Monthly National Legislation Report 3-19-08

THE MONTHLY NATIONAL LEGISLATION REPORT
March 19, 2008
Authored By:
Ken Sondej
4winds@viawest.net
&
Linda D. Witouski
dropfred13@aol.com
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STATES - IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER


ALABAMA Home Page: http://www.legislature.state.al.us/

Athens - City Council is considering a amendment to the “bad dog” ordinance to say you cannot have a kennel inside an open carport, that a carport shall not be used as an enclosure for keeping dogs. Current city ordinance on vicious dogs is vague, at best. Sec. 10-5, titled “Keeping of wild animals or vicious animals prohibited,” states: “(a) No person shall keep or permit to be kept on his premises any wild animal for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee. This section shall not be construed to apply to performing animal exhibitions or circuses. (b) No person shall keep or permit to be kept any wild animal as a pet.”
Montgomery - a committee of Mobile County state senators passed two bills Tuesday that would allow local authorities to declare that a dog is dangerous and create criminal penalties for the owners held responsible. The bills were passed by the House last month and now move on for consideration by the full Senate. One bill would allow residents to vote on a local constitutional amendment, deciding whether they want a dangerous dog law. The second measure includes the specifics of the proposed law. The bills would only affect unincorporated portions of Mobile County. Legislation would allow animal control or other law enforcement officers to impound dogs at the owners' expense if authorities consider them a threat to public safety or if they believe the dogs were involved in an attack. If a judge determines the dog has not hurt a person, the owner would be required to follow a series of steps to ensure the dog is restrained when outdoors and that the animal's dangerous disposition is identifiable with a tattoo or a microchip injected into the dog. The owner also would be required to take out an insurance policy or surety bond of at least $100,000 and pay an additional fee, which would be established by the county, to register the dog each year. The legislation does include an appeal process for owners.
ALASKA Home Page: http://w3.legis.state.ak.us/
SB 273 - An Act relating to cruelty to animals and promoting an exhibition of fighting animals. Update: Postponed - no future date assigned http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill_text.asp?hsid=SB0273A&session=25
ARIZONA Home Page: http://www.azleg.gov/
Apache Junction - PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 1310, AMENDING VOLUME I OF THE APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE, BY REPEALING CHAPTER 6, ANIMALS, IN ITS ENTIRETY; AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE A NEW CHAPTER 6, ANIMALS; REPEALING ANY CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES - Since they were originally adopted by the Mayor and City Council, the Animal Code provisions of Chapter 6 have been amended on numerous occasions. This ordinance will repeal the existing code provisions in their entirety and replace them with a revised and updated version. To save on publication costs, the revised code will be declared a public record by Resolution No. 07-46, and Ordinance No. 1310 will adopt the code by reference. http://ajcitypublic.novusagenda.com/Bluesheet.aspx?ItemID=664&MeetingID=79 UPDATE: MSN - Public Record by Resolution adopted: Section 6-1-7 Commercial Animal Dog Kennels A. Any person who owns, maintains or harbors any more than three animals of the same species dogs over four three months of age for trade, business, profit or gain or owns for any, reason other than trade, business, profit or gain more than five animals of the same species over four months of age must obtain a commercial dog kennel permit.
Section 6-1-8 Personal Animal Dog Kennels C. All animals dogs covered by the a personal dog kennel permit shall be vaccinated, and licensed according to Sections 6-3-1 and 6-3-2 of this code and spayed or neutered. A dog owner may apply for a waiver of the spay or neuter requirement as long as they obtain a veterinarian´s written opinion that such surgery would endanger the safety of the dog, or a certification from a veterinarian determining that the other dogs owned by the owner or those maintained or harbored at the same address are spayed and/or neutered.
ARKANSAS Home Page: http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/
Crossett - City Council considering what would be among the strictest pet-identification ordinances in the country: mandatory microchips for all cats and dogs
Forrest City - Under Forrest City Ordinance 1825, keeping dogs on flooring of a wire grid is prohibited. Animal Control Department is trying to get the word out about dogs being kept in cages with wire-mesh flooring.
Little Rock - city leaders voted unanimously to approve a vicious dog ordinance, placing restrictions on pit bulls. The ordinance requires pit bulls to be spayed or neutered and microchipped, among other things. It takes effect immediately. City leaders voted on a vicious dog ordinance rather than a pit bull ordinance. The vicious dog ordinance only covers pit bulls right now, but it could cover other breeds in the future if any are deemed dangerous. Passed 02/19/08

