Monday, February 1, 2010

ATTENTION!!!! Ohio Senate Committee to Accept Testimony on Breeder Bill TOMORROW (02/02)

The Ohio Senate State & Local Government and Veterans Affairs Committee will allow testimony on Tuesday, February 2 at 10:00 a.m. regarding Senate Bill 95, a bill that seeks to regulate dog breeding in Ohio.

Senator Jim Hughes, sponsor of the bill and Chairman of the committee, has indicated that a substitute bill will likely be offered at the hearing, but this draft is not yet available. Future hearings will be scheduled to allow testimony on any amendments should they be introduced. All concerned dog owners and breeders in Ohio are encouraged to contact the committee to express any concerns or feedback regarding the regulation of dog breeding in Ohio.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) abhors all forms of animal cruelty and believes dog owners bear a special responsibility to provide proper care and humane treatment to their canine companions at all times. In addition, we strongly support the current Ohio statutes regarding animal cruelty and the treatment of "companion animals", which already clearly prohibit the appalling conditions that supporters of SB 95 seek to address.

We believe that any bill seeking to protect the health and welfare of dogs should be reasonable, enforceable, and not a violation of the rights of responsible breeders. The AKC has many concerns with Senate Bill 95 as introduced and hopes that any amendments offered will address these issues.

The AKC Government Relations Department will continue to provide updates as they are available.

How You Can Help

· Attend the Senate State & Local Government and Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing and express your thoughts and concerns regarding the regulation of dog breeders. Although no vote is scheduled to be taken at this time, testimony will be taken. The hearing details are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location:
Ohio Statehouse
South Hearing Room
77 S. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
*Cash is required for parking
*Those wishing to testify at the hearing are encouraged to arrive early to sign in, and also to bring copies of their testimony for the committee.

Contact the members of the Senate State & Local Government and Veterans' Affairs Committee and respectfully communicate any concerns and feedback you have regarding this bill.
The committee's contact information is as follows:
Senator Jim Hughes (Chair and Bill Sponsor)
Senate Building
Room #038, Ground Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-5981
Email: SD16@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Jimmy Stewart (Vice-Chair)
Senate Building
Room #040, Ground Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-8076
Email: SD20@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Teresa Fedor (Ranking Minority Member)
Statehouse
Room #051, Ground Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-5204
Email: SD11@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Senator John Carey
Senate Building
Room #127, First Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-8156
Email: SD17@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Timothy Grendell
Senate Building
Room #042, Ground Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 644-7718
E-mail: SD18@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Ray Miller
Senate Building
Room #228, Second Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-5131
E-mail: rmiller@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Senator Bill Seitz
Senate Building
Room #143, First Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-8068
Email: SD08@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Nina Turner
Senate Building
Room #226, Second Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-4583
Email: senatorturner@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Senator Mark Wagoner
Senate Building
Room #129, First Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-8060
Email: SD02@senate.state.oh.us

For more information, contact AKC's Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.

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