Bill Text: TX HR583 | 2019-2020 | 86th Legislature | Enrolled

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Bill Title: Honoring Refugio County rancher and dog trainer Joe Braman for his contributions to rhinoceros conservation efforts in South Africa.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)

Status: (Passed) 2019-03-15 - Reported enrolled [HR583 Detail]

Download: Texas-2019-HR583-Enrolled.html

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H.R. No. 583

R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Joe Braman, a Refugio rancher and businessman, has
helped to protect an endangered species by working to curb the crime
of rhinoceros poaching in South Africa; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Braman was sought out for his dog training
skills by Ivan Carter, founder of the Ivan Carter Wildlife
Conservation Alliance, an organization that is working to address
the epidemic of poaching in Africa due to the illegal wildlife
trade; after journeying to South Africa, Mr. Braman saw firsthand
the carnage and suffering that have been inflicted on the country's
rhino population, which includes the critically endangered black
rhinoceros; and
WHEREAS, Returning to his ranch in Refugio County with a new
sense of purpose, Mr. Braman partnered with retired K-9 handler and
trainer Esequiel "Zeke" Ortiz to teach a group of coonhounds how to
track and apprehend criminal poachers; the task went on to become
his full-time passion, requiring him to work with the dogs every
day, from the early morning hours to late at night; and
WHEREAS, After a year, 50 of Mr. Braman's coonhounds were
deemed fit for the job; the dogs, which are trained to travel in
packs of up to 10, are capable of detecting the scent of humans who
have crossed through an area several hours ago and miles away, and
they are fitted with GPS tracking devices for law enforcement to
follow once the pack locates a poacher; Mr. Braman began deploying
the dogs to South Africa in 2018, and their efforts have since led
to dozens of arrests; and
WHEREAS, Joe Braman has demonstrated remarkable skill,
dedication, and perseverance in his work to save some of our
planet's most magnificent and vulnerable animals from extinction,
and in so doing, he has shown us how the actions of one individual
have the power to make a difference; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Joe Braman for his contributions to
rhinoceros conservation efforts in South Africa and extend to him
sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Braman as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Morrison
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 583 was adopted by the House on March
13, 2019, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House