CALIFORNIA Home Page: http://www.legislature.ca.gov/
A.C.R.103 - Relative to Take Your Dog to Work Day. This measure would designate June 20th as Take Your Dog to Work Day, and would encourage employers to make their workplaces pet friendly. June 20, 2008, shall be designated as Take Your Dog to Work Day http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0101-0150/acr_103_bill_20080219_introduced.html
AB1938 - An act to add Section 17052.26 to the Revenue and Taxation Code, relating to taxation, to take effect immediately, tax levy. This bill would authorize a credit against that tax for each taxable year beginning on or after January 1, 2008, in an amount equal to 25% of the aggregate amount paid or incurred by a taxpayer for qualified costs, as defined, to spay or neuter a cat or dog. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_1901-1950/ab_1938_bill_20080212_introduced.html
AB1958 - An act to amend Section 1808.4 of the Vehicle Code, relating to the Department of Motor Vehicles. This bill would add to that list a veterinarian employed by a zoo, a public animal control agency shelter, or a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter or a humane society shelter contracting with a local public agency for animal care or protection services. This bill, by adding persons to be covered by those confidentiality requirements, would expand the scope of a crime, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program. The bill would also make technical clarifying changes. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_1951-2000/ab_1958_bill_20080213_introduced.html
AB1969 - An act to amend Section 600 of the Penal Code, relating to crimes. This bill would provide that the penalty for intentionally causing, under the stated circumstances, the death of a police dog or horse is 3, 4, or 5 years. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_1951-2000/ab_1969_bill_20080214_introduced.html
AB2131 - An act to add Section 54.25 to the Civil Code, and to amend Section 365.5 of the Penal Code, relating to peace officers. This bill would permit a peace officer assigned to a canine unit, who is on official assignment for travel away from his or her home jurisdiction, to be accompanied in those places by his or her peace officer dog without paying an extra charge. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2101-2150/ab_2131_bill_20080220_introduced.html
AB2132 - An act to amend Sections 2016 and 4370 of, and to add Section 2011.5 to, the Fish and Game Code, relating to hunting. This bill would require signs forbidding trespass to be at least 81/2 by 11 inches in size, and would permit a person to enter lands owned or occupied by another if oral consent is obtained from the owner or owner's agent. This bill would make it unlawful for a person to remove any collar from a hunting dog with the intent to prevent or hinder the owner from locating the dog. This bill would permit the use of one dog per hunter, for the purpose of tracking and locating a dead or wounded deer, in every area where a deer may lawfully be taken during archery season. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2101-2150/ab_2132_bill_20080220_introduced.html
AB2233 - An act to add Section 23118 to the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles. This bill would prohibit a person from driving a motor vehicle while holding a live animal in his or her arm or arms, or upon his or her lap. Because this bill would create a new crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2201-2250/ab_2233_bill_20080220_introduced.html
AB2276 - An act to amend Section 7200 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to professions and vocations. State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind. Existing law provides for the licensing and regulation of guide dog training and instructional services by the State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind in the Department of Consumer Affairs. Under existing law the board becomes inoperative on July 1, 2011, and is repealed on January 1, 2012. This bill would instead make the board inoperative on July 1, 2016, and would repeal it on January 1, 2017. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2251-2300/ab_2276_bill_20080221_introduced.html
AB2281 - An act to amend Section 597.5 of the Penal Code, relating to dog fighting. This bill would, instead, make it a felony for any person to be intentionally present, as a spectator, at any place, building, or tenement where preparations are being made for a dog fight, or to be knowingly and intentionally present at a dog fight, as specified. Because this bill would increase the punishment for an existing crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2251-2300/ab_2281_bill_20080221_introduced.html
AB 2291 - An act to add and repeal Article 5.7 (commencing with Section 18755) of Chapter 3 of Part 10.2 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, relating to taxation. as introduced, Mendoza. Taxpayer contributions: Low Cost/Free Spay-Neuter Fund. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2251-2300/ab_2291_bill_20080221_introduced.html
AB2296 - An act relating to animals. This bill would declare the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to protect individuals engaging in work with animal subjects in California. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2251-2300/ab_2296_bill_20080221_introduced.html
AB2423 - An act to amend Sections 2878.9 and 4521.1 of, and to add Sections 2844, 2879, 4506, 4522, 4808.5, 4845, 4846, 7516, 7526.1, 7564.1, 8524.5, 8572, 8623, 9882.6, 9884.21, and 9884.22 to, the Business and Professions Code, relating to professions and vocations. This bill would authorize the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians of the State of California, the Veterinary Medical Board, the Structural Pest Control Board, and the Director of Consumer Affairs, to issue a probationary license or registration to an applicant subject to specified terms and conditions. The bill would require these boards and the director, when considering the issuance of a probationary license or registration, to request that an applicant with a dismissed conviction provide proof of that dismissal and would require that consideration be given to whether the applicant's criminal conviction has been dismissed, there have been no subsequent criminal convictions, and either at least 3 years have passed since the dismissal of the criminal conviction or at least 5 years have passed since the person completed his or her sentence. The bill would also authorize these boards and the director to revoke, suspend, or deny at any time any required license or registration and, upon the denial of a license or registration, would require these boards and the director to provide a specified statement of reasons for a denial. The bill would require these boards and the director to conduct a specified study related to licensing or registration functions that may create barriers to employing people with criminal records and to report these findings to the Legislature on or before September 1, 2010. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2401-2450/ab_2423_bill_20080221_introduced.html
AB2949 - An act to amend Sections 1815, 1816, and 1981 of the Civil Code, relating to involuntary deposits. This bill would provide that an involuntary deposit is made by the abandonment or leaving of a live animal in or about any premises or real property that has been vacated upon, or immediately preceding, the termination of a lease or other rental agreement or foreclosure of the property. The bill would authorize any person or private entity with whom a live animal is involuntarily deposited to immediately transfer the animal to any animal control agency or shelter for proper care and attention, or to notify animal control officials for the purpose of retrieving the animal. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2901-2950/ab_2949_bill_20080222_introduced.html
SB1205 - An act to amend Sections 4834, 4841.5, 4875.2, 4875.4, and 4883 of, and to add Sections 4809.8, 4832.5, and 4875.1 to, the Business and Professions Code, relating to veterinary medicine. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_1201-1250/sb_1205_bill_20080213_introduced.html
Baldwin Park - Officials want to follow Los Angeles' lead by requiring that puppies and kittens be spayed or neutered. Councilwomen Marlen Garcia and Monica Garcia have asked staff members to study the Los Angeles policy - adopted last week - and see how it can be tailored to fit Baldwin Park.
Kern County - supervisors, saying “enough is enough,” ordered study of a mandatory spay-neuter rule Tuesday (03-11) in light of rising animal euthanasia rates. Board of Supervisors, not the animal control commission, that will have the final say on any mandatory spay-neuter rule. David Price, director of the county agency that manages Kern County Animal Control, said supervisors need to understand there will be a dollar cost to implement mandatory spay-neuter. Any recommendation staff makes to the commission and the board will have to have an enforcement and low-cost spay-neuter component. Judie Mancuso (CA AB1634) is pushing for the ordinance
Los Angeles County - The Superior Court struck two blows against animal mistreatment in Los Angeles County’s six animal shelters by giving Plaintiffs the first two victories in their lawsuit. A lawsuit filed by the national No Kill Advocacy Center, Cathy Nguyen, a volunteer animal rescuer, and Rebecca Arvizu, a Los Angeles County taxpayer and animal rescuer, against Los Angeles County, its Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC), and the Department’s Director, Marcia Mayeda, alleges unlawful and abusive treatment of animals at all six Los Angeles County animal shelters. Among the allegations in the complaint, the County Department of Animal Care and Control routinely: Kills healthy and treatable animals before their state mandated holding period expires; Misclassifies animals as “ill” or “injured” in order to kill them before their holding period expires even though the animals are not irremediably suffering as required by state law; Kills lost animals without making reasonable attempts to find the animals’ owners; Fails to provide adequate veterinary care to impounded animals, resulting in animal deaths; Fails to provide adequate nutrition, water, shelter and exercise to impounded animals and to treat the animals humanely and kindly; Refuses to release animals to rescue groups that are willing to care for the animals until adoptive homes can be found and, instead, kills the animals. In addition, the lawsuit alleges that DACC unlawfully violated the civil rights of Plaintiff Nguyen by retaliating against her for publicizing its unlawful treatment of animals. The County replied by filing a motion to dismiss the case arguing, in essence, that the County has complete discretion to determine: Whether and when the County may lawfully kill an animal; Whether and when the County is obligated to provide veterinary treatment to an animal in its care; and Whether and when the County should release to willing rescue groups animals that the County otherwise plans to kill. In addition, the County argued that, even if it is violating the law or treating animals inhumanely, concerned citizens should not be allowed to force the County to stop
Long Beach - proposed new rules by City Council's Public Safety Committee include implanting microchips in any dogs found loose and unattended. Also, owners of dogs found at large that have bitten or attempted to bite or menace another human or animal, because of the owner's failure to contain it by ordinary means, may face criminal charges and other possible penalties under the proposal.
Paradise - Town Council used its Tuesday night (02/26) meeting as a brainstorming session for solutions to the recent dog attacks. In late January, two pit bulls killed a llama and allegedly attacked a resident's dog in the Roe Road and Wilson Lane neighborhoods. Since then the town, the Paradise Police Department and animal control have investigated the attacks and are looking for solutions to future vicious dog incidents. The town investigated three known pit bull owners in southern Paradise and determined those dogs weren't responsible for the attack. A suggestion licensing pit bulls as vicious dogs or requiring vicious dog owners to pay liability insurance. The town can create its own dangerous and vicious animal definitions, as long as they are not breed specific.
Pasadena - city may soon become the first in the Southland to require mandatory spaying and neutering of pit bulls. The Pasadena City Council asked staffers this week to come back in two months with a law mandating the sterilization of pit bulls and pit bull mixes. Penalties for dog owners violating the law would range from a citation to a misdemeanor, according to city documents. The law takes advantage of SB 861, a state Senate bill passed in 2005 that allows cities to regulate dogs based on breed. Pasadena would be the first in the region to enact a breed-specific ordinance.
Santa Barbara - Board of Supervisors will hear a proposed spay/neuter ordinance will be presented during mid April and will be actually heard during May sometime.

