On February 16, 2015, the Montana Senate Local Government Committee is scheduled to consider Senate Bill 239, a bill that seeks to protect the rights of responsible dog owners in Montana. SB 239 would prohibit local governments from enacting or enforcing an ordinance, policy, resolution or other regulation that is specific to the breed or perceived breed of a dog. It does not restrict a local government from enacting an ordinance that applies to all dogs.
Montana dog owners and participants in dog events held in Montana are urged to contact committee members and express support for this important, non-discriminatory legislation.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports reasonable laws that establish a fair process by which specific dogs are identified as “dangerous” based on stated, measureable actions; impose appropriate penalties on irresponsible owners; and establish a well-defined method for dealing with dogs proven to be dangerous. The AKC strongly opposes any legislation that determines a dog to be “dangerous” based on its breed or appearance.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Attend the Senate Local Government Committee hearing and indicate your support of SB 239 as currently written.
Hearing Date: Monday, February 16, 2015
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Room 405, State Capitol, 1301 East 6th Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
Contact Senate Local Government Committee members and state your support for SB 239 as currently written.
To send a message to every member of the Senate Local Government Committee via an online messaging form, click here, then:
- Enter your information (if you are not a resident of Montana, click the “If Out of State” box)
- Click the button for “Committee”
- Select Senate Local Government from the “Choose a Committee” drop-down box
- Select SB from the “Select the Bill Type” drop-down box
- Type 239 in the “Enter the Number of the Bill” box
- Click on your position under “Vote.” You may also type in a personalized message to the committee members.
You can leave messages for legislators by calling (406) 444-4800. Callers may leave messages for up to five individual legislators or one legislative committee per call.
Senate Local Government Committee Members:
Senator Janna Taylor, Chair
Senator Edward Buttrey, Vice Chair
Senator Dick Barrett
Senator Mary McNally
Senator JP Pomnichowski
Senator Scott Sales
Senator Bruce Tutvedt
Senator Gordon Vance
Senator Gene Vuckovich
Send a message of thanks to the bill’s sponsor: Senator Doug Kary, email Sen.Doug.Kary@mt.gov.
For questions or more information, please contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org or 919-816-3720.