A Wisconsin Senate committee is scheduled to consider a bill TOMORROW (Thursday, February 4) that is identical to the Assembly bill making it more difficult to reclaim lost dogs, or dogs seized on suspicion of a violation of a state animal law.
Changes of concern in the bill include:
Shortening the time in which an owner may reclaim a lost dog at a shelter in many cases from 7 days to 4 days. After 4 days, the animal may be presumed to be “abandoned” or “strayed”. The AKC agrees that owners should be responsible for their dogs, but there are unfortunate circumstances when a dog escapes out the front door or unlocked gate – or escapes while being cared for by others while the owners are away – and it may take longer than 4 days for the animal to be found.
The state should focus on helping shelters develop procedures to notify the public of dogs brought into the shelter, check for microchips, and other actions that will help reunite lost dogs with their owners.
Requiring those accused of any “crime against animals” to make multiple payments for the animal’s care while they are held or forfeit ownership rights forever. Under current law, local governments may ask the court to require the owner of the animal to post bond for the costs of care and treatment of the animal, pending the outcome of the court case and other proceedings.
SB 450 would allow any organization or person that has been contracted to care for the animals that are seized under suspicion of any “crime against animals” (including suspicion of insufficient food, water, etc.) to send requests for payment to the owner no more than every two weeks. The owner would then have 30 days to pay or they lose their animals forever – even if charges are ultimately dropped or the owner is found not guilty. The owner does have the opportunity to challenge the costs within 20 days after the payment demand is made.
What you Can Do:
Contact the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety prior to its 10:00 am meeting tomorrow (February 4). If you are a constituent, be sure to mention that when contacting their office:
Senator Van H. Wanggaaard (Chair, Dist. 21- Racine)
Phone: (608) 266-1832 or (866) 615-7510
E-mail: Sen.Wanggaard@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Leah Vukmir (Vice-Chair, Dist. 5- Brookfield)
Phone: (608) 266-2512
E-mail: Sen.Vukmir@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Frank Lasee (Dist. 1 – De Pere)
Phone: (608) 266-3512
E-mail: Sen.Lasee@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Fred Risser (Dist. 26 – Madison)
Phone: (608) 266-1627
E-mail: Sen.Risser@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Lena Taylor (Dist. 4- Milwaukee)
Phone: (608) 266-5810
E-mail: Sen.Taylor@legis.wisconsin.gov
AKC Government Relations will continue to closely monitor this legislation. For questions or more information, contact the Dog Federation of Wisconsin at doglaw@dfow.net or AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.
A Wisconsin Senate committee is scheduled to consider a bill TOMORROW (Thursday, February 4) that is identical to the Assembly bill making it more difficult to reclaim lost dogs, or dogs seized on suspicion of a violation of a state animal law.