COLORADO Home Page: http://www.leg.state.co.us/
HB1185 - AN ACT concerning the mandatory sterilization of specified pet animals released to prospective owners from certain Pet Animal Facilities Passed - sent to Governor
CONNECTICUT Home Page: http://www.cga.ct.gov/
HB5827 - AN ACT CONCERNING ANIMAL SHELTERS. To protect the health and welfare of animals housed in animal shelters. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2008/TOB/H/2008HB-05827-R00-HB.htm
FLORIDA Home Page: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/default.aspx
HB101 - An act, relating to dangerous dogs. Eliminates prohibition of breed specific local government regulation of dangerous dogs. http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/default.aspx UPDATE: a new house bill gives local governments more authority over specific breeds. http://www.nbc6.net/news/15612618/detail.html?rss=ami&psp=news Legislation would allow pit bull bans http://www1.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/MI80149/
Okaloosa County - A second lawsuit has been filed against Okaloosa County seeking to have its ordinance requiring that dog and cat owners pay a $10 license fee declared unconstitutional. Destin attorney Tom Hoffer, with the law firm of Matthews & Hawkins filed the suit. The law firm is researching the issue to see if they can meet the requirements to file a class action lawsuit. If successful the county would have to return all the money it has collected from the license fees since they were implemented in 1992
GEORGIA Home Page: http://www.legis.state.ga.us/
Coweta County - Board of Commissioners has passed an amendment to its animal control ordinances expanding the definition of nuisance animals to include "aggressive dogs," and to provide means for county officials to impound an animal labeled as such, and what the appeal procedures are for the animal's owner. In addition to any fines imposed by the court, if the dog is classified by the court to be an aggressive dog, the court may order the dog to be confined, order the owner to post signs that an aggressive dog is on the premises, and order the owner to register the dog at an annual fee of $500. The premises will also be subject to annual inspections to ensure compliance with the court's order. Passed 02/19/08
Macon - City Council amended a resolution, making it unlawful to leave a cat or dog tethered and unattended. The amended ordinance passed unanimously. Passed 02/19/08
Macon - City Council committee today (03-03) appointed an ad hoc panel that will take a closer look at animal control issues. Panel members debated whether to ban use of the gas chamber to kill stray animals and the costs of switching to lethal injection, banning unattended outdoor tethering of dogs and cats, various fees charged by animal control and license fees that are billed to pet owners and an overhaul of animal polices.
HAWAII Home Page: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/
Kauai - Kapaa - Kauai Police Department and the county parks department began enforcing the banning of dogs along the new $50 million, 16-mile coastal path, first with a warning and then, starting next week, with a ticket and a trip to court. (Posted 03/03/08)
ILLINOIS Home Page: http://www.ilga.gov/
HB 5076 - Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Provides that any person, including a veterinarian, who in good faith provides emergency care or treatment without fee to an injured animal or an animal separated from its owner due to an emergency or a disaster is not liable for civil damages as a result of his or her acts or omissions in providing or arranging further care or treatment, except for willful or wanton misconduct. Provides that the statute of limitations is 2 years for a violation of the Act (instead of cruelty to animals). Effective immediately. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=51&GA=95&DocTypeId=HB&DocNum=5076&GAID=9&LegID=36042&SpecSess=&Session=

