Governor Scott Approves Dyeing Chickens!

Governor Rick Scott, shortly after repealing statute that prohibited dyeing of baby animals

According to Channel 10 News, Governor Rick Scott has signed the bill allowing the dyeing of animals, including baby chicks, despite over 4,000 emails asking him not to. The explanation is that the dye job language was tacked on to a major agricultural bill that had other provisions the Governor wanted to implement.

The bill the Governor signed CS/HB 1197 simply repeals Florida Statute 828.161, which read

828.161 Prohibiting artificial coloring and sale of certain animals and fowls; construction.—

(1) It is unlawful for any person to dye or color artificially any animal or fowl, including but not limited to rabbits, baby chickens, and ducklings, or to bring any dyed or colored animal or fowl into this state.

(2) It is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, or give away as merchandising premiums, baby chickens, ducklings, or other fowl under 4 weeks of age or rabbits under 2 months of age to be used as pets, toys or retail premiums.

(3) This section shall not be construed to apply to any animal or fowl, including but not limited to rabbits, baby chickens, and ducklings to be used or raised for agricultural purposes by persons with proper facilities to care for them or for poultry or livestock exhibitions.

(4) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.—s. 1, ch. 67-177; s. 953, ch. 71-136.

Tell the Governor: Just Say NO to Dyeing Baby Chicks

According to a story in the Orlando Sentinel, one dog groomer in Broward County convinced Ellen Bogdanoff (R. Ft Lauderdale) to introduce legislation that would allowing dyeing dogs for show. The result is a bill on the Governor's desk that would also allow dyeing of baby chicks and rabbits. 


UPDATE APRIL 6, ACCORDING TO A MIAMI NEWS BLOG, THE GOVERNOR HAD ALREADY SIGNED IT INTO LAW -- BUT that was WRONG. He has until Saturday the 7th to veto, otherwise it becomes law without his signature. 

Florida Legislature Dyeing to Create Unwanted Chickens and Rabbits

We've reported on dyeing baby chicks before. This is not dunking animals in a dye bath, but injecting dye into the egg. While the high-viz colors eventually moult out, animal rights groups are justifiably concerned about this unnecessary procedure that may lure consumers into buying colorfully cute baby animals that they have little idea how to care for.

Well, the Florida Legislature has passed legislation re-legalizing this practice after 45 years of it being illegal. Only the Governor's veto pen can stop chicks from dyeing. 

Huffington Post: Artificially Dyeing Animals Approved By Florida House And Senate


Palm Beach Post: 

What color is the Easter bunny? That's up to the governor now