AKC GR has just learned that Kentucky Senate Bill 125, a fast-tracked measure that seeks to create troublesome cost of care laws, has been scheduled for consideration by the full Senate tomorrow, Friday, March 4. All Kentucky dog owners are strongly encouraged to contact their state senator and urge them to vote against SB 125.
AKC OPPOSES SB 125
The American Kennel Club (AKC) shares in concerns about the need to assure that local animal control agencies receive adequate public funding to achieve their public mandate. However, such funding mechanisms must not be to the detriment of dog owners’ procedural and substantive due process rights. AKC opposes SB 125 because it fails to protect those rights. As currently worded, SB 125:
- Fails to prevent the unconstitutional deprivation of property because it would force dog owners to forfeit ownership of their animals if they are unable to pay for court-mandated costs without regard of whether they are ultimately found not guilty of criminal activities.
- Does not limit assessed costs to those based on a public—not private—rates, and does not ensure that such costs are directly related to the basic care of the animals.
- Does not protect the interests of co-owners not in possession of an animal at the time of alleged ill treatment.
- Does not limit veterinary care provided by seizing agencies to those that are medically necessary.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ISSUE OF DUE PROCESS FOR DOG OWNERS
AKC recently adopted a Canine Legislation Position Statement on Due Process Protections for Dog Owners. It makes clear AKC’s commitment to protecting dog owners’ constitutional rights and privileges, including that of due process, from legislative incursions. View the statement.
AKC has also recently introduced new materials to help address “cost of care” legislation.
Click here to view our new brief animated explainer video, and click here to view our new one-page flyer.
KENTUCKY RESIDENTS TAKE ACTION TODAY!
Because SB 125 has been scheduled to be considered by the full Senate tomorrow, Friday, March 4, all Kentucky dog owners are strongly encouraged to contact their state senator today and respectfully urge them to vote against Senate Bill 125. Please feel free to use the talking points listed above.
Click here to access the Kentucky General Assembly’s Find Your Legislator page.
AKC GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ADVOCACY RESOURCES (www.akcgr.org)
Recent Legislative & Informational Alerts
Recent Blogs & Articles
State & Federal Legislation Tracking Map
Key Issues
Toolbox (with downloadable materials)
For more information on SB 125 or other pending legislation in Kentucky, contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.