Berwyn - An 86 page proposal that covers it all. Kennels, licensing, microchipping, limit law (4), BF's similar Good Sam law allowing citizens to take and hold dogs that the 'good citizen' may deem as being abused. Tethering banned except for 1 hour, reporting, inspections, exotics, fines & penalties, vicious animals & housing specifics - including "should have known", dog runs including property line considerations, neighboring property, permits, pitch, no liability exemptions, feces removal, leash law, including prohibition of a leashed dog on private property (trespassing), wild animals, including types of feeders for birds, working animals shodding, rest period of 20 minutes every two hours, transporting animals, cruelty, animals in vehicles, nuisance animals, noise & barking, living accommodations including garage, porch, shed, basement without heat and a/c, veterinary care, the Kushner Doctrine, no bees (beekeeping), however, take special note of pages 60 & 61 explaining the reasons for NO BSL. (Illinois does not permit BSL) This ordinance regulates and defines an owner as any person having a right of property in an animal.(no matter the type of animal).
http://www.rexano.org/LocalLegislative/Berwyn_Animal_Ordinance_Proposal.pdf
Manhattan - A proposed regulation would limit pet owners to a total of four animals and keeping of livestock, wild, undomesticated or exotic animals is prohibited. Those who currently have more than four pets would be allowed to keep them, but not replace them. In addition to the required $1 license fee and inoculations, animal owners must immediately remove and dispose of pet excrement if it's not on their personal property. Dog walkers could be cited if they fail to carry a bag or container for picking up waste. Owners also could be cited if debris and odors on their own property become a health hazard. The proposed new law also is more specific about animals that create a nuisance. The previously prohibited "frequent and habitual" barking is now defined as continual barking for more than 30 minutes, or for "numerous periods of time" that disturb the peace and quiet. The new rules propose that dogs caught running at large a second time must be spayed or neutered within 30 days, to make them "less aggressive
Marion - City Council is considering revisions to an animal control ordinance that would target cats as well as dogs. One modification calls for every owner of a dog or cat within the city limits to place a collar on the pet bearing a tag with the owner's name, address and phone number. A second revision in the ordinance concerns vaccinations. The owner of a dog or cat four months of age and older is expected to get his pet vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian each year. Another change in the ordinance says it would be unlawful for any cat to run at large much like a dog, unless it has been spayed or neutered and inoculated for rabies. The animal control officer may impound any cat that is running at large in order to determine whether it has been spayed or neutered and inoculated. If the cat is in compliance, it will be released upon the owner's request at no charge. If the cat has not been spayed, neutered or inoculated, the pet owner may obtain the release of his cat after paying a fine.
INDIANA Home Page: http://www.in.gov/legislative/
Howard County - Kokomo - commissioners passed a new ordinance aimed at dangerous dogs and their owners. Dogs considered dangerous by the law are those bred for fighting or that have a history of biting. Those dogs are now banned from ownership in Howard County. The law also takes aim at the owners of potentially dangerous dogs. Previously, the county's ordinance dealt mostly with dogs considered a nuisance. The new law gives broader enforcement powers to animal control officers and places more responsibility on owners. Like a similar law in Indianapolis, Howard County's law isn't breed specific. It also spells out the responsibilities of dog owners to ensure that potentially dangerous dogs are confined with posted warning signs or muzzled. Owners also must maintain a minimum of $50,000 in insurance. Pet owners that run afoul of the new law will face hefty fines, or even forfeiture of their animals. Kokomo's city council will also consider adopting the new ordinance which can also result in fines up to $2500. Passed 02/18/08
IOWA Home Page: http://www.legis.state.ia.us/
Fremont - Has a problem with "ONE" dog running loose, so they ban all "Staffordshire terriers", American pit bull terriers and any dog with an ounce of potential pit bull'ness in them. Fremont City Ordinance 4-1-7 defines dangerous animals to include Staffordshire terriers, American pit bull terriers and any dog which has the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly any of the above breeds. The amendment was passed by the Fremont City Council on Feb. 4 FYI - Fremont banned all dogs over 50 lbs a couple of years ago.
Marshalltown - Council unanimously passes ban of dogs at public events Passed 03/10/08
Randolph - Bounty on Cats Out, Spay and Neuter is in - Mayor Vance Trively instituted a $5 bounty payment on catching and delivering live cats and dogs to him to be killed. Thanks to the more than 3,500 letters you sent and to the help of local supporters and the Iowa State Veterinarian, the Randolph, Iowa’s City Council has overridden the mayor’s plan. http://www.alleycat.org/pdf/pr_randolph2.pdf
Waterloo - proposed city ordinance would bring new responsibilities for owners of naughty / “potentially dangerous” dogs. Ordinance, which has been discussed for several weeks, would deem a dog “potentially dangerous” if it causes injury to a person or domestic animal or is found running at large if its owner has been cited by Black Hawk Animal Control three or more times within a 12-month period. It excludes dogs used by law enforcement or incidents where the injured person was trespassing; where the victim was committing or attempting to commit a crime on the dog owner’s property; where the victim was abusing, torturing or assaulting the animal without justification; or when a domestic animal that was at large entered the area where the dog was confined. If a dog is deemed potentially dangerous, its owner would have to register it with the city, pay a $50 registration fee, provide proof of at least $300,000 in liability insurance to cover injuries caused by the dog and be affixed with a permanent registration number. The ordinance would also make it easier to destroy those dogs or ban then from the city if they commit future offenses. A separate ordinance change would tighten up the ordinance related to dogs after they’ve been deemed a danger. The proposal would not allow the owner of a dog to keep the animal during the appeal process for a dangerous dog citation, and the owner would be required to post a bond to cover the boarding costs for the animal pending that appeal. Owners choosing to remove a dangerous dog from the city, instead of destroying it, would need to post a plan of where it would be taken; dogs returning to the city would be destroyed immediately without appeal. UPDATE: City Council passed the last 2 readings of a new, stricter dangerous dog ordinance at its meeting Monday night. The new ordinance fines owners of dogs that attack other people or pets. Dog owners can also face fines if their dog is found loose. The new ordinance also requires dog owners have proof of liability insurance. Passed 03/03/08

