Taking Command: May 2003

Editor's Note

It is hard to believe that it is already May and warm weather is upon us. The dog fancy and AKC have had a fair number of legislative successes in recent weeks, and we share many of those with you in these pages. Of particular note: the overwhelming defeat of the California "hunting with dogs" bill; the withdrawal of the New Jersey Assembly breed-specific bill and a promise by the Senate sponsor to gut its companion; and a major revision of the Rhode Island animal protection bill that had moved the "guardian" concept well beyond anything we have seen before. In each of these cases, grassroots opposition and well-coordinated campaigns by AKC and fanciers led to a positive outcome. Never underestimate the power of a good grassroots network.

Don't forget that with the warm weather comes the seasonal rise in dog incidents. And with dog incidents comes more dangerous dog legislation. Even as state legislatures adjourn for the year, we must keep a close eye on local governments to ensure that any new ordinances are effective and fair to all responsible dog owners.


Regards,


Launching a Successful Booth Program

Is your club searching for a new way to connect with dog owners or share a message with legislators? Information booths provide a great opportunity to reach out to a variety of audiences for very little cost, yet this communication tool is often overlooked. Just as AKC's booth visits 40-50 shows each year, and the Canine Legislation department attends two legislative conferences, your dog club can create a successful booth program in your community. To help Legislative Liaisons launch or build on their existing booth outreach, Taking Command recently posed a few key questions to some veterans in the field.

Why is a booth program important? "Booth space can really help you make audiences aware of your group and your message," says Adrianne Lefkowitz, President of the newly-formed Maryland Dog Federation. "It's a wonderful way to meet people, to share experiences, and to let them know someone is looking out for their interests." Bonnie Turner of the Georgia Coalition of Dog Clubs agrees. "Putting on a booth introduces and keeps your name in legislators' and in the general public's mind. It helps them remember who to call when they have a problem or question, and it lets them know 'We are the dog people.'" Barb Ohmann, Manager of AKC's Club and Education and Booth Services, also notes the opportunity to promote special programs or legislative initiatives. "Whether you're trying to raise awareness about your club's obedience classes or a breed-specific bill, the booth allows you to put your information in front of people who might not otherwise have access to it."

What types of events have booth space available? The most obvious place to set up a booth is at a local dog show, where a broad audience of fanciers and general dog owners can be reached. Some clubs and federations are able to secure space at community events such as dog park openings or pet fairs. Turner recommends contacting your state's farm bureau or sportsmen's alliance about participating in their lobby days at the capitol. In most cases, there is little or no charge for the space.

What kind of information should my booth provide? Many of your booth's visitors will be looking for public education materials about the world of purebred dogs and dog events, and here AKC has already done the work for you. Simply fill out a Club Event Materials Order form (available by contacting 919-233-9767 or orderdesk@akc.org) with details about the type and size of your event, and AKC will mail you appropriate brochures and materials to introduce people to our sport. The Canine Legislation department can also provide you with information packets and legislative alerts about hot issues around the country. It's also a good idea to print a brochure of your own with your group's mission statement and contact information. From there it's up to you--talking points about a legislative issue, petitions to sign, obedience class schedules, membership information, whatever is timely and appropriate to your audience.

Anything else besides brochures? Materials won't do much good if you can't bring people to your booth. "A slick appearance really draws attention," comments Ohmann. "Racks to display your materials, posters, a TV running educational videos--all of these make for a good presentation. Dog show tours or safety demonstrations by Canine Ambassadors are also good suggestions." Clubs who can afford to do so may also want to have a give-away available such as dog bones, pens, or even leashes with your group's name printed on them. Nothing quite draws the eye, however, like an attractive banner, and all of our experts agreed that one is essential to a professional booth presentation. Again, AKC can provide assistance in this area with its Banner Program, which allows clubs to order customized banners and signs in a host of sizes (with more soon to come!) through its Web site, www.akc.org. The banners can include your club's name and logo alongside that of AKC's.

The final key to a successful booth? Once again, veterans agreed that knowledgeable, friendly volunteers make all the difference. "It's not enough to just hand someone a brochure," cautions Ohmann. "Staff need to be available to answer questions, to make people feel like you care about them. When you put a face on your group, you make a connection that lasts a long time."

