The AKC has learned that Oklahoma HB 1332 may be heard by the Senate
this week, as the Oklahoma legislative calendar prepares to wind down
for the session.
The AKC is opposed to several measures within HB 1332, which as
currently written, infringe on the rights of the many responsible dog
owners and breeders in Oklahoma. These include:
* Allowing for warrantless inspections of private homes and
properties without probable cause. The AKC urges clarification of this
provision to allow searches/inspections to be executed solely by law
enforcement or animal control personnel, and only of quality assurance
licensees under the act. In all other instances, probable cause and a
warrant issued by a neutral magistrate should be required.
* Limiting the number of dogs a person may sell in a year.
Numerical limits are arbitrary, difficult to enforce, and do not address
the problem of irresponsible ownership. Local responsible breeders
should be viewed as assets to their communities. These breeders make
serious commitments to their animals by raising healthy, well-cared-for
dogs and by working to ensure that puppies are placed with responsible
owners. Responsible breeders are in a unique position to support new pet
owners and exemplify responsible dog ownership. They should not be
unfairly punished through arbitrary limits on sales.
* An advisory committee governing kennel regulation that does not
include breeder representation. A group that oversees kennel regulation
should include a representative of the Oklahoma Animal Interest
Alliance, which is the AKC's recognized federation of responsible
breeders, owners, fanciers, and enthusiasts in Oklahoma. We also believe
this committee should include the interests of puppy buyers, represented
by a consumer advocate.
In its current form, HB 1332, punishes responsible breeders and
infringes on their constitutional rights. We urge the Oklahoma
Legislature to reject House Bill 1332 as currently written and consider
the AKC's recommendations to ensure all parties are fully protected
under the act.
What You Can Do:
* Call, email or fax your representative in the Oklahoma Senate
and urge him or her to oppose HB 1332 as currently written. To find out
who represents you in the Oklahoma State Senate select the address tab
found at this link. http://www.capitolconnect.com/oklahoma/
* For a sample letter to personalize, please click here:
(Webmaster please link to attached sample letter).
* For a fact sheet about this legislation, please click here
(Webmaster please link to attached fact sheet.)
* For more information and tips on contacting your representative,
please view the following AKC publications:
o Disagree Diplomatically
o Make Your Contact Count
o Preparing For Action
For more information, contact AKC's Government Relations Department at
(919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.
Government Relations Department
American Kennel Club
8051 Arco Corporate Drive
Suite 100
Raleigh, NC 27617-3390
(919) 816-3720
(919) 816-4275 FAX
++ This message is a service of the American Kennel Club's Government Relations Department and you are receiving it in response to your request. This information may be reprinted or forwarded appropriately with a citation to AKC.