KENTUCKY Home Page: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/
HB039 - AN ACT relating to animals to Create new section of KRS Chapter 258 to require spaying or neutering of dogs and cats as a prerequisite to release from a releasing agency; define "releasing agency" and "veterinarian"; mandate spaying or neutering prior to release of a dog or cat; allow for exceptions related to health and maturity, rightful ownership, and use of cooperative agreements; declare that no local spay-neuter ordinance shall be superseded. http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/record/08RS/HB39/bill.doc
HB145 - AN ACT relating to torture of a dog or cat to amend KRS 525.135 relating to torture of a dog or cat to increase the penalty for a first offense to a Class D felony; provision to name the bill, "Romeo's Law." http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/record/08RS/HB145/bill.doc
HB375 - AN ACT relating to cruelty to animals to amend KRS 515.130 relating to cruelty to animals to define shelter and shade requirements for dogs and dog houses http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/record/08RS/HB375/bill.doc
HB518 - AN ACT relating to animals. to Create a new section of KRS Chapter 258 to establish requirements in the sale of dogs by pet stores; amend KRS 525.135 relating to the torture of a dog or cat to increase the penalty for a first offense to a Class D Felony. http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/record/08RS/HB518/bill.doc
SB58 - AN ACT relating to torture of a dog or cat or amend KRS 528.135 relating to torture of dog or cat, to provide that the first offense, as well as subsequent offenses, is Class D felony. http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/record/08RS/SB58/bill.doc
Auburn - residents who own what are considered to be vicious dogs will soon need to make a trip to City Hall to register their pets. The breeds named are Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Pit Bull and Chow. Any dog with any characteristics of those breeds must be registered. Those who own a “vicious dog” must register the dog with the city. Registration will cost $20 a year and owners must show proof of insurance in order to receive a vicious dog license. PASSED http://www.newsdemocratleader.com/articles/2008/03/14/news/news03.txt_
Louisville - the infamous ordinance has been or turned and thrown out by Judge Martin McDonald All those who were cited, fined, paid license fees, had their dog impounded or altered or had any other action taken against them under the voided law are entitled to get their money back. 02/27/08
LOUISIANA Home Page: http://www.legis.state.la.us/
Sorrento - Town Council voted to update its animal control regulations to make clear pet owners must keep their animals under leash within the town limits. A new ordinance would contain wording specifically prohibiting free-roaming pets. The new ordinance retains wording from the former ordinance about "dangerous animals." Ordinance allows individuals to own "dangerous animals," but requires a special permit obtained by having insurance coverage and meeting other criteria.
MAINE Home Page: http://janus.state.me.us/legis/
LD 2171 – (update) An Act To Amend the Animal Welfare Laws requiring puppies be vaccinated against rabies at 3 months instead of at 6 months will not be changed
Pittsfield - A controversial bill that would have penalized legitimate dog breeders for the actions of puppy mill operators was amended this week to address breeders concerns. Hats off to the MFDC !!
http://bangornews.com/news/t/news.aspx?articleid=160992&zoneid=500
MARYLAND Home Page: http://mlis.state.md.us/
HB113 - AN ACT concerning Somerset County ¬ Regulation of Dogs and Cats ¬ Violations of Ordinances and Regulations FOR the purpose of authorizing the County Commissioners of Somerset County to impose civil and criminal penalties for violations of certain regulations relating to dogs and cats; authorizing the County Commissioners of Somerset County to provide that violations of certain dog and cat control ordinances may be prosecuted in a certain manner; and generally relating to ordinances for the regulation of dogs and cats. http://mlis.state.md.us/2008rs/bills/hb/hb0113f.pdf
MASSACHUSETTS Home Page: http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=mg2homepage&L=1&L0=Home&sid=massgov2
HB1948 - An Act relative to dogs. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: Chapter 140 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 157 the following four sections: Section 157A. “Potentially dangerous dog” means any of the following: -- Any dog, regardless of breed, breeding, type or appearance, which, when unprovoked, on two separate occasions within the prior 36 month period, engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by a domestic animal to prevent bodily injury when the person and the dog are off the property of the owner or keeper of the dog. Any dog, regardless of breed, breeding, type or appearance, which, when unprovoked, on two separate occasions within the prior 36 month period, has killed, seriously bitten, inflicted serious injury upon, or attacked a domestic animal off the property of the owner or keeper of the dog. http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/house/185/ht01/ht01948.htm
MICHIGAN Home Page: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(jq1gj1f3noisxwr4mz540om5))/mileg.aspx?page=home
HB5738 - An act to regulate pet shops, animal control shelters, and animal protection shelters; to establish uniform procedures and minimum requirements for adoption of dogs, cats, and ferrets; and to prescribe penalties and civil fines and to provide remedies," by amending the title and section 1 (MCL 287.331), as amended by 1997 PA 7, and by adding section 5b http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/billintroduced/House/htm/2008-HIB-5738.htm
Plymouth - City Commission is expected to discuss options for an updated vicious dog ordinance to ease the fears of residents. Two petitions were given to the commissioners.. The first petition calls for a ban on pit bull, fighting and dangerous animals within the city limits. Second petition calling for pit bulls and/or other types of breeds for fighting be spayed or neutered, contained within a six-foot secured privacy fence and to be leashed when in public
MINNESOTA Home Page: http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legis.asp
HB2292 - A bill for an act relating to animals; providing standards of care for dog and cat breeders; authorizing rulemaking; appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 347 https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S2292.0.html&session=ls85
SF2906 - A bill for an act relating to animals; changing provisions regulating dangerous dogs; imposing penalties; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 347.50, by adding a subdivision; 347.51, subdivisions 2, 2a, 3, 4, 7, 9; 347.52; 347.53; 347.54, subdivisions 1, 3; 347.55; 347.56; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 347. https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=H2906.2.html&session=ls85
HF3245 - A bill for an act relating to animals; requiring obedience training for certain dangerous dogs; providing for a task force; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 347.50, by adding a subdivision; 347.51, subdivisions 2, 3a, 8, by adding subdivisions; 347.54, subdivision 1; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 347. NOTE: recommend to the task force created in section 10 that specific breeds of dogs be designated as dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs based solely on the specific breed of the dog. FYI - Legislation would ban five breeds in Minnesota - Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Chow Chows, Akitas and Wolf Hybrids https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=H3245.0.html&session=ls85
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MISSOURI Home Page: http://www.house.mo.gov/
Harrisonville - Cass County - an ordinance that is more than 15 years old, on the dog owners out in the county-side of the county. The ordinance states that no person can own more than four pets The 1991 ordinance hasn't been enforced until now. Cass County zoning officials said complaints of loud animals brought it back to life. The county said a place that has more than four animals could be considered a rescue shelter, which runs a public health risk, or an animal business that needs special permits. Attorneys for both animal owners and for Cass County will meet to discuss revising the ordinance. UPDATE:
MoFed attorney is representing the animal owners & will be discussing needed changes. MoFed has been meeting with Cass County animal owners since late 2007 and are continuing to address the problems.