That positive connection is what it's all about, because we want legislators to remember us when dog issues arise. We want potential dog owners to seek out reputable breeders for their pets, and to be responsible with them. But most of all, we want people to understand the joy and fun our dogs bring us, and how they, too, can be a part of that.

Around the Nation

Legislation That Affects You

ALABAMA - Sen. Penn's S377 requires sterilization of all dogs and cats being released from animal shelters. The bill does not apply to privately owned animals that are reclaimed. Introduced in April, S377 was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry.

ARKANSAS - H2248 was amended on the Senate Floor and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary. The bill still raises a second conviction of torturing, maiming, burning, poisoning or starving a dog or cat to a felony. However, an exemption for farmers and cattlemen is now included. It also eliminates humane societies' powers to arrest and seize animals suspected of being mistreated. Finally, H2248 adds an exemption for pet breeders performing "routine accepted management practices."

- Rep. Steve Napper's H2188 creates a felony offense of aggravated cruelty to animals, punishable by up to six years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. The bill defines aggravated cruelty as "knowingly torturing or maliciously killing or starving an animal." Lesser cruelty offenses could become felonies if the perpetrator has been convicted of animal cruelty within the last five years. H2188 was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development.

- A second bill by Rep. Napper would expand the state's dog fighting law to prohibit fighting involving any animal. H2190 was referred to the House Committee on Rules.

CALIFORNIA - AB342 was amended in committee in March. The original bill would have prohibited all hunting with dogs or training for that purpose, but it now focuses solely on hunting black bears and bobcats. Although field events and related training will no longer be affected, AKC and other California dog owners are still concerned that passage of the amended legislation could be a first step toward the end of hunting. The Canine Legislation department therefore sent a second statement of opposition expressing these concerns to the Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife, where AB342 was referred. In April, the bill was soundly rejected in committee by a vote of 19-0. AB342 was granted reconsideration as a courtesy to the author, meaning it could possibly come before the committee again before next January. In all likelihood, however, the author would not be able to garner the necessary votes for passage, and AKC will alert fanciers if any additional activity becomes apparent. Congratulations to the many concerned fanciers whose grassroots opposition helped make this victory possible!

- Congratulations to Visalia dogs and their owners, who now have a new off-leash park to enjoy.

CONNECTICUT - The Connecticut Dog Federation (CDF) is supporting H6038, which amends the cruelty statute to prohibit confining or tethering a dog for an unreasonable amount of time. Fanciers no doubt recall last year's defeat of a poorly worded anti-tethering bill that would have inadvertently punished many responsible owners. That bill's arbitrary provisions regarding temperature thresholds and time allowances did not take into consideration owners with well-acclimated cold weather breeds who live in sturdy outdoor kennels. CDF believes passage of H6038 will end future threats of capricious tethering laws.

- H5296 and H6061 both failed in April. Both would have required a hearing be held to determine whether the restraint of a biting or attacking dog was sufficient.

FLORIDA - H1429, which would have made it a felony to own, breed, train, transport or sell animals for the purpose of fighting, was withdrawn from further consideration in March.

- On the same subject, the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Committee is considering PS11, a bill to amend the state's animal fighting law. The legislation would punish not only those who bait animals but also those who breed, train, sell, own or transport animals used for fighting. PS11 also prohibits owning or selling equipment used for any of the above activities. Finally, the bill provides for the search, seizure, impoundment and euthanasia of dogs suspected of being involved in fighting.

- The City of Sebastian is considering establishing a dog park. The Canine Legislation department sent a letter of support and materials to the mayor in April.

GEORGIA - H347 was amended slightly in the Senate before passing in March. It has been sent to the House for concurrence. The bill revises the state's Veterinary Practice Act, defining certain practices and clarifying the powers and duties of the State Board of Veterinary Medicine. It also provides for the licensing of veterinarians. H347 does not prohibit owners from treating their own dogs for common ailments.

HAWAII - The Canine Legislation department submitted comments to Hawaii's Department of Agriculture regarding the state's proposal to shorten the quarantine for dogs entering the state to five days. AKC noted its appreciation of the department's efforts to modernize the quarantine program but expressed concern over the impracticality of the five-day quarantine, which requires a four-month prearrival wait after a blood test to show that a rabies vaccination has been successful. The AKC instead supports both H664 and S1175, which would do away with the quarantine altogether. AKC believes that contemporary vaccinations, microchipping techniques and appropriate methods of record keeping have made the existing pet quarantine requirement unnecessary.

