FW: Legislative Report December 12, 2007 (Long) All States 1

Monthly Legislation Report for December, 2007
Authored by: Ken Sondej & Linda D. Witouski
Ken Sondej - 4winds@viawest.net
American Kennel Club Legislative Liaison - Silver State Kennel Club
Legislative Liaison - National Pet Press
Legislative Liaison - Nevada Dog Fanciers Assc.
Director Government Affairs and Legislative Advisor - Adopt A Rescue Pet
Nevada Director Responsible Dog Owners Western States (RDOWS)
Advisor - Indiana Animal Owners Alliance
Advisor to Clubs and groups in Southern Nevada, Arizona, California

Linda Witouski - dropfred13@aol.com
American Kennel Club Judge
American Kennel Club Delegate - Myrtle Beach Kennel Club - SC
American Kennel Club Legislative Liaison - South Carolina & Pennsylvania
Legislative Liaison/Staff Writer - National Pet Press/TDP
Legislative Chair/BOD - Myrtle Beach Kennel Club
Legislative Chair - Yankee Miniature Pinscher Club
Legislative Chair - Miniature Pinscher Club of America, Inc.
Member: NAIA, MOF, ERPT, DSJA, DJAA, MBKC, YMPC, MPCA
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Handy TOLL FREE NUMBERS - Capitol Switchboard
Here are some toll-free numbers for the Capitol Switchboard:
1-866-220-0044
1-866-340-9281
1-877-851-6437
1-888-355-3588
1-800-833-6354
1-800-450-8293
1-877-762-8722
1-877-762-8762
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FEDERAL
HR2491 - Law on Trusts for Pets in the House Ways and Means Committee text available upon request
SA 3723 - NEW PAWS: Exception is similar to SB 1139 - anyone who sells not more than 25 dogs/cats from not more than 6 litters per calendar year (whichever is greater). If the kittens/puppies are all sold at retail, and not for resale, the breeder would NOT have to be federally regulated as long as the dogs/cats are bred or raised on the premises of the "seller". In addition a total of 25 other dogs and cats not bred or raised on the premises can be sold (allows for rescue or former show/breeding pets). New PAWS has some additions - most notable is the concept of the "certified third-party inspector". This can be a nonprofit organization certified by the Secretary of Agriculture to inspect breeding facilities. Instead of having inspections by USDA inspectors one could choose to comply with standards established by a certified third-party inspector. Breeders could have the HSUS, or perhaps AKC inspectors, coming into their homes - probably with a hefty fee. But the standards and inspection protocols must be "at least as protective of animal welfare as those promulgated by the Secretary" according to the Animal Welfare Act. The USDA standards don't work well for a home-based cat fancier with female breeding cats and kittens wandering in the house among their altered pet cats. USDA standards are designed for commercial facilities with animals in separate primary enclosures impervious to moisture. There are also provisions for the importation of dogs and cats into the United States from foreign countries. Regulations would be promulgated within 24 months, so we don't know what to expect here. The ability of the USDA to apply to court for a temporary restraining order or injunction increases the ability to protect animals covered in the existing Animal Welfare Act. A attempt by Sen Richard Durbin (D-IL) to attach a amended-partial PAWS (2005) to the Farm Bill (HR2419) amendment failed and was "ordered to lie on the table".
UPDATE:
Senator Durbin has revised SA 3723, removing all references to expanded breeder regulation and third-party inspection. The new amendment contains restrictions on puppy imports which, should they become law, would not only be unenforceable, they wouldn't adequately protect U.S. dogs' health or wellbeing. It is obvious that the PAWS supporters have not abandoned, only postponed their efforts to license and regulate the private sector.
STATES - IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
ALABAMA
Anniston - Passed an ordinance defining a "vicious dog" as: any pit bull terrier, which shall be defined as an American Pit Bull Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier or any American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains as an element American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier as to be identified predominantly as American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier. text available upon request
Dothan - officials are considering a tougher law that would prohibit any dogs - or cats - from being loose outside, even on private property and requiring a $5 per animal licensing fee could help fund an affordable spay/neuter program. The committee suggested a higher fee, like $50, if the animal has not been altered.
ALASKA
Kenai - proposed change to the Animal Control ordinance regarding kennel permits, renewals, application, location, property values and noise nuisances. There is no distinction between hobby or commercial breeders in the ordinance. There is no grandfather clause and each application must be renewed each year subject to approval or disapproval. partial information is available upon request.
ARKANSAS
Little Rock - Board of Directors to regulate pit bulls and classify them as a dangerous breed, but they stop short of banning the dogs in an ordinance. Under the proposed ordinance, Little Rock residents still will be allowed to have pit bulls, and new residents can move with their dogs into the city after the ordinance passes. But they will have to register them with Animal Services, pose for a photograph with the dog, sterilize the animal and pay an additional fee to have a dangerous breed permit. The dog would have to be kept indoors or in an outside enclosure. If outside the enclosure, the animal would have to wear a muzzle. If a registered dog were to bite someone, the owner's dangerous breed license could be revoked. The ordinance, which limits owners to two dogs per household, would apply to American pit bull terriers, Staffordshire terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and any mix of those breeds.
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