AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in Washington state. Below are the latest updates, along with contact information if you wish to comment on any of these measures.
AKC GR will continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary.
Bills in Washington State Legislature:
- House Bill 1012 – Addressing the response to extreme weather events.
Status: Awaiting action by Senate Ways and Means Committee
Summary: AKC strongly supports House Bill 1012. This bill would develop an “extreme weather grant program” to help localities and federally-recognized native tribes offset the costs of assisting their communities during severe weather if they do not have the resources to help those who are “socially vulnerable”. These grants would help with the establishment and operation of “warming and cooling centers” and for transporting individuals considered socially vulnerable (including the elderly, those with disabilities, those without transportation, and lower income individuals) to the facilities. As part of this program, grants funding would be used for establishing facilities that are pet friendly.
What You Can Do: The bill sits before the Senate Ways and Means Committee. You are encouraged to express your support to members of the committee. Those who wish to contact members of the committee can do so by clicking HERE. If you are a constituent, be sure to mention that when contacting them (Click HERE to find out who your senator is).
- House Bill 1234 – Concerning the civil forfeiture of animals seized for abuse or neglect.
Status: The bill is awaiting action from the Senate Rules Committee
Summary: This proposed bill addresses the issue of animals being seized on cruelty charges, and the payment of their care during impoundment. As currently constructed, the bill could cause a person to permanently forfeit their animals even if they are ultimately found not guilty of charges. AKC is encouraged by the amendments to the bill that would see an owner’s attorney’s fees and money spent on cost of care returned in the event the owner is found innocent; this condition should deter frivolous cases. However, AKC is still troubled regarding the possibility of an owner being found innocent and not being guaranteed to have their animals returned.
What You Can Do: The bill sits before the Senate Rules Committee. You are encouraged to express your support to members of the committee. Those who wish to contact members of the committee can do so by clicking HERE. If you are a constituent, be sure to mention that when contacting them (Click HERE to find out who your senator is).
- House Bill 1424 – Concerning consumer protection with respect to the sale and adoption of dogs and cats.
Status: The Bill has passed the House and Senate and awaits action by the governor.
Summary: This bill has been significantly amended to continue to allow pet stores to sell dogs and cats if stores source their animals from USDA certified breeders. AKC greatly appreciates the amendments to protect consumer choice. However, AKC is concerned that another amendment would no longer exempt breeders registered with the USDA before January 1, 2010, from arbitrary Washington state limits on the number of dogs allowed to be owned.
What You Can Do: You are encouraged to contact Governor Jay Inslee to express your reservations. You can do so by clicking here.
- House Bill 1077 – Concerning courthouse facility dogs.
Status: The Bill has passed the House and Senate and awaits action by the governor.
Summary: This bill expands the successful state program of courthouse facility dogs. Courthouse facility dogs provide a compassionate way to help traumatized victims tell their stories, and the AKC wholeheartedly supports the expansion of this valued program. These specialized dogs’ handlers undergo training, and their canine companions are certified in pet-assisted therapy programs offered through national service dog organizations. Each dog-and-handler team also acquaints itself with the legal process before they are allowed to participate. As legally neutral companions for witnesses during the investigation and prosecution of crimes, these dogs help the most vulnerable witnesses feel willing and able to describe what happened.
What You Can Do: You are encouraged to contact Governor Jay Inslee to express your support. You can do so by clicking here.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor bills in Washington impacting dog owners and will provide updates. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.