Regulation of Pets
How to Get People to Manage Dogs that Bite
New York state Assembly Member Jim Tedisco and state Sen. Hugh Farley have introduced legislation that would substantially increase penalties for owners of dogs that bite. The bill, A.B. 8842/S.B. 6059, would increase the possible fine from $400 to $1000 for owners who negligently allow their dogs to bite, causing physical injury to another person, service dog, or guide or hearing dog. If the injury from the bite is serious, the owner could be chared with a Class E felony with a fine up to $5,000. Currently, the penalty is a civil fine up to $1500.
CA Gov. Brown Vetoes Mandatory Micro-chipping
Update Oct. 2011: California Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed Senate Bill 702, the Robo-Rover bill, that would have would require microchipping of dogs and cats when they are adopted from a shelter or rescue or retrieved by their person from a shelter after they have been found lost and impounded.
NYS Changes to Dog Licensing and APCF
In 2010 New York State made substantial changes in its Animal Population Control Fund (APCF) for low cost spay/neuter services. Effective January 1, 2011, the state Dept. of Ag & Markets no longer administered a voucher/veterinary reimbursement program.
New LA Dangerous Dog Law Set to Take Effect
A new Los Angeles County law is set to go into effect next week. (See attachment below.)
No Justice for Animals that Suffer Because of Vets' Negligence
Beth Sheehan warns, "This could happen to you." Her beloved dog, Bailey, swallowed a piece of material; he was vomiting and obviously very ill. She believes Bailey then died "a terrible, needless death" because of the negligence of his veterinarians Drs. Mary Sallee and Colleen Black. They were employed by the veterinary practice owned by Dr. Tammy Smith.
Proposed Changes to Miami-Dade's Dangerous Dog Law
The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners is considering amendments to the county dangerous dog ordinance.
With these changes animal control officers could launch an investigation to determine whether a dog should be designated as "dangerous" without first obtaining even a sworn statement from the person(s) making a complaint about the dog. The investigating officer would no longer be required even to interview the person responsible for the animal.
MD's "Dangerous" Dog Bill
The constitutionality of Maryland's state "dangerous dog" law is already questionable. There is no provision for due process, particularly an opportunity for a hearing on the determination by animal control that a dog is "potentially dangerous" or "dangerous". It is not clear that a "dangerous" dog determination is even required. The owner is just supposed to know the dog is "dangerous" as defined by law.
A Statewide Pet Animal Program for WY?
An ambitious bill pending in Wyoming, S.F. 66, would create an extensive pet animal program complete with a pet animal advisory board and district pet animal boards.
The advisory board would be made up of 11 residents appointed by the governor and would represent pet stores, kennels, breeders, groomers, sanctuaries, rescues and shelters. There would be 4 non-voting members from the Wyoming State Boards of veterinary medicine, livestock, agriculture and health.
City Council Upholds Veto of Proposal to Kill Dogs for Barking
Update Sept. 8, 2010: Â The City Council of Lebanon, Tennessee upheld Mayor Philip Craighead's veto of an ordinance allowing euthanasia of dogs thought to bark too much or which are otherwise a nuisance or deemed "dangerous".Â
Whew!
Baron Won't be Home for Thanksgiving
Miles Thomas loves his dog, Baron. Mr. Thomas is 73 years old. He has been a resident of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania for over 50 years. He used to own a business and was on the School Board for the Harrisburg District. Mr. Thomas is a veteran.
