IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED!
Rep. Mike Stewart has filed a last-minute amendment to an unrelated bill that seeks to enact problematic dog breeder legislation.
This action seeks to bypass the political process under which a bill is assigned to committee for careful consideration and a vote. Further, this amendment has been filed without notification to constituent dog owners and without consultation with stakeholders who would be affected.
Concerned dog owners and breeders are urged to IMMEDIATELY contact their state representatives and politely ask them to VOTE NO on Amendment 1 to House Bill 2496. This amendment will be voted on by the full Tennessee House of Representatives tomorrow morning, March 24, 2016. Please also contact the elected officials listed below.
It is urgent that you call or email tonight or early tomorrow morning and leave a brief message asking your elected officials to vote NO on Amendment 1 to House Bill 2496. A polite phone call or voice mail message is the most effective way to state your concerns.
Concerns with Amendment 1 to HB 2496 include, but are not limited to:
- This amendment would require regulation, inspections, and the payment of fees for persons who possess or maintain, under the person’s immediate control, 15 or more intact female adult dogs in this state at one time for the primary purpose of breeding or selling dogs, OR who sell 40 or more dogs within a calendar year.
- No process is established whereby a registrant can correct violations and come into compliance. Any violation, even something as minor as a minor paperwork error, could result in criminal charges and revocation of registration.
- It establishes criminal penalties for violations of this legislation and of any rules written for its enforcement. A violation would be a Class C misdemeanor, subject to a fine of up to $50 and imprisonment up to 30 days, or both. Failure to register would be a Class A misdemeanor subject to a fine of up to $2500.
The American Kennel Club opposes legislation that seeks to regulate dog owners as commercial breeders based solely on ownership of dogs. Commercial dog breeders in the state are already regulated under existing laws. Persons who operate as dog dealers, and breeders who sell puppies sight-unseen (such as over the internet), are subject of licensing, regulation and inspection by the federal government. Additionally, under existing Tennessee law, those who sell dogs for resale or who sell a dog at a flea market are regulated by the state.
The AKC further believes that every person who keeps a dog in cruel or neglectful conditions should be prosecuted under Tennessee’s excellent animal cruelty laws, whether the offender has one dog or multiple dogs.
TAKE ACTION TONIGHT!
Responsible dog owners and breeders in Tennessee are encouraged to immediately contact their state Representative (click here to find your representative) and the officials listed below and ask them to VOTE NO on Amendment Number 1 to House Bill 2496.
Please also leave a message for the following elected officials:
Speaker of the House Beth Harwell, (615) 741-0709, speaker.beth.harwell@capitol.tn.gov
House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Members:
Rep. Curtis Halford, Chairman, (615) 741-7478, rep.curtis.halford@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Andy H. Holt, Vice Chairman (615) 741-7847, rep.andy.holt@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. David Byrd, (615) 741-2190, rep.david.byrd@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. G.A. Hardaway, (615) 741-5625, rep.ga.hardaway@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. David B. Hawk, (615) 741-7482, rep.david.hawk@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Bud Hulsey, (615) 741-2886, rep.bud.hulsey@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Jamie H. Jenkins, (615) 741-6890, rep.jamie.jenkins@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Ron Lollar, (615) 741-7084, rep.ron.lollar@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Pat Marsh, (615) 741-6824, rep.pat.marsh@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Steve McDaniel, (615) 741-0750, rep.steve.mcdaniel@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Debra Moody, (615) 741-3774, rep.debra.moody@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Dennis Powers, (615) 741-3335, rep.dennis.powers@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Jay D. Reedy, (615) 741-7098, rep.jay.reedy@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Johnny Shaw, (615) 741-4538, rep.johnny.shaw@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Art Swann, (615) 741-5481, rep.art.swann@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. John Mark Windle, (615) 741-1260, rep.john.windle@capitol.tn.gov
Also contact Rep. Stewart and ask him to WITHDRAW his amendment:
Rep. Mike Stewart, (615) 741-2184 rep.mike.stewart@capitol.tn.gov
For additional information, please contact pvs@akc.org or call 919-816-3645.
Rep. Mike Stewart has filed a last-minute amendment to an unrelated bill that seeks to enact problematic dog breeder legislation.
This action seeks to bypass the political process under which a bill is assigned to committee for careful consideration and a vote. Further, this amendment has been filed without notification to constituent dog owners and without consultation with stakeholders who would be affected. Concerned dog owners and breeders are urged to IMMEDIATELY contact their state representatives and politely ask them to VOTE NO on Amendment 1 to House Bill 2496. This amendment will be voted on by the full Tennessee House of Representatives tomorrow morning, March 24, 2016.