This week the Kansas House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee substituted HB 2542 and removed problematic language requiring a bond for the care of seized animals at the request of AKC. The introduced version of the bill required a licensee to post a bond for the care of their seized animals, and if a licensee did not post the bond they would lose ownership of their animals after 10 days, even if they were ultimately found not guilty.
Thank the Committee
Kansas dog owners are encouraged to contact the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and thank them for protecting private property rights by removing the problematic bond for care language. You can find the committee’s contact information HERE.
Background
The AKC opposed the bond for care language in HB 2542 because it could lead to loss of ownership of a licensee’s animals even if they are ultimately found not in violation of the Kansas Pet Animal Act. AKC asked the committee to remove this language and protect the rights of innocent Kansas pet owners and breeders.
AKC agrees with the maxim that individuals are “innocent until proven guilty.” Laws must protect defendants’ due process rights, including the opportunity to be heard before the government acts to take away one’s life, liberty, or property. Courts must be permitted to waive assessed fees in cases involving an indigent or disadvantaged defendant who cannot afford the cost of a lengthy and expensive court battle. Read more on AKC’s position on this issue in our Legislative Action Center.
Existing law already requires licensees that are found in violation of the Kansas Pet Animal Act to pay for the cost of care for their animals if they are seized by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Existing law also requires that the Kansas Department of Agriculture shall pay the cost of care for seized animals if the licensee is ultimately found not in violation of the Kansas Pet Animal Act.
AKC GR continues to monitor Kansas legislation impacting dog owners and will continue to provide updates as necessary. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.