A bill passed this week by the New York Assembly makes certain hunting competitions illegal. As written, however, Senate Bill 4099 and Assembly Bill 2917 contains important amendments requested by the AKC to protect training and performance events.
Summary:
Senate Bill 4099 and its companion Assembly Bill 2917 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 legislators in previous years on this bill to secure amendments exempting 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.
The bills have been approved by both the Assembly and Senate and are expected to be soon sent to the governor.
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.