IDAHO - Following a dog attack on a young girl, the City of Caldwell is considering strengthening its dangerous dog ordinance. In response, the Canine Legislation department sent model legislation and a statement supporting reasonable, nondiscriminatory laws to the mayor.

ILLINOIS - HB184 was amended yet again before passing the House and being referred to the Senate Committee on Rules. The amendment requiring all dogs over four months of age to be microchipped was withdrawn and replaced with one that allows counties to decide if microchipping should be mandatory. In those counties requiring owners to microchip their animals, HB184 calls for the procedure to be made available by veterinarians at a charge of no more than $15. The bill originally pertained only to strengthening the state's dangerous dog law, and many of those provisions remain. HB184 establishes definitions for "dangerous" and "vicious" dogs, requirements for keeping them, and penalties for violations. The bill also requires all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies.

- Rep. "Skip" Saviano's H464 amends the state's Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act using language similar to that found in the AVMA model. Included in the definition of "practice of veterinary medicine" are complementary, alternative and integrative procedures. The bill exempts owners from having to comply with the Act and allows other licensed professionals to assist veterinarians under direct or indirect supervision. H464 passed the House and was referred to the Senate Committee on Rules.

- Upon learning that the Village of Johnsburg is considering a breed-specific ordinance, the Canine Legislation department sent a statement of opposition and model dangerous dog legislation to village trustees.

IOWA - S446 (formerly SSB1195), which originally declared all Rottweilers, Dobermans and "pit bulls" dangerous, was amended in April. Unfortunately, the bill is so poorly written that it now puts all dogs in jeopardy. SF446 declares all unleashed or unmuzzled dogs dangerous and never addresses the behavior of the dog itself as a criterion for determining whether it's dangerous. Furthermore, any dog that enters another person's property may be immediately seized and destroyed by the property owner without liability. No exceptions are made for dogs on their own private property, dogs used for farming, hunting, field trials or any organized dog events, or dogs that accidentally get loose from their owners.

Iowa dog owners should call, write, fax, or e-mail their senator in Des Moines NOW. (Legislator contact information can be found at the following link: http://www4.legis.state.ia.us/find-leg/.) All senators may be reached through the senate switchboard at 515-281-3371. It is especially important that we explain our opposition to the Senate Government Oversight Committee, which is sponsoring SF446 (formerly SSB1195). If your senator is on this committee, please contact him/her right away.



Sen. Mary Lundby, Chair (R-18)
State Capitol
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-281-3908 or 319-373-6639
Fax: 515-242-6108
E-Mail: mary.lundby@legis.state.ia.us

Sen. Bob Brunkhorst, Vice Chair (R-9)
State Capitol
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-281-3371 or 319-483-3026
E-Mail: bob.brunkhorst@legis.state.ia.us

Sen. Thomas G. Courtney (D-44)
State Capitol
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-281-3371 or 319-753-2684 (home)
E-Mail: thomas.courtney@legis.state.ia.us

Sen. Robert E. Dvorsky (D-15)
State Capitol
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-281-5909 or 319-351-0988
Fax: 515-281-6073
E-Mail: robert.dvorsky@legis.state.ia.us

Sen. Ron Weick (R-27)
State Capitol
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-281-3371 or 712-276-4008 (home)
E-Mail: ron.weick@legis.state.ia.us



Points to Address:

• We support laws that establish a fair process by which specific dogs are identified as "dangerous" based on stated, measurable actions; impose appropriate penalties on irresponsible owners; and establish a well-defined method for dealing with dogs proven to be dangerous.
  
  
• If necessary, dogs proven to be "dangerous" may need to be humanely destroyed but that decision should be made by qualified professionals after careful review of all the evidence. Private citizens should not be allowed to destroy animals unless they pose serious imminent danger to people or other animals.
  
  
• As written, SF446 requires that all dogs be muzzled or leashed at all times, even when on their own property. Not only is this an inappropriate way to identify dangerous dogs, but it also penalizes responsible owners, farmers, hunters, field trialers, and all those participating in organized dog events.
  
  
• The American Kennel Club has provided the committee with model dangerous dog legislation that would effectively address the issues at hand without penalizing responsible owners or threatening the well-being of all dogs in Iowa. Lawmakers should use these models as a guide to re-write SF446.

