AKC is pleased to report that thanks to strong opposition by responsible dog owners, two state-level breed-specific initiatives have been stopped in their tracks. In Oklahoma, Sen. Reynolds recently dropped his support of SB247, which would have allowed municipalities to enact breed-specific laws. Without the Senator's support, the bill effectively died in committee.
On Wednesday, HB1128 was defeated in the Illinois House Committee on Agriculture and Conservation by a vote of 9-6. The bill would have repealed an existing state law that prohibits breed-specific dangerous dog legislation.
AKC congratulates responsible dog owners in Oklahoma and Illinois on their swift efforts. We urge you, however, to be watchful of the situation as there is always a chance that other pending animal bills could be amended to include BSL. Furthermore, both bill sponsors remain very concerned about dangerous dog problems in their respective states. However, they now seem more receptive to the notion that strong enforcement of reasonable regulations, rather than breed bans, are a more effective solution. Dog owners are encouraged to work with the sponsors in this regard. Additionally, please contact and thank them for their consideration.
The Honorable Jim Reynolds
State Capitol Bldg #534-B
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Phone:405/521-5522
Email: reynolds@lsb.state.ok.us
The Honorable Jerry Mitchell
209-N Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: (217) 782-0535
Fax: (217) 782-5257
AKC is pleased to report that thanks to strong opposition by responsible dog owners, two state-level…