Coming off the back of a victory for sporting dog owners in Maine, there are still several concerning bills pending that negatively impact dog breeders and dog owners in three states. The following bills were introduced this legislative cycle but have not yet received hearings. We’re keeping our eye on them and will alert you if they try to sneak one through!
MASSACHUSETTES
House Bill 2130: Requires the commissioner of agricultural resources to establish unspecified standards of care for commercial breeders and would open those kennels to unannounced inspections. The bill was introduced in April 2021 and has yet to receive a hearing.
NEW YORK
Assembly Bill 1556: Prohibits tethering or penning a dog outside between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. It was introduced in early 2021 and has yet to receive a hearing.
Assembly Bill 2347: Creates felony penalties for anyone who leaves a dog outside without proper food water or shelter. Its ambiguous language can be interpreted many ways. This bill was introduced in January 2021 and has yet to receive a hearing.
Assembly Bill 4023: Changes the definition of pet dealer to include anyone who sells 15 dogs per year. The current definition of a pet dealer is anyone who sells 25 animals in a year. This legislation was introduced in early 2021 and has yet to receive a hearing.
Senate Bill 4912: Establishes an animal breeder license requirement and includes additional regulations for anyone who sells more than three animals in a year. The bill was introduced in early 2021 and has yet to receive a hearing.
RHODE ISLAND
House Bill 5736: This legislation would fine anyone who tethers a dog outside in temperatures below 32 degrees. It doesn’t take into account an animal’s breed, age or purpose, and therefore may create problems for sporting dog owners and trainers. The bill was introduced in February 2021 and has yet to receive a hearing.
TEXAS
Senate Bill 323: This legislation would require licensing and regulation of dog breeders in the state and includes undisclosed fees. The bill was introduced in January 2021 and has not been heard and the Texas legislature, which adjourns on May 31.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.