SPAY AND NEUTER HSUS CAMPAIGN

It is time to fight back against the anti-hunter, anti-breeder campaigns and propaganda of HSUS. How does HSUS consistently introduce legislation and lobby in 50 states and the halls of Washington yet maintain a tax-exempt status? Ask IRS to investigate the excessive lobbying practices of HSUS.
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SAOVA News and Updates

Among the 2010 legislative items being introduced this year are numerous bills to restrict tethering; increase penalties for animal cruelty to felonies; and of course regulate dog breeding under so called "puppy mill" bills. View spreadsheet to track this legislation or view in PDF format.

*2009 tracking spreadsheet lists some but not all of the legislation from last year.*
In addition to the commercial breeder bills there are 4 confinement bills similar to California's Prop2.
Open the spreadsheet in PDF format

STATE LEGISLATION

California
SB 1277 Animal abuse registry: Internet publication. Senator Dean Florez
OPPOSE. Establishes an internet based registry of felony animal abuse offenders to be paid for by a pet food tax. Last minute amendment by Florez removed pet food tax and replaced with fees to be paid by the offenders.
Senate Committee on Public Safety Analysis of SB1277
4/20 Passed by Public Safety; referred to Senate Appropriations.
Update 5/10. Committee analysis reveals potentially significant costs for implementing and maintaining registry. Senate Appropriations has placed SB 1277 in suspense file.

Connecticut
SB 274 An act prohibiting the unreasonable confinement and tethering of dogs.
OPPOSE. SB 274 Tethering. Tethering bill sets unreasonable requirements for minimum 100 SF for enclosure with 50% extra for each additional dog. Space requirements have no bearing on the welfare of a dog, but place unjustified economic burdens on dog owners who must upfit kennels in order to comply. Fiscal Analysis notes significant costs could be incurred by investigating officers if animal is not in plain view. 4/14/2010 SB 274 referred to Senate Judiciary.
4/21/2010 Judiciary Committee Vote Tally Sheet. Yea 30, Nay 9
5/14/2010. Senate Substitute enacted into law. Prohibits prong collars; requires the dog have 8 feet of room to move in any direction while tethered; exempts exhibitions, shows, trials, and temporary events. Confinement for unreasonable time (not defined) remains in the bill.

Georgia
SB 303 Regulate and license Pythons

Illinois
SB 2580 Animal Tethering
SB 3496 Barking Dogs
HB 5771 Dog Breeding-Puppy Mills

Maine
LD 1598 An Act To Strengthen the Laws against Illegal "Puppy Mill" Operators

Missouri
HSUS has filed petitions in Missouri for a ballot iniative which would restrict dog breeders.

North Carolina
SB 460 Commercial Dog Breeder Regulation

Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Canine Health Board proposed regulations for commercial kennels will be reviewed by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and the House and Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committees. Comments were due October 27th.

Rhode Island
OPPOSE. HB 7319 Tethering. Prohibits tethering for more than one hour a day. Prohibits leaving a dog in a pen outside for more than 14 hours in a day. Authorizes the RI SPCA to enter private property to investigate, examine dogs, and enforce the bill. 4/14/10 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.

OPPOSE. HB 7769 Confinement. Prohibits use of gestation crates, veal crates, battery cages for egg laying hens. Violation is a misdemeanor punishable by $1,000 fine or 180 days in jail or both. 4/14/2010 Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Wisconsin
OPPOSE. AB 747 Crimes against animals and providing a penalty. AB 747 weaves a complicated and exaggerated system of felony penalties involving children as witnesses to some alleged form of animal abuse. AB 747 elevates crimes against animals to a level equal to abuse or injury to humans – a goal long advocated by animal rights extremists. An Assembly substitute was offered by Rep. Milroy which passed without committee recommendation. 4/15/10 Substitute (see spreadsheet) PASSED House Ayes 50 / Noes 47. 4/16 Read first time in Senate and referred to committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing. 04-28-10. DEAD. Failure to concur.

Related Links

The Monthly National Legislation Report is published once a month listing available reports of dog and animal legislation in all States.
The Monthly National Legislation Report