Maryland Alert: Strict Breeders Bill to be Heard February 18

Maryland Senator Lisa Gladden has introduced Senate Bill 318, a bill that aims to strictly regulate dog breeders in Maryland by imposing ownership limits, strict enclosure and exercise requirements, and other requirements.  It is imperative that all concerned responsible dog breeders and owners in Maryland contact their State Senator and the members of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, which will consider the bill on Wednesday, February 18, and respectfully urge them to oppose SB 318. 

The American Kennel Club’s mission includes working to protect the rights of all dog owners and promoting responsible dog ownership. The AKC strongly supports the humane treatment of dogs, including providing an adequate and nutritious diet, clean living conditions, regular veterinary care, kind and responsive human companionship and training in appropriate behavior. The AKC believes that numerical limits do not address the underlying issues of responsible ownership and proper dog care. Instead, the AKC supports reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of dogs without restricting the rights of owners or breeders who take their responsibilities seriously.

If adopted, SB 318 (For a copy of the full legislation, please click here) would, on the enactment date of October 1, 2009:

• Mandate the implementation of rigid engineering requirements for enclosures for anyone owning 10 or more intact dogs over 4 months of age without regard to the fiscal impact that such standards would have on targeted breeders or the enforceability of such requirements.
   
• Prohibit anyone from owning, possessing, controlling, or have charge or custody more than 50 “breeding” dogs over the age of 4 months at any time. 
   
• Require detailed exercise regulations for anyone owning 10 or more dogs over 4 months of age.  This includes two separate daily 2 hour exercise regimens unless a veterinarian has determined that the dog is medically unable to exercise.
   
• Exempt public animal shelters, nonprofit humane societies/animal adoption organizations, veterinary facilities, retail pet stores, research institutions, and boarding facilities from the requirements of this law.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• The American Kennel Club encourages as many responsible dog breeders and owners as possible to attend the committee hearing on February 18.  Here are the details:

  Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Hearing
  Wednesday, February 18, 2009
  1:00 p.m.
  2 East, Miller Senate Building
  Annapolis, Maryland 21401
   

• We also urge all responsible dog breeders and owners in Maryland to contact their State Senator and the members of Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and respectfully, yet strongly urge them to oppose Senate Bill 318.

  For a sample letter to personalize and send, click here

  If you do not know who is your Senator, click here.

  To e-mail your Senator and members of the committee, select the name of the Senator from the list.

  Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Members:

  Brian Frosh, Chair
  2 East Miller Senate Bldg.
  110 College Avenue
  Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
  Phone: 301-858-3124

  Lisa Gladden, Vice- Chair (Also Bill Sponsor)
  2 East Miller Senate Bldg.
  110 College Avenue
  Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
  Phone: 410-841-3697

  James Brochin
  221 James Senate Office Bldg.
  11 Bladen Street
  Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
  Phone: 410-841-3648

  Jennie Forehand
  223 James Senate Office Bldg.
  11 Bladen Street
  Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
  Phone: 301-858-3134

  Larry Haines
  316 James Senate Office Bldg.
  11 Bladen Street
  Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
  Phone: 410-841-3683

  Nancy Jacobs
  420 James Senate Office Bldg.
  11 Bladen Street
  Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
  Phone: 410-841-3158

  Alexander Mooney
  402 James Senate Office Bldg.
  11 Bladen Street
  Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
  Phone: 301-858-3575

  C. Anthony Muse
  304 James Senate Office Bldg.
  11 Bladen Street
  Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
  Phone: 301-858-3092

  Jamie Raskin
  122 James Senate Office Bldg.
  11 Bladen Street
  Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
  Phone: 410-841-3634 or 301-858-3634

  Bryan Simonaire
  414 James Senate Office Bldg.
  11 Bladen Street
  Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
  Phone: 410-841-3658

  Norman Stone, Jr.
  216 James Senate Office Bldg.
  11 Bladen Street
  Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
  Phone: 410-841-3587

   

RESOURCES: 

• For tips on how to effectively communicate with legislators, please click here.  For a copy of our Disagree Diplomatically brochure, please click here.
   
• For more information on how you can help, contact the Maryland Dog Federation.
   
• For more information on this or other legislation, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.

Maryland Senator Lisa Gladden has introduced Senate Bill 318, a bill that aims to strictly regulate…