KENTUCKY - S24 was signed by the governor in March. The law allows those convicted of second or subsequent offenses of animal torture to be convicted of a Class D felony, punishable by one to five years in prison. Torture is defined as "intentional infliction of or subjection to extreme physical pain or injury, motivated by an intent to increase or prolong the pain of the animal." S24 exempts hunters, trappers, food processors, veterinarians, and people who show or train dogs and cats. It also exempts lab animals and cropping and docking.

LOUISIANA - Introduced by Rep. Dewitt, H1273 requires nonresidents participating in field trials to obtain a hunting license. (They are currently exempt.) The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

- H6 was withdrawn from consideration in March. The bill would have permitted a dog to be deemed vicious without having been previously declared dangerous, as the law currently states.

MARYLAND - The House Committee on Environmental Matters voted against H355 in March. The Maryland Dog Federation and AKC opposed the bill, which would have severely restricted owners' rights to surgically debark their dogs, even when done as a "last resort" when all other methods of modifying a dog's noisy behavior had failed. For more information, contact Maryland Dog Federation, Inc. (Euniverz@aol.com, www.marylanddogfederation.com).

- Del. Charles Boutin incorporated the Maryland Dog Federation's recommended changes into his dog fighting bill, H624. Approved by the full Senate, the new language amends the definition of dog fighting paraphernalia so that owners who use items such as treadmills for training purposes are not unjustifiably punished. H624 now moves to the House for concurrence.

- Maryland dog owners, take note! You may have more protection against homeowners' insurance discrimination than you think. A recent decision by the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals stated that the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA), and not a federal court, should make the determination as to whether an insurance company has the right to deny coverage based on breeds. The case came about when Mutual Benefit Insurance went to court to try and avoid paying claims when a customer's "pit bull" bit someone. The company claimed the customers lied about having the breed, which Mutual Benefit does not insure, and that therefore they should not be forced to pay.

The Court's decision to defer to the MIA's judgement bodes well for dog owners because the agency has publicly stated that for an insurer to deny coverage based on breed, it must show sufficient justification for doing so in the form of hard data. A spokeswoman from the MIA said no Maryland insurer has ever been able to convince the agency that one breed is more likely than another to result in higher insurance claims. Until one does, the MIA will likely find discriminating against homeowners based on the breed of dog they own to be illegal.

With this in mind, Maryland fanciers who experience problems with their homeowners insurance are strongly encouraged to formally request the insurance commissioner to review a cancellation or refusal to renew. The burden will be on the insurer to prove that its actions were justified, and dog owners may be able to find some relief.

Many thanks to Dee Van Nest of the Potomac Valley Irish Wolfhound Club and the Maryland Law Library for bringing this case to AKC's attention.

NEBRASKA - LB273 and LB274 are now law. LB273 establishes housing requirements for commercial breeders, including having ample food and water, sanitary conditions and adequate space for dog and cats to move around. A commercial breeder is currently defined as: (1) a person who owns 4 or more unaltered dogs or cats who is engaged in the business of breeding and who sells, exchanges or leases dogs and cats, (2) a person who sells, exchanges or leases more than 30 dogs and cats per year, (3) a person knowingly selling, exchanging, or leasing any dogs or cats for later retail sale. LB274 requires pet dealers to provide buyers with information about the benefits of spaying and neutering. Pet dealer is defined as anyone who is engaged in the selling or buying for resale over 30 dogs or cats per year.

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Congratulations to AKC Delegate and New Hampshire Representative Jay Phinizy! His House Concurrent Resolution supporting the Canine Good Citizen program became final when it was approved by the Senate in late March. (Concurrent resolutions do not require signature by the governor.)

- H367 died on the House floor. The bill eliminated the exemption for humane societies and animal shelters from certain health requirements for animals.

- S79 passed the Senate and was referred to the House Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety. The bill has been amended and now allows any police, animal control or humane society officer to seize a person's animals if they are suspected of harboring fighting animals. Originally the bill pertained to owners suspected of cruelty and gave officers broad authority in dealing with the animals.

NEW YORK -Sen. Carl Kruger's S3158 was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill makes dog owners liable for dog bites that occur on their own property or in a public place. Exceptions are made only if the bite victim was committing a violent felony at the time.

