The Washington Senate Law and Justice Committee is considering a bill next week to, among other provisions, provide guidelines for when volunteers may be appointed to assist law enforcement with certain duties, including “animal control and caring for domestic animals”.
While AKC understands the value of volunteers helping in certain aspects of community life, this could have implications on animal welfare and public safety. We support the provision stating that these volunteers must have appropriate supervision and policies must be put in place. We are asking for clarification to ensure that any volunteers assisting with animal control have appropriate expertise and training.
Those who wish to comment on Senate Bill 5974 may testify in person or remotely, or submit written testimony prior to the Senate Law and Justice Committee hearing on January 15 at 10:30 am. More information on registering your comments may be found here.
Summary:
Senate Bill 5974 is a comprehensive bill that addresses qualifications, training, and actions of law enforcement as well as when volunteers may be authorized to assist with certain roles, including bicycle recovery, search and rescue, traffic management, and parks and recreation. It also lists “animal control and caring for domestic animals”. Localities appointing volunteers must provide “appropriate supervision” and develop policies regarding these volunteer duties.
The bill specifically states that use of volunteers may not include the use dogs to track people or animals (other than for search and rescue), or the use of dogs to apprehend or bite people or animals. AKC agrees that actions such as apprehension must be done by law enforcement with specialty training.
We are asking for clarification that limits when volunteers may be used for animal control or the care of animals to ensure protection of public safety and the health and welfare of dogs.
AKC Government Relations is monitoring bills in Washington impacting dogs and dog owners. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.