Theres a not-so-new self-defense weapon that needs its own defenders in Texas. And you can count us in.
Thats because its pretty clear that Texas law discriminates against the pink kitty key chain, especially popular among women who carry it for protection when theyre walking to their cars at night, or into a dark parking garage.
In Texas you can be thrown in the county jail for a year or be fined up to $4,000 if youre caught with this 3-by-2 inch plastic item dangling from your steering column.
Thats ridiculous when its legal to openly carry a loaded handgun or long-bladed Bowie knife capable of fatally slicing and dicing an adversary.
The kitty key chain is illegal under section 46.05 of the Texas Penal Code, which puts it in the same category as illegal brass knuckles, which users slide onto their hands to cause greater damage when they throw a punch.
With the key chain you put your fingers through the cats eye openings, make a fist, and strike an attacker with the pointed cats ears that protrude.
OK, sure, someone could lose it and use the kitty to attack and stick a neighbor in the heat of an argument. But that could happen with a dinner fork, too.
The problem here could be that the key chain sells for $5 online, instead of the $500 it might cost for a 9-mm Glock. The kitty doesnt have a powerful, moneymaking lobby that contributes to lawmakers who in turn could peel back restrictions.
Perhaps theres no one in Austin demanding carrying rights for the kitty, because whats in it for them?
But consider what Irv Miller, president of the online company Self Defense and Security Products has to say. He sells the expensive stuff and the kitty, and says the key chain is his No. 1 seller by volume.
Its very effective if used properly and quickly, he says. Making it illegal denies women the right to carry something simple and effective if they choose not to carry a gun.
Were not saying the key chains are a womens-only weapon, but Miller says women are by far the biggest purchasers.
So ladies, your right to carry these little critters legally may depend or your making some noise in Austin. Better yet, the same lawmakers advocating for other self-defense weapons should recognize the hypocrisy of excluding this affordable security item.
State lawmakers, its time to give the kitty key chain its due. Thats our cat call.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