MONTANA Home Page: http://leg.mt.gov/css/default.asp
Choteau - City Council - on Feb. 5 took the first steps toward increasing fees for licensing dogs and cats and imposing stiffer fines for violations of the city's animal control laws. Officials discussed raising the licensing fees since the current fees ($2.50 for altered pets and $5 for intact pets) do not cover the costs of licensing. The initial proposal is to raise licensing fees to $5 for a spayed or neutered pet and $15 for an intact pet in January of each year, with that rate going up to $10 and $20 after Feb. 15. The city would also amend fines for failing to license a pet and for repeat offenses of a pet running at large.
NEW HAMPSHIRE Home Page: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/ie/
Dover - Legislation looking to do away with some state-subsidized spaying and neutering vouchers has local animal experts concerned. http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080315/GJNEWS_01/944820776/-1/FOSNEWS
NEW YORK Home Page: http://assembly.state.ny.us/
A9688 - AN ACT to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to the confinement of companion animals in vehicles in extreme temperatures. Section 1. The agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a new section 353-d to read as follows: S 353-D. CONFINEMENT OF COMPANION ANIMALS IN VEHICLES: EXTREME TEMPERATURES. A PERSON SHALL NOT CONFINE A COMPANION ANIMAL IN A MOTOR VEHICLE IN EXTREME HEAT OR COLD WITHOUT PROPER VENTILATION OR OTHER PROTECTION FROM SUCH EXTREME TEMPERATURES WHERE SUCH CONFINEMENT PLACES HE COMPANION ANIMAL IN IMMINENT DANGER OF DEATH OR SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY DUE TO EXPOSURE TO SUCH EXTREME HEAT OR COLD, etc. http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A09688&sh=t
Auburn - proposed ordinance that would give the city of Auburn more control over its residents' dogs will see some changes before the city council can vote on it. Regulations regarding specific to the breed of a dog will likely be eliminated from the ordinance. Some of its provisions will also been rewritten to conform with the state laws that regulate how dogs are allowed to be treated. The ordinance addresses issues such as barking and noise, limits the number and size of dogs some residents can own, and requires constraints such as cages, fences and even muzzles for dogs considered to be violent. It was drafted in response to complaints relating to aggressive dogs and attacks on pets within the city. The proposed ordinance would also allow the city to issue citations to residents whose dogs engage in unreasonable howling, barking or other noise. PASSED 3/13/08 UPDATE: The city council voted Thursday during the weekly meeting to adopt a new policy to regulate how residents can keep and care for their dogs. The amended ordinance has a number of key differences from the original proposal but does not include specific regulations for pit bulls or Doberman pinschers and officials removed a section that would have made it illegal to leave a dog outdoors without supervision, even in a fenced location. However, the new provisions still have some teeth. Read the article here: http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2008/03/14/local_news/news02.txt
Woodstock - proposal to register our dogs (aside from the dog licenses we all have) and get guest tags every time we walk our dogs. We will also need permits to park in the parking lot. Non-dog owners won't need any special permits. There are 3 members of the local DOG group who will be assigned the task of handing out permits. The proposal includes licenses and tags to all Woodstock dogs upon the recipients' signed acknowledgment to comply with our local laws, which include cleaning up after his or her dog on public lands, highways, byways, or sidewalks, keeping dogs leashed when on public property; and keeping dogs off the soccer field in all seasons. to post explicit signage at the Comeauproperty, limiting canine use to only those dogs bearing Woodstock DOG registration tags and to accommodate visitor dogs from beyond Woodstock by issuing six guest tags to be held at dispatch, available on a single day use and signed for by a Woodstock DOG member who agrees to accept responsibility for both the tag and the behavior of the visiting dog
NORTH CAROLINA Home Page: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/
HB1614 - AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AGAINST THE HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS THAT INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ANIMALS POSE AND TO PROTECT THE WELFARE OF INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ANIMALS. This bill targets wolves, wolf hybrids and exotics http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2007/Bills/House/HTML/H1614v1.html
Forsyth County - proposal regarding dangerous digs and breed selective legislation is before the animal advisory board Defeated 02/21/08
High Point - city council is pushing for an ordinance limiting the number of animals per household.
Wake County - a call for MSN and to change animals from "property" to guardianship by a person in Wake County - no further information currently available.
OHIO Home Page: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/
Clark County - Springfield - County commissioners would like the city to adopt Toledo's vicious dog ordinance to regulate ownership of vicious dogs.
Columbus - Central Ohio inspectors cracking down on illegally operated kennels out of residential areas. The city code regarding nuisances was never strictly enforced until a resident was convicted in February. After two years of complaining, the neighborhood was relieved to see him found guilty of zoning code violations.
The Franklin County auditor, which issues kennel licenses with a warning to first check local zoning laws, approved 79 licenses in 2007 and 63 in 2008 so far. http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/news.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2008-03-14-0035.html
Sylvania - city council will consider a vicious dog ordinance modeled after Toledo's one-dog limit, which was upheld by the Ohio Supreme Court.
Whitehall - City Council proposing a pit bull ban. Council members would like to see alternatives that have worked, including, among other things, anti chaining/tethering laws, enforcement of leash laws and registration laws, harsher penalties.

