March 19, 2019
The Washington State Senate Committee on Local Government will consider House Bill 1026 on Thursday, March 21, 2019. This bill will prohibit local jurisdictions from passing breed-specific legislation (BSL) unless they provide an exemption to dogs that pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) or an equivalent program. The bill has already passed the House, its original chamber.
Although AKC appreciates this compromise that recognizes the value of the CGC program and the opportunity for dogs to be exempt from breed-specific laws, we recognize this is only a first step. Breed-specific legislation unfairly singles out dogs based on their breed or appearance, not their actions. AKC still strongly encourages the state to eliminate BSL in its entirety.
For more information and talking points, view AKC’s previous alert on this bill.
What You Can Do:
Those who reside or participate in dog events in Washington are encouraged to contact the committee prior to the March 21 hearing and comment on House Bill 1026.
Washington Senate Committee on Local Government members:
Sen. Dean Takko, Chair
Sen. Jesse Salomon, Vice Chair
Sen. Shelly Short
Sen. Jim Honeyford
Sen. Liz Lovelett
AKC Government Relations continues to closely monitor this bill. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.