South Carolina Bill to Negatively Affect Animal Owners
[Wednesday, March 26, 2008]
South Carolina Senate Bill 833 is currently under consideration by the full
Senate. The bill-which originally attempted to only address the restraint of
dogs-has been amended and now unreasonably seeks to seriously limit the
confinement of dogs in pens or crates. It is vital that all South Carolina
enthusiasts, fanciers, and concerned dog owners contact the bill's sponsor
and their state senator and voice their respectful opposition to this bill
as written.
The American Kennel Club encourages and strongly supports the interaction
and mutual enjoyment of owners and dogs in sporting activities, in working
circumstances, and in competition events. We believe that dog owners bear a
special responsibility to their canine companions to provide proper care and
humane treatment at all times. This includes an adequate and nutritious
diet, clean water, clean living conditions, regular veterinary care, kind
and responsive human companionship, and training in appropriate behavior.
Additionally, the American Kennel Club also believes that dogs should not be
kept in circumstances or numbers where these needs can not be adequately
fulfilled. Anyone convicted of animal cruelty involving a dog will have all
AKC privileges suspended.
As currently written, SB 833 seeks to unreasonably define "confine an animal
in a cruel manner" to include:
* Confining an animal for an unreasonable period of time. As used
here, "unreasonable" is not defined. As such, arbitrary enforcement of this
potential law can have a drastic affect on dogs in crates or pens at home;
dogs in crates or pens at exhibitions, including dog shows and events; or
dogs in transport to exhibitions. SB 833 includes a list of activities that
will be exempted from the provisions of the bill, but does not grant an
exemption to the exhibition of animals, to animals transported for
exhibition, or to related and incumbent activities.
* Confining that does not permit an animal access to sustenance. This
provision is vague as to what types of sustenance would be required.
Additionally, it does not take into consideration the accepted practice of
dogs that, at exhibitions, are housed in crates or pens and have steady but
intermittent access to water and food in consideration of the animal's
health, safety, or activity.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
South Carolina residents are encouraged to contact SB 833's sponsor, Senator
Knotts, and urge your opposition to the bill as currently written. Encourage
him to amend the bill to ensure that all onerous provisions of the bill are
addressed while still attempting to protect animals subjected to cruel
treatment. Also contact your state senator and express your concerns and
urge amendment.
Senator John M. "Jake" Knotts, Jr. (Sponsor)
E-mail: SIV@scsenate.org
To find your South Carolina State Senator, click here.
For more information, contact AKC's Government Relations Department at (919)
816-3503, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.
