[ SHOWGSD-L ] AKC<>Oklahoma!!!
- From: stormy435 <stormy435@xxxxxxx>
- To: "showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:45:17 -0800
From: AKC's Government Relations Department <mba@xxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 2:04:03 PM
Subject: URGENT: Oklahoma Measure Would Restrict Movement of Breeders and Allow
for Unreasonable Search and S
URGENT: Oklahoma Measure Would Restrict Movement of Breeders and Allow for
Unreasonable Search and SeizureÂ
The AKC is extremely concerned about provisions in Oklahoma House Bill 1332, as
written, and urges all Oklahoma dog fanciers, owners and breeders to contact
their representatives to express their concerns.
The AKC promotes responsible dog ownership, responsible breeding practices,
enforcement of cruelty laws, reasonable inspection programs and nuisance
regulations. However, HB 1332 does not improve the welfare of animals and would
punish fanciers, breeders and responsible owners who participate in dog sports
and/or breed in Oklahoma.
The AKC is disappointed that although the billÂ?s sponsor agreed to address
concerns about this measure voiced by the AKC and its federation prior to
bringing the measure to the floor, these discussions have not yet taken place.
Provisions of HB 1332 would:
a.. Duplicate existing federal laws and also require that anyone who is a
breeder, person, firm, corporation or other association that qualifies and is
certified as a breeder, dealer, animal rescue, out-of-state dealer/breeder,
shelter, or retail pet store that sells, gives away, or transfers a cumulative
total of 25 or more animals of any age in any one (1) calendar be subject to
licensure and inspections that mirror USDA standards. This includes all animal
rescue organizations that utilize foster homes if they transfer more than 25
animals per calendar year, but excludes all shelters.
a.. Stipulate that out of state breeders cannot transport animals in Oklahoma
without a state license. Although substitute bill provisions allow for the
exclusion of those who participate in dog shows and field trials, it does not
cover those who travel into Oklahoma for other dog-related events such as
training sessions, matches, hunting activities and public education events that
are not classified as a dog show or field event..Â
a.. Require the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture to develop and implement
regulations pertaining to this bill, but does not guarantee public input or
representation from stakeholders. Experts and responsible breeders should be
consulted in the development and implementation of such regulations.
a.. Provide for warrantless search and seizure by poorly-defined enforcement
personnel. The measure states, Â?Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and
Forestry personnel and agents shall have the right to enter the premises of an
individual or facility and conduct inspections.Â? The bill language does not
define an Â?individualÂ?. This appears to leave the door open for those that do
not qualify to be subjected to unwarranted searches and seizures. The
legislation should state specifically that inspections/searches pertain to only
those that are applicants and/or licensees.
a.. Provide no element for public education or consumer protection and attaches
all the responsibility to breeders. It provides no incentives for those who
follow ethical guidelines established by parent breed clubs, or obtain health
and genetic testing to ensure consumers have healthy quality family pets.
Responsible breeders follow ethics guidelines and existing federal laws. Rather
than to bring substandard kennels up to par, HB 1332 will cause them to hide
from regulators, making identification and enforcement nearly impossible.
HB 1332 continues to impose punitive measures that duplicate federal efforts.
This bill will have a negative impact on responsible breeders with valid USDA
licenses, those that visit Oklahoma for recreation and legitimate organizations
that provide a valuable rescue services to animals.Â
The AKC and its federation encourage animal advocates to look for solutions to
community pet issues. However, HB 1332 as amended cannot solve the issues of
producing healthy pets for consumers and eliminating substandard breeding
practices.
What You Can Do:
a.. Contact your representative in the Oklahoma General Assembly and ask him or
her to oppose HB 1332. To find out who represents you in the Oklahoma State
Legislature select the address tab found at this link.
http://www.okhouse.gov/Members/MemberListing.aspx
a.. For a sample letter to personalize, please see attached document.
a.. For more information and tips on contacting your representative, please
view the following AKC publications:
Disagree Diplomatically, (http://www.akc.org/pdfs/GILEG2.pdf )Â
Make Your Contact Count (http://www.akc.org/pdfs/GILEG3.pdf ) ,
Preparing For Action (http://www.akc.org/pdfs/GILEG3.pdf )
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United States
--
Stormy Hope
carpoc.org
GSDCA Member
And more clubs
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