- Assemblyman Richard Smith' A4884 will recognize animal and ecoterrorism as forms of domestic terrorism. The bill also increases penalties for committing these crimes and creates penalties for those who assist or finance such acts. Referred to the Committee on Transportation, A4884 is based on model legislation drafted by the US Sportsmen's Alliance and is similar to a bill that was introduced in Texas. The movement toward this type of legislation comes as a result of many extreme animal rights groups' growing terrorist actions. In their effort to end pet ownership altogether, groups such as PETA are not only committing dangerous attacks but making outrageous accusations as well. The New York Post recently reported that the organization is accusing white men of not caring about animals. "If the idea of animals being castrated without anesthetics on factory farms isn't at all unsettling to you, chances are you're a man and you're white," PETA was quoted as saying.

- The Senate Committee on Transportation is considering S3474, a bill to prohibit public highway transportation of animals in open vehicle beds unless sides of the bed are at least 46 inches high or the animal is securely restrained. Fines begin at $50 for a first offense and gradually increase to a maximum of $400 for a third or subsequent offense. S3474 is sponsored by Sen. Patricia McGhee.

- Sen. Joseph Robach is sponsoring S3888, a bill to prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against homeowners based on their breed of dog. The Canine Legislation department sent a letter to the sponsor and to the Senate Committee on Insurance, where S3888 was referred.

- On the same subject, the Senate Insurance Committee is also considering S3998. Sponsored by Sen. Dean Skelos, the bill forbids insurers from discriminating against policy holders based on the breed of dog they own. The Canine Legislation department supports this bill as well.

NORTH CAROLINA - Iredell County is still working on revisions to its proposed dangerous dog ordinance. Local fanciers and humane society officials support some of the nondiscriminatory provisions but have serious concerns with two points. First, there is no exemption for dogs that are teased, tormented or otherwise provoked into attacking. Second, the ordinance allows a dog to be deemed dangerous if it simply scratches a person, even an owner in the midst of playing with his animal. A task force is working on amending these points but faces strong opposition from one county commissioner who believes that any changes will weaken the ordinance. The Canine Legislation department supports the amendments and stated so in a letter to county commissioners. AKC also supplied the task force with model dangerous dog legislation.

- After years of lobbying, Durham dog owners saw their efforts come to fruition with the opening of a dog park. The AKC provided support in the form of materials and letters to city officials. Congratulations!

NORTH DAKOTA - S2196 was signed into law in April. The act creates a new seat on the Board of Animal Health to represent non-traditional livestock, including companion animals. AKC supported this bill, as it ensures that fanciers' interests will be represented in the future.

PENNSYLVANIA - Repeated violations of nuisance laws by two problem dog owners have caused Hempfield Township officials to consider a limit law. The Canine Legislation department sent a statement of opposition to Township Supervisors in April and is working with local fanciers to help propose alternative solutions.

RHODE ISLAND - Rhode Island fanciers have made a great deal of progress on H5817, relating to animal abuse. Having met with key legislators, fanciers received several drafts of the bill that addressed and removed many of their major concerns. Positive changes include:

• Eliminated enforcement powers given to "peace officers"
  
  
• Removed references to bodily alterations, including cropping and docking
  
  
• Eliminated provision requiring 21 categories of professionals (including doctors, school employees, clergymen and photographers) to report suspected abuse and neglect
  
  
• Inserted language about accepted husbandry practices
  
  
• Removed some sections related to euthanasia
  
  
• Improved sections requiring the provision of aid to injured animals.
  
  
• Inserted "owner" wherever guardian is referenced.

TENNESSEE - In support of dog owners' efforts to establish an off-leash park in Nashville, the Canine Legislation department sent a letter and materials to the Metro Parks Superintendent.

TEXAS - Coppell city officials are considering developing a dog park in their community. The AKC sent a statement of support in April.

VIRGINIA - H1831 is now law. The legislation amends the state's definition of a dangerous dog to include one that attacks or injures another dog. Exemptions are allowed if no serious injury occurs or if the dogs involved are owned by the same person. Owners of companion animals that are attacked will now be able to collect compensation if the incident occurred on their own property and if the aggressive dog did not have permission to be there.

