https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/maryland-house-committee-hear-senate-bill-regulating-dogs-outdoors-call-now/
March 25, 2022
On Monday, March 21, 2022, the Maryland Senate passed Senate Bill 44 which
regulates dogs outdoors and unattended in certain weather conditions and
temperatures.
The bill is schedule for a hearing before the House Environment and
Transportation Committee at 1:00pm on Wednesday, March 30,2022. Written
comments will only be accepted on Monday, March 28. Scroll down for more
information on how to submit comments.
Summary:
As mentioned in a previous alert, the AKC remains very grateful that the bill
allows exemptions “if the dog is lawfully and actively engaged in hunting;
livestock herding or guarding; sledding; sporting; or training.” which we
requested to make sure the bill does not impact dog shows, field trials, Rally,
agility, hunting, and other humane activities.
Additionally, language amending what is considered “suitable shelter” was
approved by the Senate.
However, AKC remains concerns about situations that have not been addressed.
Our chief concern is the bill’s reliance on an absolute temperature to
determine when a dog may be endangered by extreme weather instead of the dog
itself. When considering dogs ability to handle the weather, we should be
looking at the individual dog and its ability to handle the environment based
on its breed (or mix thereof), its general health and condition, and its age
(younger and older dogs of a particular breed/mix that can generally handle the
elements may not be able as a puppy or a senior dog).
Further, Senate Bill 44 places many dogs at danger by ignoring the American
Veterinary Medical Association guidelines for the protection of dogs in summer
months by failing to require access to continuous shade for a dog outdoors
during summer months so long as the temperature does not exceed 90 degrees
Fahrenheit.
What You Can Do:
Maryland residents and those who participate in dog events in Maryland are
encouraged to take the actions listed below. Let the committee know you
appreciate the exemptions currently in the bill.
Let them know that while this bill will protect some dogs in Maryland, it does
not protect all dogs in Maryland.
Let them know that dogs need protection from the sun and should have a shaded
area to access during the warmer months of the year well before the temperature
reaches 90 degrees.
Remind them that dogs are the most diverse mammals on earth and laws regulating
dogs outdoors should not be “one size fits all” but should acknowledge that
diversity by being based on the individual dog’s age, breed, general health and
condition and its ability to withstand the environment and not an arbitrary
number on a thermometer.
Ask them to not support the bill until it is amended to address the needs of
dogs and not the wants of humans.
Submit testimony to the Committee on March 28: Witness sign-up and written
testimony submission is only available Monday, March 28, 2022 from 8:00 am –
3:00 pm.
Instruction on submitting testimony for the hearing can be found here.
Click here for House Environment and Transportation Committee member contact
information and contact the members prior to the 1:00 pm hearing on February
24, 2022.
AKC Government Relations and Responsible Dog Owners–Maryland will continue to
closely monitor this bill and communicate with the General Assembly. For more
information, contact doglaw@xxxxxxx .
Stormy Hope
NAIATrust, Trustee
NAIATrust-CA on Facebook!
GSDCA Legislative Liaison to AKC
California Responsible Pet Owners
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