Recently, the 2023 Kansas legislative session adjourned. AKC analyzed several bills in Kansas to determine the impact on Kansas dog owners. AKC only opposed one bill during the session and the bill ultimately died in committee after just one hearing.
House Bill 2437 Fails
House Bill 2437 would have made several changes to the Kansas Pet Animal Act, but the most concerning provision of the legislation would have allowed the Department of Agriculture to contract with any licensed animal shelter or rescue to seize animals and provide care for those animals for even minor violations of the Kansas Pet Animal Act such as failing to keep proper documentation of adequate veterinary care.
The Commissioner or these rescues and shelters would then be entitled to collect costs from the owners associated with seizure, transportation, and care of these animals and these costs must be paid before an animal can be returned. The owner could be billed every 30 days during a trial. If an individual missed one payment or failed to pay within 10 days of receiving the bill, their dogs would be considered abandoned and would then be eligible for adoption – even if they are ultimately found not guilty.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) agrees that no animal should be kept in a dangerous or inhumane situation. However, we remain concerned about any legislation that would lead to the forfeit of an individual’s rights of ownership in their animals by failing to provide appropriate and required procedural due process protections.
AKC submitted comments in opposition to the bill and sent out a previous alert to Kansas clubs. While the bill was scheduled for a hearing a vote was never taken in committee and the bill failed. AKC expects similar legislation that will aim to amend the Kansas Pet Animal Act to be introduced in future sessions.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor all bills impacting dog owners in Texas. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.