[ Post a Response | World Bulldoggge Alliance ]
Posted by WBA on April 21, 2009, 9:31 pm
64.12.116.11
Tuesday, April 21, 2009]
The AKC has learned that Oklahoma HB 1332 may be heard by the Senate
this week, as the Oklahoma legislative calendar prepares to wind down
for the session.
The AKC is opposed to several measures within HB 1332, which as
currently written, infringe on the rights of the many responsible dog
owners and breeders in Oklahoma. These include:
* Allowing for warrantless inspections of private homes and
properties without probable cause. The AKC urges clarification of this
provision to allow searches/inspections to be executed solely by law
enforcement or animal control personnel, and only of quality assurance
licensees under the act. In all other instances, probable cause and a
warrant issued by a neutral magistrate should be required.
* Limiting the number of dogs a person may sell in a year. Numerical
limits are arbitrary, difficult to enforce, and do not address the
problem of irresponsible ownership. Local responsible breeders should be
viewed as assets to their communities. These breeders make serious
commitments to their animals by raising healthy, well-cared-for dogs and
by working to ensure that puppies are placed with responsible owners.
Responsible breeders are in a unique position to support new pet owners
and exemplify responsible dog ownership. They should not be unfairly
punished through arbitrary limits on sales.
* An advisory committee governing kennel regulation that does not
include breeder representation. A group that oversees kennel regulation
should include a representative of the Oklahoma Animal Interest
Alliance, which is the AKC's recognized federation of responsible
breeders, owners, fanciers, and enthusiasts in Oklahoma. We also believe
this committee should include the interests of puppy buyers, represented
by a consumer advocate.
In its current form, HB 1332, punishes responsible breeders and
infringes on their constitutional rights. We urge the Oklahoma
Legislature to reject House Bill 1332 as currently written and consider
the AKC's recommendations to ensure all parties are fully protected
under the act.
What You Can Do:
* Call, email or fax your representative in the Oklahoma Senate and
urge him or her to oppose HB 1332 as currently written. To find out who
represents you in the Oklahoma State Senate select the address tab found
at this link. http://www.capitolconnect.com/oklahoma/
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