AKC has learned from responsible dog owners in Oklahoma that Sen. Earl Garrison, Chairman of the Senate General Government Committee, has agreed not to hear S1569 and S1702. These bills would have permitted cities and counties to enact breed-specific legislation, action that is currently prohibited by state law. With this legislation effectively dead in committee, and Rep. Paul Wesselhoft’s H2657 and H2658 also dead, dog owners can feel cautiously optimistic that their efforts to defeat breed-specific legislation have been successful.
Support is still encouraged for Rep. Lee Denney’s H2813, a reasonable bill that strengthens the state’s dangerous dog law. H2813 requires owners of dangerous dogs to obtain $100,000 in liability insurance (up from $50,000), increases penalties for owners who violate the dangerous dog law, and mandates that such owners perform 40 hours of community service.
The Oklahoma legislature is not scheduled to adjourn for over two more months. With many weeks left in the session, dog owners are encouraged to remain vigilant in their monitoring of these issues and to watch AKC’s web site for news of any further developments. Many thanks to all who have helped to make this good news a reality!
AKC has learned from responsible dog owners in Oklahoma that Sen. Earl Garrison, Chairman of the…