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Legislation
REPEAL OF DANGEROUS DOG LEGISLATION ROCKVILLE CENTRE NY
At their Tuesday, July 20th meeting the Rockville Centre Board of Trustees is expected to vote to repeal the breed-specific ordinance that was adopted in June. This measure violates New York state law which prohibits local governments from enacting breed-specific ordinances.* It is vital that responsible dog owners, breeders, and fanciers attend this meeting to support the repeal.
Rockville Board of Trustees Meeting
Date: Tuesday, July 20th
Time: 8:15pm
Location: Anderson Recreation Center
111 Oceanside Road
Rockville Centre, NY 11572
Please note that this is a different location than the previous meeting.
In June, the AKC Government Relations department sent a letter to the city attorney and trustees informing them of the state law and asking them to repeal this ordinance.
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Protect Your Rights! Don't Let Others Make the Decisions for Your Pets
As a regional club, Mayflower promotes responsible pet ownership on every level, from breeder ethics, to running an active and successful rescue program. We believe that each owner, breeder, family, has the right to make ethical and responsible decisions for their pets and as such we strive to bring you up to date information about proposed legislation within the Mayflower PWCC family of states. These states include Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine and New York. We urge you to flag this page as your 'favorite' and check in often. Legislation happens quickly, and often with little notice. Please help every dog owner across the country to maintain their individual rights by voting with your voice.
10/7/2009 With the exception of Massachusetts all state legislatures are in recess. |
Legislation You Should Care About
| CT | DOGS SOLD IN PET SHOPS
HB5118 Any dog or cat imported into this state shall be accompanied by a certificate of health issued no earlier than thirty days prior to the date of importation by a licensed, graduate veterinarian stating that such dog or cat is free from symptoms of any infectious, contagious or communicable disease, and that such dog or cat, if three months of age or older, is currently vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Any dog sold or offered for sale by a pet shop licensee in this state shall be accompanied by a certificate of origin identifying the name and address of the person, firm or corporation that bred such dog and of any person, firm or corporation that sold such dog to such pet shop licensee. Such information contained in the certificate of origin shall be posted in a conspicuous manner not more than ten feet from the location where such dog is displayed for sale. A copy of such certificate shall be provided to the purchaser of such dog at the time of sale.
Current Status:Referred to Joint Committee on Environment 2/10/2010.
| | CT | PROHIBITING UNREASONABLE CONFINEMENT AND TETHERINGPASSED 5/4/2010 EFFECTIVE 10/1/2010
Raised S.B. 274 repeals Section 22-350a of general statutes and substitutes the following: Any person who confines or tethers a dog in an unreasonable manner shall be fined $100 for the first offense, $200 for a second offense and not less than $250 or more than $500 for each subsequent offense. Each day of confinement constitutes a separate offense. Unreasonable: for one dog an enclosure that is less than 100 sq ft and is the primary location where the dog eats, sleeps, and eliminates; for two or more dogs an enclosure less than 150 sq ft. Unreasonable tethering: person attaches an unattended dog to a stationary object by any means other than a properly fitting collar and leash, harness or lightweight cable in a manner that obstructs the dog's access to food, water, shelter, prevents the dog from lying, sitting or standing without strangulation or entanglement. Dog is unattended if dog is not within visual range of owner or person responsible for the dog. The space requirements described above do not apply to enclosures used to confine dogs that are 6 months of age or younger, a kennel licensed pursuant to section 22-342, any commercial kennel, pet shop, training or grooming facility licensed pursuant to section 22-344 or any facility used for temporary boarding of any dog that is in need of a new owner or any pound as defined in section 22-380e. Act will take effect Oct. 1, 2010. Some changes have been made to this bill but still applies to kennels and vet offices. Sent to Legislative Commissioners Office for bill drafting.PLEASE CALL YOUR CONGRESSPERSON http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CGAFindLeg.asp
| | MA | DEVOCALIZATION BAN PASSES HOUSE ON 3/3/10 and Senate on 4/1/10
