The Missouri House Local Government Committee will consider a bill tomorrow (Wednesday, February 22), that seeks to protect the rights of responsible dog owners in Missouri by prohibiting municipalities from enacting breed-specific policies. It would also void any current local breed-specific policies or regulations in the state.
Municipalities would still be permitted to protect public health and safety by enacting other policies (including policies for at-large dogs), so long as these laws do not target specific breeds.
All who reside or participate in dog events in Missouri are encouraged to contact the House Local Government Committee prior to tomorrow’s hearing and ask them to support House Bill 905.
Talking Points:
The AKC supports House Bill 905, which protects the rights of dog owners while still allowing communities to enact laws that hold all owners accountable. Seventeen states currently have laws that prohibit breed-specific legislation. Visit the Breed-Specific/Dangerous Dog Laws page in the AKC Legislative Action Center for more talking points on this issue.
What You Can Do:
All who reside or participate in dog events in Missouri are encouraged to contact the House Local Government Committee prior to tomorrow’s hearing and ask them to support House Bill 905:
Rep. Lyndall Fraker (Chair)
Phone: 573-751-3819
E-Mail: Lyndall.Fraker@house.mo.gov
Rep. Tom Hannegan (Vice Chair)
Phone: 573-751-3717
E-Mail: Tom.Hannegan@house.mo.gov
Rep. Joe Adams (Ranking Minority Member)
Phone: 573-751-4265
E-Mail: Joe.Adams@house.mo.gov
Rep. Donna Baringer
Phone: 573-751-4220
E-Mail: Donna.Baringer@house.mo.gov
Rep. Rick Brattin
Phone: 573-751-3783
E-Mail: Rick.Brattin@house.mo.gov
Rep. Ingrid Burnett
Phone: 573-751-3310
E-Mail: Ingrid.Burnett@house.mo.gov
Rep. Derek Grier
Phone: 573-751-9765
E-Mail: Derek.Grier@house.mo.gov
Rep. Jay Houghton
Phone: 573-751-3649
E-Mail: Jay.Houghton@house.mo.gov
Rep. John McCaherty
Phone: 573-751-3751
E-Mail: John.McCaherty@house.mo.gov
Rep. Dave Muntzel
Phone: 573-751-0169
E-Mail: Dave.Muntzel@house.mo.gov
Rep. Rob Vescovo
Phone: 573-751-3607
E-Mail: Rob.Vescovo@house.mo.gov
Rep. Fred Wessels
Phone: 573-751-0438
E-Mail: Fred.Wessels@house.mo.gov
Rep. Kenneth Wilson
Phone: 573-751-9760
E-Mail: Ken.Wilson@house.mo.gov
AKC Government Relations will continue to closely monitor this legislation and provide more information as it becomes available. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.