February 17, 2022
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/maryland-house-committee-vote-bill-regulating-dogs-outdoors-tomorrow-2-18-call-now/
The Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee has scheduled a
Committee vote tomorrow, February 18, 2022, at 3 p.m. on House Bill 16. The
bill would place limitations on dogs being outdoors and unattended in certain
weather conditions, with exemptions for “if the dog is lawfully and activity
engaged in hunting; livestock herding; sledding; sporting; or training.” See
previous alert.
AKC encourages those who reside or participate in dog events in Maryland to
contact the Committee members today, express your appreciation for the
exemptions currently contained in the bill, and ask that they consider further
amendments to address remaining concerns and to ensure all dogs are protected
in all situations. Scroll down for contact information.
AKC’s Request for Further Amendments:
AKC requests the following clarifications that will ensure all dogs in all
circumstances are protected:
• Amending the definition of “Extreme Weather Conditions” to cold
weather or precipitation-related environmental conditions, including, but not
limited to, wind, rain, snow, ice, sleet, or hail, that a person should
reasonably conclude would pose an adverse risk to the health or safety of a dog
based on the age, breed, general health and condition of the dog and its
ability to withstand the environment. This would allow for the needs of
various breeds, ages, and the general health of individual dogs to be
considered and protected by basing it on the individual dog and not a number on
a thermometer.
• Adding language that requires that shade and other protection should
be provided when the temperatures are such that could result in serious injury,
hyperthermia, or death of the animal. Or, simply requiring “suitable shade”
during a specific warmer weather period of the year, e.g., May 1 to October 1,
as several Maryland counties currently do. This would also be in agreement
with guidelines provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association for the
protection of dogs in summer months that include making sure dogs have access
to shade when outside.
• Adding “acclimatization” to the list of exemptions. While we are
pleased that the existing exemptions are included, many sportsmen and other
trainers have noted that any time that a trained dog may be called upon to
perform a specific task in potential adverse conditions (for example search and
rescue), the dog must first be acclimated to those conditions. This avoids any
potential harm that might result from performing the task without proper
preparation.
What You Can Do:
Contact the Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee members
prior to the 3:00 pm voting meeting tomorrow, Friday, February 18, 2022.
Let them know you appreciate the current exemptions in House Bill 16, and
respectfully ask that they consider the additional amendments mentioned above
to protect all dogs and allow for dogs to be acclimated for certain tasks.
Click here for House Environment and Transportation Committee member contact
information.
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.
Maryland: House Committee to Vote on Bill Regulating Dogs Outdoors Tomorrow
(2/18) – Call Now!
Stormy Hope
NAIATrust, Trustee
NAIATrust-CA on Facebook!
GSDCA Legislative Liaison to AKC
California Responsible Pet Owners
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