The New York Assembly could soon consider a bill that makes certain hunting competitions illegal. As written, however, Assembly Bill 5746 contains important amendments requested by the AKC to protect training and performance events.
Summary:
Assembly Bill 5746 is similar to bills introduced in previous sessions that would make it unlawful to organize, sponsor, or participate in any competition with the object of “taking or hunting wildlife for prizes or other inducement, or for entertainment.”
AKC worked closely with the sponsor in previous years and was successful in getting the bill amended to exempt dog training areas, field trials, or “any similar canine performance events.” Other sportsmen groups were successful in obtaining exemptions for hunting competitions for deer, turkey, or bear.
AKC is pleased that our exemption for performance events and dog training continues to be included in this year’s bill. The other sporting exemptions are also included.
The companion Senate Bill 6643 remains pending in the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.
What You Can Do:
AKC remains neutral so long as the important protections for performance events and training remain in the bill. Those who wish to contact their State Assemblymember may do so by using the Member Search tool on the State Assembly website.
AKC Government Relations continues to closely monitor all bills in New York with the potential to impact dog owners. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.