OKLAHOMA Home Page: http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/
HB2598 - "Cody's Law" - An Act relating to animals, which relate to dangerous dogs; modifying certain penalties; adding definition; providing for noncodification; and providing an effective date http://www2.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08hb/hb2598_int.rtf **DEAD in Committee**
HB3192 - a bill to regulate puppy mills has died in a state House subcommittee. (02/18/08)
Pauls Valley - approved tethering & specifics of containment, approved fines to be the maximum allowed by state law, approved changes for pet vaccination & licensing and amendments to local city ordinances included a newer definition of the term “vicious dog” and ways to better restrain them. Council made it a requirement for owners of dogs declared vicious to acquire $100,000 liability insurance, twice the state's minimum requirement.. Another ordinance change came in the area of tethering. “With this you can’t chain or stake a dog for more than two hours in a 24-hour period,” Police Chief Dennis Madison said. Specifics were also placed on those fenced and enclosed areas used to keep dogs. Also approved was a measure allowing city fines for all offenses to be moved up to the maximum allowed by state law. The move simply allows for PV’s local ordinances to be in line with state statutes, officials said. The specifics of any fine increases will be determined at a later time. http://www.paulsvalleydailydemocrat.com/homepage/local_story_076153003.html
PENNSYLVANIA Home Page: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/
HB1065 - A tethering bill that delivers consequences to dog owners who abuse their pets. The bill calls for owners to take their dogs inside between 10 pm and 6 am. It restricts how long you can restrain your dog during the day. If you're caught breaking the law he fine is $300, and your dog could be taken away. State Representative Mario Scavello (R-Monroe) has decided to sponsor the bill, after hearing about some horrific stories of dogs abused across the Commonwealth. The tethering bill is in committee right now, it still has to go to the House for approval.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2007&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=1065&pn=1302
Bristol - The borough council will pursue a zero tolerance approach to loose dogs running around town for fear of an attack on a child playing outdoors."It's a time bomb waiting to happen," council President Ralph DiGuiseppe said at Monday's council meeting. The borough has asked state Rep. John Galloway, D-140, to push for a stricter state law against attacking dogs. The current law gives attacking dogs a second chance."Our hands are tied because its state legislation," DiGuiseppe said. "We need to muzzle dogs and protect the people of Bristol. We need to go on the offense and pass legislation in Harrisburg. Something must be done." "The state has to change," said Councilwoman Betty Rodriguez. DiGuiseppe is considering adopting a local ordinance even though dog regulations are under the state's jurisdiction. Borough solicitor William Salerno warned the council that Bristol can't create a law stricter than the state's, but DiGuiseppe said he's ready to fight the state in court if it challenges a local dog ordinance.
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-03152008-1503954.html
Harrisburg - State Rep. Bill Kortz (D-38) wants to give pet owners a little more time to find their lost pooch. The state official proposed adjusting Pennsylvania's dog laws. The first bill adjusts the minimum holding period before animals are given up for adoption or euthanized. The second deals with euthanization methods. Kortz said several constituents came to him, explaining their issues with dog catchers.
http://www.yoursouthhills.com/southhillsrecord/article/kortz-hopes-curb-state-dog-laws

RHODE ISLAND Home Page: http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/

H7011 - 4-13-1 Regulatory ordinances - enforcement & penalties - (a) city or town councils may make any ordinance concerning dogs in their cities or towns as they deem expedient, to be enforced for the destruction or disposition of the animal.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/housetext08/h7011.pdf

H7212 - 41-9, 41-10 and 41-11 of the General Laws in Chapter 41 entitled "cruelty to animals" are hereby amended to read as follows: Animal fighting. Any person who causes or encourages the fighting of any bird, dog or animal with any other bird, dog or animal or keeps or maintains any place for the fighting of birds, dogs or animals or lays any wages of any kind upon the result of a fight, shall be fined not exceeding ten thousand dollars.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/housetext08/h7212.pdf

H7284 - An act relating to animals husbandry - additions include tethering. Violation to keep any dog outside tethered, penned, caged, fenced or otherwise confined for more than 30 minutes without access to an outdoor housing facility. Also includes ambient temperature restrictions and specific housing.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/housetext08/h7284.pdf

S2006 - Regulatory ordinances - enforcement & penalties. Adds Warren city council to the list of towns & cities granting town council permission to make any ordinances concerning dogs in their cities as they deem expedient, to be enforced by the destruction or disposition of the animal, or by penalties.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/senatetext08/s2006.pdf

S2008 - An act relating to animals and animal husbandry - cruelty to animals. Amends costs of fines.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/senatetext08/s2008.pdf

S2030 - An act relating to animals and animal husbandry - cruelty to animals. Provides amendments for increased fines and mandatory imprisonment for animal fighting. http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/senatetext08/s2030.pdf

S2043 - An act relating to animals and animal husbandry - regulation of vicious dogs. Amends the panel of 3 persons that determine if a dog is vicious to read - the chief of police or his or her designee, the executive director of the SPCA or his or her designee and the executive director of Defenders of Animals or his or her designee. All members of the panel shall have one vote making a determination whether or not the dog in question is vicious. Hearing officers shall have immunity.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/senatetext08/s2043.pdf

S2096 - An act relating to animals and animal husbandry - Dogs. Amended to include tethering, outdoor facility specifics, 2 hour tethering limit and includes the authorization of the Rhode Island Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals to examine the dog and enter those grounds or premises for enforcement of the provisions of this section.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext08/senatetext08/s2096.pdf
SB2097 - An act relating to animals and animal husbandry - permit program for cats. Provides that a cat or kitten offered for sale or adoption, the person so doing, must either spay or neuter the cat or kitten prior to the adoption or sale or provide a spay or neuter prepaid certificate. http://www.rilin.state.ri.us//BillText08/SenateText08/S2097.pdf

SOUTH CAROLINA Home Page: http://www.scstatehouse.net/index.html
Columbia - Rewrite removes time restrictions from tethering bill. Dog owners would not face time limits on how long they can tie their pets with chains or ropes under a bill heading to the Senate floor. The bill does make it illegal to restrain a dog for any unreasonable time that endangers the pet’s health, safety or well-being. An earlier version did¬ restrict dog owners from tethering dogs for longer than three hours
Lancaster County - proposed ordinance would automatically label APBTs ("pit bulls"), American bulldogs & Presa Canarios ("canary dogs") as "dangerous", and they, as well as other dogs established as "dangerous" will be required to wear a bright orange or yellow collar, be penned in an 8' high pen or one with a secure top with a concrete base, and the owners will be required to register them yearly with animal control and must notify officials if they move or sell the dog. They must also have liability insurance.
TENNESSEE Home Page: http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/
SB3147 - AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated Title 44, Chapter 17, relative to dogs and cats ("commercial breeder" means a dealer who maintains twenty (20) or more unsterilized females for commercial breeding) http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/BILL/SB3147.pdf
TEXAS Home Page: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/
Dallas - proposing mandatory spay/neuter of all dogs over 6 months of age unless an Annual Intact Dog Permit is applied for, also a Litter Permit.
Lubbock – the Los Angeles MSN ordinance could be in Lubbock's future requiring all pets be spayed or neutered by the time they're four months old or the owner could face a fine. Licensed breeders could get a waiver to breed their animals. http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=7936083&nav=menu69_2
Lubbock - City officials hope to have a solid plan to address roaming dogs within the next 30 to 45 days and an ordinance on the books within 90 days. Some possibilities include dog registration and microchipping. Banning a specific breed of dog is illegal in Texas. The announcement of a possible future city ordinance dealing with dogs came less than a week after the city announced a zero-tolerance policy in enforcing the city's leash laws.
http://lubbockonline.com/stories/021908/loc_248420847.shtml
San Antonio, city of - passed mandatory spay/neuter of all dogs over 4 months of age unless an Annual Intact Dog Permit is applied for, also a Litter Permit. The recently passed ordinance which requires mandatory spay/neuter of all outdoor cats and all dogs/cats upon second impoundment and animals included in the Excess Animal Permit. All dogs not sterilized by 6 months of age must apply for an Intact Dog Permit. The city refuses to call this mandatory spay/neuter as it is referred to elsewhere in the US. The Intact Dog Permit is an application and at the discretion of the animal control director -- not automatic as when a pet license is issued. Permits are not pet licenses and give permission for animal control to enter your premises any time without a search warrant. http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/editorials/stories/MYSA030908.02O.Pets2ed.201bdb2.html