- H1861 was also signed by the governor. The law raises the minimum liability insurance requirement for owners of dangerous dogs to $100,000, but gives municipalities the choice of whether to enact this particular provision. H1861 also adds animal control officers' previous findings to the list of factors in determining whether a "dangerous" dog is indeed "vicious." Finally, it removes the cap on the mandatory licensing fee for dangerous dogs in municipalities that have enacted such an ordinance.

- In March, the governor returned S950 to the Senate with several recommended changes. These include a clarified definition of "home-based rescue" and reduced fines for violations. The bill still removes the definition of "companion animal rescue agency," eliminating the need for them to be licensed as the result of a law that passed last year. The amended S950 also eases the previously burdensome record keeping requirements for rescue groups and allows then to accept signed statements from potential adopters and foster care providers rather than having to do background checks on them. Both the Senate and House passed the amendments, and the governor signed S950 into law in April.

- With his signature, the governor also approved a law making it a misdemeanor to be a spectator at a dog fight. Those convicted could be forced to pay housing and euthanasia costs for confiscated dogs. Dog fighting itself is a felony in Virginia, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of $2,500.

WASHINGTON - The Seattle City Council is considering several amendments to its dangerous dog ordinance. Enacted two years ago with little public input, the ordinance outraged fanciers who felt the code contained vague definitions of "potentially dangerous" and "dangerous" dogs that were open to interpretation and in some cases left no room for appeal. Concerned owners mounted a strong opposition campaign and gained the ear of one city council member, who appointed a task force to study the issue. The amendments currently being considered were put forth by that group, and AKC has lent its support in the form of a letter to the mayor and city council.

The proposed changes to the ordinance clarify the definitions of potentially dangerous and dangerous dogs, as well as provide for a means of appeal. The amendments also allow owners to seek rehabilitative training for dangerous dogs, with a possibility to declassify them as dangerous. Other positive changes include prohibiting passage of breed-specific measures and forbidding anonymous complaints with regard to dangerous dogs. A public hearing in April saw excellent support for the changes. A second hearing is scheduled for May 6th.

WEST VIRGINIA - H2753 became law in March. The new law makes it a felony to be knowingly involved in an animal fighting venture. Those convicted of organizing a fight or owning fighting dogs or training equipment can now be found guilty of a felony. Penalties include fines of $1,000-$5,000 and a jail term of 1-5 years.

UNITED STATES - Sponsored by Sen. John Ensign, S736 was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. The bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to strengthen enforcement of laws prohibiting animal fighting.

- Sen. Jeff Sessions is sponsoring S741, which amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to make it easier for companies to develop and market new animal drugs. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

- The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking comments on a proposed amendment to the Animal Welfare Act that would require research facilities, dealers, and exhibitors to maintain medical records as part if their veterinary care program. In its announcement in the Federal Register, APHIS stated its belief that such groups should maintain records in order to ensure that animals are receiving proper care and also noted that the records would provide a basis to better assess the veterinary care programs. The agency claims almost all research facilities and more than 75 percent of other regulated facilities already comply with proposed minimum standards for record keeping.

AUSTRALIA - Five states have voted to make tail docking illegal effective December 1st. The ban was supported by the RSPCA and the Australian Veterinary Association.

Questions regarding "Legislation Around the Nation?" Please contact the Canine Legislation Department for more information regarding bills and ordinances for which no Liaison name or number has been provided.



CAA Awards

Congratulations to Dr. Al Stinson of the Michigan Association of Purebred Dog Owners. Stinson was honored with the AKC's 1st Quarter Community Achievement Award for his many tireless years of lobbying on behalf of purebred dogs. A retired veterinarian and former faculty member of Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, Stinson is the primary liaison between his state's purebred dog fancy and the veterinary community. His legislative involvement runs the gamut, from helping dog owners fight breed-specific laws in their cities, to monitoring and influencing dog-related bills at the state level, to organizing public education booths. Stinson is an invaluable resource when it comes to keeping the AKC informed about canine legislation issues in Michigan.

Congratulations are also extended to fellow honorees Joe Byer of the Doberman Pinscher Club of America, and Gaylon Dodson of the Decatur Alabama Kennel Club. Both were recognized for their outstanding public education efforts. All of the honorees will receive a certificate and $1,000 to be used to further their club's public education and legislation programs.

For more information about AKC's Community Achievement Awards, please contact the Public Education department (919-816-3712, publiced@akc.org.)