Mayflower is on record in opposition
MA HB344 was amended by the Senate and passed on 4/1/2010 as SB2359. It now goes back to House to pass the Senate version. This bill makes it illegal to debark a dog. Penalty is 5 year imprisonment and $2500 fine which is unreasonable and excessive. MassFed states that this bill, which is poorly written and infringes of the rights of owners and their veterinarians to make healthcare decisions and is part of a coordinated campaign by animal rights groups. It is opposed by MVMA, the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and the AKC. MassFed indicates that it will cause the surrender and/or euthanasia of dogs who bark and cause neighbor complaints and are labeled a public nuisance. It creates excessive, undue paperwork for vets and town clerks. Proponents of the bill submit that devocalization is done for "cosmetic" purposes when in fact it is done in extreme cases when all other methods to stop uncontrolled barking have failed. If you wish to express your opinion about this bill please phone/fax/email/snailmail your Senator . FOR MORE INFORMATION: Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners Julie Rembrandt Seeley, Corresponding Secretary; jrembrandtseeley@aol.com; 978-456-8644 Virginia Rowland, President; blackslate@aol.com; 978-424-1044
| | MA | DAMAGES FOR MALICIOUS INJURY
MA HB1250 allows for payment for damages include emotional distress and loss of companionship. MassFed opposes because it raises the legal status of animals to that of humans. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners Virginia Rowland, President; Blackslate@aol.com; 978-424-1044 Holly Stump, Legislative Specialist; hollystump@hickoryhillkennel.com; 978-356-1644
| | ME | LAWS AGAINST ILLEGAL "PUPPY MILL" OPERATORS
ME SP0605/LR2072 strengthens the laws against illegal "puppy mill" operators by raising the crimes from Class D to Class C when 25 or more animals are involved, authorizes the state to recover the costs of relocating the animals and authorizes the imposition of a fine of not less than $500 for each offense. Current Status:1/12/2010 referred bill to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. 1/14/2010 referred bill to House Committee.
| | NH | UNREASONABLE BREEDER BILL
NH House Bill 1624 seeks to impose unreasonable and unnecessary restrictions on responsible dog breeders and owners. AKC opposes several provisions including:
1. limiting any person from owning more than 50 intact dogs over the age of 4 months;
2. requiring any person having more than 10 intact dogs over 4 months of age to provide specific care and condition requirements and abide by existing state operation standards for pet shops and animal shelters,
3. mandating that all debarking, tail docking, and surgical births be done by a licensed vet with anesthesia;
4. authorizing any duly appointed agent of any humane society, SPCA incorporated in the state, or animal control officer, on the Agriculture Commissioner's initiative or pursuant to complaints to investigate possible violations.
Hearing is set for Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 1 p.m LOB 308 107 North Main St. Concord, NH 03301
| | NH | DOGS IN RESTAURANTS
NH HB1417 allows properly discipline companion dogs in certain areas of restaurants. Current Status:Referred to House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee. Next hearing 2/2/2010 10 a.m. LOB 302.
Expected to pass on 2/17/2010
| | NY | EXCESSIVE DOG BREEDING TO BE VOTED ON 4/20/2010 4/21/2010 held for consideration by Agriculture
AB6797 seeks to make it ?unlawful for any person to conduct the excessive breeding of dogs in an uncontrolled manner and location so as to be in a cruel and inhumane manner.? Those found guilty of conducting excessive dog breeding shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 or six months imprisonment or both.
The American Kennel Club opposes AB 6797 because we believe that it is unconstitutionally vague. The bill fails to provide adequate notice as to what specific behaviors would be prohibited but allows a great variety of non-uniform opinions to determine what behavior could qualify as excessive under the Act. The American Kennel Club strongly supports humane treatment of dogs, including an adequate and nutritious diet, clean water, clean living conditions, regular veterinary care, kind and responsive human companionship, and training in appropriate behavior. We support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of breeders and owners who take their responsibilities seriously.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
New Yorkers concerned with AB 6797 are strongly encouraged to contact the Members of the Assembly Agriculture Committee today and respectfully express your concerns with the bill.
