On Tuesday, February 23, an Iowa Senate subcommittee will consider a bill that seeks to protect working animals and animal events.
Those who reside or participate in dog events in Iowa are encouraged to contact the subcommittee to express your support. Scroll down for contact information.
Summary:
Senate Study Bill 1195 recognizes the value of working animals and animal events. It limits cities and counties from enacting any law that “prohibits or effectively prohibits the operation of an animal enterprise or the use of a working animal.” This includes any regulation that would result in a financial hardship for those using working animals or are involved in an “animal enterprise”.
A “working animal” is defined as any animal “used for performing a specific duty or function in commerce, including but not limited to entertainment, transportation, education, or exhibition.”
An “animal enterprise” is a broad definition that includes “a lawful competitive animal event”.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports this bill, which recognizes the broad variety of essential and important work and service dogs can provide to people. It further recognizes that animal events are important to the state and should not be limited by overbearing local regulations.
What You Can Do:
Those who reside in Iowa – and especially those who use working dogs or participate in conformation or performance events in the state – are encouraged to contact the subcommittee members and express your support of SSB 1195. Let them know how the bill would make a positive impact on you, your dogs, and your club.
If you are a constituent or participate in dog events in their districts, be sure to mention that when contacting the subcommittee.
For more information on communicating the benefit of dog events, view AKC’s 2019 “Economic Impact of AKC Dog Events in Iowa” and our handout “It Pays to Support AKC Dog Shows”
Subcommittee Contact Information:
Sen. Annette Sweeney (Hardin County)
annette.sweeney@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Jesse Green (Webster County)
jesse.green@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Kevin Kinney (Johnson County)
kevin.kinney@legis.iowa.gov
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will continue to monitor this legislation and all legislative issues impacting dog owners in Iowa. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.