AKC Urges USDA to Improve Animal Welfare Act

In a letter to Secretary Ann Veneman, the American Kennel Club is urging the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make important and needed improvements to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The AWA requires that minimum standards of care and treatment be provided for certain animals sold at wholesale, used in research, and transported commercially. The AWA does not apply to breeders who sell directly to the consumer. We believe the following changes will improve enforcement of the AWA among its licensed wholesale dealers and preserve the spirit of the law. We're not asking for new laws, we're simply asking USDA to clarify the regulations so that they can support the AWA's original intentions.

AKC urged USDA to:

• Close a loophole in the small breeder exemption in current regulations. The small breeder exemption exempts persons from licensing requirements if they maintain three or fewer breeding females. However, some individuals have argued that they are not required to be licensed even when they keep more than three breeding females on the premises so long as any single member of the household does not own more than three. This practice is not in keeping with the intent of the act and regulations should be clarified to apply to the premises, regardless of ownership.



• Strengthen the authority of the USDA to deny licenses to unsuitable applicants. USDA should be allowed to deny a license application to a person who has violated any federal, state, or local law or regulations relating to animal cruelty, neglect, or welfare OR who would be operating in circumvention of those laws OR who has provided false information to any government agency. USDA also needs explicit authority to deny a license application or renewal during the period when an applicant's license is under suspension.



• Make it harder for dealers to operate illegally. USDA should prohibit Class B Dealers—persons who buy and sell dogs they have not bred and raised—from knowingly obtaining dogs from persons who required to be licensed are not licensed. The agency should also require Class B dealers who obtain dogs from persons who are exempt from the licensing requirements of AWA regulations to obtain a certification from that person stating the basis on which they are exempt.

These simple changes will dramatically improve enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and put a stop to unscrupulous dealers who manipulate the system. AKC urged the USDA to finalize these changes to protect the welfare of dogs and the dog purchasing public. AKC Submits Comments to AVMA

In March, AKC submitted comments to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) regarding its proposed Model Veterinary Practice Act. The Act is meant to be a guide for state legislatures to use when drafting laws pertaining to veterinary medicine. In its letter, AKC noted concern over the extremely broad definitions of the "practice of veterinary medicine" and "alternative therapies." The language recommended in the model is so vague that it easily encompasses many activities performed by responsible breeders and owners, such as the administration of drugs for common ailments. Owners could therefore be punished simply by giving their pet an aspirin or Pepto Bismol. The definition would also prohibit anyone other than a veterinarian from giving medical advice. AKC believes that this unfairly impacts fanciers who routinely discuss animal health issues with each other. Other points of concern included broad provisions for the release of veterinary records, and the increased penalty for a violation of the Act from a misdemeanor to a felony.

The AVMA will likely take several weeks or even months to review public comments on the model. AKC will report on any developments as they occur.

Washington Fanciers Use Good Manners
to Fight Bad Laws

The Canine Good Citizen ® department may be a new addition to the Public Education and Legislation Division here at AKC, but fanciers all over the country have been touting the program's success for years. Many, including the Seattle Kennel Club and the Bull Terrier Club of Puget Sound, use CGC as a tool to prevent negative legislation from being introduced. The two clubs recently teamed up to host CGC testing for Bull Terriers and their owners at local "B" match. Combating the negative stereotype sometimes associated with "bull breeds," the CGC test gave owners a change to show off their dogs' good manners.

Washington fanciers hope events like theirs will help stem the growing tide of breed-specific legislation in their state. "In Washington alone, we have 13 cities with breed-specific legislation," notes Seattle Kennel Club President Lynne Myall. "CGC testing helps us show that our dogs have good temperament, are manageable and well-behaved, and have responsible owners." Regardless of your breed or state, Seattle's proactive approach is an excellent example of how fanciers can avoid the further spread of restrictive dog laws.

On-line or Snail Mail?

Attention Legislative Liaisons! In order to better serve you with timely information in a convenient manner, we are considering distributing this newsletter electronically only. We don't want to exclude anyone who might not have access to a computer, however, so let us hear from you! Please call, write or e-mail the Canine Legislation department with your comments no later than June 30th. Tell us what format you prefer and why, and if you have e-mail access, what your address is. Your legislative efforts are invaluable to us, and we want to be sure we're making your job as easy as possible!