Chairman William Magee
LOB 828
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-4807
MageeW@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Marc S. Alessi
LOB 419
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5294
AlessiM@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman George Amedore
LOB 426
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5197
AmedoreG@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Michael Benedetto
LOB 919
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5296
BenedeM@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Marc W. Butler
LOB 318
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5393
ButlerM@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch
LOB 450
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5741
CrouchC@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte
LOB 553
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5284
DelMonF@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblywoman RoAnn M. Destito
LOB 621
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5454
DestitR@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Gary D. Finch
LOB 320
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5878
FinchG@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Tim Gordon
LOB 529
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5777
GordonT@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther
LOB 435
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5355
GuntheA@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Stephen Hawley
Room 531 LOB
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5811
HawleyS@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton
LOB 555
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5444
LiftonB@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Peter D. Lopez
LOB 429
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5363
LopezP@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Alan Maisel
528 LOB
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5211
MaiselA@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblywoman Margaret M. Markey
LOB 654
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-4755
MarkeyM@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman John J. McEneny
LOB 648
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-4178
McEnenJ@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Bob Reilly
LOB 452
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5931
ReillyR@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Peter M. Rivera
LOB 826
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5102
RiveraP@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblywoman Linda B. Rosenthal
821 LOB
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5802
RosentL@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell
LOB 602
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5545
RussellA@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Frank K. Skartados
LOB 545
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5762
SkartadosF@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblyman Al Stirpe
Room 430
Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-4505
StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us
For more information, contact AKC?s Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or e
| | NY | MULTIPLE BILLS OF INTEREST/CONCERN
2) A07983 care of dogs and cats by pet dealers (must employ attending veterinarian, provide opportunity for exercise, increase licensing fees) 1/6/2010 referred to Agriculture
3) S02219 requires all dogs and their owners to successfully complete obedience training. 1/6/2010 referred to Agriculture.
4) A02711 provides of compensation for loss of companionship and comfort for loss of companion animal (see Massachusetts).
5) A02593 amends the penal law to include the theft of dogs and cats within the crime of grand larceny. 1/6/2010 referred to Codes.
6) A06797 makes it unlawful to conduct excessive (no definition of excessive) breeding of dogs in an uncontrolled manner and location so as to be cruel and inhumane. 1/6/2010 referred to Agriculture.
7) A09449 requires the release of a shelter animal to a rescue group upon the request of the rescue group prior to euthanasia of the animal (who would want it after euthanasia???) 1/6/2010 referred to Agriculture.
8) S02211 requires all dogs be microchipped and creates a state registry available 24 hours a day. 1/6/2010 referred to Agriculture.
9) S05392 limits the number of intact animals over 4 months of age a person or business can own to 50. 1/6/2010 referred to Agriculture.
10) A02566 prevents insurers from canceling or refusing to issue or renew or charge higher rates to homeowners based on the breed of dog owned. 1/6/2010 referred to Agriculture.
11) A02564 No person over 62 years of age shall be denied occupancy or be subject to eviction in multiple family dwellings solely because of keeping common household pets. 1/6/2010 referred to Housing.
| | RI | RABIES CHALLENGE PASSED
The Rabies Challenge has now passed the legislature in RI and the 3 year requirement should be enacted soon. This now means that all 50 states have a 3 year rabies vaccine.
The Rhode Island Rabies Control Board meets February 22 at 9:30 a.m. Room 370, Division of Agriculture, 235 Promenade St. Providence. New 3 year rabies regulations approved at the April 2009 meeting are to be discussed. http://sos.ri.gov/documents/publicinfo/omdocs/notices/13/2010/84585.pdf. Concerned pet owners should make every effort to attend this meeting and ask their friends to do the same. If you cannot attend the meeting, but want to voice your opinion, please contact Chair of the Board, RI State Veterinarian, Dr. Scott Marshall at scott.marshall@dem.ri.gov, phone (401)222-2781 and ask that the regulatory change to 3 year protocol be made effective as soon as possible.
| | RI | CRUELTY
RI S2023 expands the scope of provisions against unnecessary cruelty to animals (what is necessary cruelty to animals???). Current Status:1/13/2010 referred to Senate Constitutional and Regulatory Issues.
| | VT | DEBARKING, DOCKING, SURGICAL BIRTH
H744This bill proposes to require that debarking, tail docking, and surgical birth procedures on dogs be performed only by licensed veterinarians and with the animal under general anesthesia.
| | VT | RESCUE GROUPS
H768This bill proposes to require animal rescue organizations to adhere to the same registration requirements as animal shelters and would impose a penalty on animal shelters and animal rescue organizations that fail to register with the agency of agriculture, food and markets. This bill would also propose to require that all dogs, cats, ferrets, and wolf-hybrids imported into the state for the purpose of adoption, sale, or exchange be accompanied by a certificate of health from a veterinarian in the state of origin.
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