UTAH Home Page: http://www.le.state.ut.us/
SB297 - Raises the penalty for animal cruelty in Utah, one of seven states where the crime is not a felony. Passed Senate - to Governor 3/14/08 http://le.utah.gov/~2008/htmdoc/sbillhtm/sb0297.htm UPDATE: Animal cruelty accord reached on the hill
http://www.parkrecord.com/ci_8410482?source=rss
VIRGINIA Home page: http://www.virginia.gov/cmsportal2/index.html
VIRGINIA HUNTING & HUNTING DOG ENTHUSIASTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO VISIT http://vhdoa.uplandbirddog.com/staterk.html
for bills affecting your sport !!
Virginians should also visit http://vhdoa.uplandbirddog.com/stater.html for further information and updates on house & senate bills
Alexandria - City Council unanimously approved joining a state dangerous-dog registry yesterday that allows residents to go online to see whether they live near a canine that has bitten or attacked a person or another animal. The vote allows the city to take advantage of a 2006 state law that permits local governments to post information on the state-created registry, a development similar to public listings of addresses of sex offenders. Under Virginia law, dogs deemed dangerous must wear a special dog tag and a bright orange collar. Their owners must display a "Dangerous Dog" sign at home and buy a $100,000 liability insurance policy. Passed 02/22/08
WASHINGTON Home page: http://www.leg.wa.gov/legislature
HB2438 - AN Act Relating to adding permanency to a pilot project that allowed the use of dogs in cougar hunting; amending RCW 77.15.245; amending 2007 c 178 ss 1 and 2 (uncodified); and adding new sections to chapter 77.12 RCW http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2007-08/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/2438.pdf
Kennewick - city council passed an animal ordinance which gives more clarification for what animal control needs to do with abandoned animals. It's also allowed to give these abandoned animals basic vaccinations when it picks them up and a judge can determine whether a dangerous animal will be put down if it has a history of attacks. Under the ordinance, bobcats are now classified as potentially dangerous animals and you'll need a permit if you want one as a pet. Passed 02/19/08
WEST VIRGINIA Home Page: http://www.legis.state.wv.us/index.cfm
SB305 - AN ACT to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §7-1-14; and to amend and reenact §7-10-4 of said code, all relating generally to custody and care of animals abandoned, neglected or cruelly treated; authorizing county commissions to adopt ordinances, rules and regulations relating to such animals; providing for protection of such animals and the public's health, safety and the environment; providing guidance on developing ordinances, rules and regulations relating to such animals; authorizing county commissions that adopt such ordinances, rules and regulations to also limit the number of animals owned or kept based on ability to care for the animals; authorizing county commissions to establish penalties in such ordinances, rules and regulations; and clarifying evidentiary standards in hearings before magistrates involving in the seizure of abandoned, neglected or cruelly treated animals. Passed 03/05/08 http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2008_SESSIONS/RS/BILLS/SB305%20SUB1%20eng.htm
WISCONSIN Home Page: http://www.legis.state.wi.us
Oshkosh - Rep. Tom Lothian, R-Williams Bay, introduced legislation to address the puppy mill problem, but the Wisconsin State Assembly adjourned last week without addressing it. His bill would limit breeders to 60 animals and allow people who buy sick or ill-tempered animals to get a new dog or refund within one year. Lothian's bill also would provide for inspections of breeders. As it is, state regulators don't know how many breeders are operating in Wisconsin. Sgt. Matt Kroening, of the Oshkosh Police Department, said it receives frequent calls about possible animal abuse. But it's difficult to tell whether there are more cases of abuse or people are more aware of the issue. http://www.cbs58.com/index.php?aid=2168
WYOMING Home page: http://legisweb.state.wy.us/
Cheyenne - City Council’s Public Service Committee voted 2-1 Tuesday (3/04) in favor of tighter and stiffer penalties for owners of badly behaving pets. The ordinance would do away with the minimum requirement of “breaking the skin” to constitute an attack -- meaning fines, possible impoundment, and going before a municipal judge. The ordinance moves to the full council.
COUNTRIES - OF OTHER INTEREST
PORTUGAL - ATTENTION ROTTWEILERS !!!! URGENT !! ASSISTANCE NEEDED FOR PORTUGAL !! PLEASE HELP !!!

Dear Rottweiler Friends,

Received the following e-mail from some Rottweiler friends concerning the URGENT situation in Portugal:

"We are at this moment, with a very big problem in our country.

Yesterday we received the information that our government is trying to approve one law, that forbids the breeding and the importation of our breed and also castrate all of the Rottweilers in our country.

This decision should be taken during next week.

Please help us to save our breed by sending us articles, pictures, any information of Rottweilers doing ALL THE GOOD THINGS THEY DO! Saving people, helping people, K9 Police dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Registered Therapy Dogs, pictures of dogs with children, babies, families. Please forward them to us and we will make sure they get in the hands of those who will make this decision.

We need all your help with this situation! Please send us those information and all that could help us as soon as possible."

People from all over the world are involved because we have one thing in common-- our LOVE for ROTTWEILERS.

Email doginfo@vonevmans.com with your articles, pictures, stories, etc. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Please help!

Australia
Litchfield Shire - Council president has identified fencing and enforcement as potential difficulties with new dog by-laws. The Council will bring in by-laws immediately.
Korea
Seoul - passed an ordinance making microchipping of all pets mandatory. Passed 02/20/08
Switzerland
Geneva - Genevans are being asked to vote Sunday on a law outlawing so-called “dangerous” dog breeds. The initiative also requires owners of all large dogs to get a permit - not just for their canines, but for themselves as well.