the bill.

The bill was colossally unpopular with the public for good reason.

If this bill had become law, it would have been much easier to slowly erode existing protections for animals in agriculture.

The bill also would have stripped local communities of the ability to act on their own to protect Trigger, Bossy and Princess the goat.

There are at least two important lessons in Ducey's veto. They matter because this bill will be back next year.

1) The governor listened. Getting engaged with government is more powerful than whining. Sadly, more people spoke up about this than the budget, according to reports. Think about what would happen if Arizonans fully engaged on all issues that matter to them.

2) This bill was a replay of one from last year. It addresses concerns of the agriculture community. It will be back. Ducey says he'll work with the sponsors next year on a more acceptable approach. Those who opposed this bill need to be at that table – and they need to arrive with respect, credibility and good will in order to make their voices heard.

If Ducey works on a bill next year, he is unlikely to veto the final product. Animal advocates need to be part of the process.

Those who advocate for animals are often portrayed as over-zealous and unreasonable. Don't reinforce that stereotype. Be reasonable. Be gracious.

Fire off at least 19,000 thank you notes today.