A bill has been introduced in the New York General Assembly that could have serious implications for every responsible purebred dog breeder or owner throughout the United States.
If allowed to pass, NY Assembly Bill 7218 would:
Outlaw tail docking in the state of New York.
Render anyone who exhibits a dog with a docked tail in New York subject to a misdemeanor charge punishable with a fine up to $500 regardless of whether the exhibitor is a New York resident.
Allow any New York animal rights organization to sue a violator for declaratory judgment via a private right of action.
This bill must alarm all who value the right of the dog community to determine breed standards, regardless of whether your breed has a docked tail. As you know, the standards are set by the AKC parent clubs, recognized experts in a particular breed whose goal is to protect the health and welfare of the breed and preserve the function for which it was bred. The standards are set by these experts with the best interest of the dogs in mind, and not with solely aesthetic motivations.
A. 7218 is sending a clear message that the governmentand not you as dog ownerswants to determine the best care and conditions for your breed. Allowing this bill to pass would set a dangerous precedent of allowing the government to usurp your right to establish breed standards and allow radical organizations to dictate who may or may not exhibit at our events. Please visit the AKC website, www.akc.org, or contact the AKC Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720 to learn how you can help us stop this legislation.
We believe that the AKC bears a special responsibility to support our Parent Clubs to protect our cherished and functional breed standards. The AKC, along with its New York federation, has already begun taking extensive actions to stop A. 7218, but it will take a strong, collaborative effort to succeed. Please join us in standing up for the health and welfare of our dogs, as well as our rights as responsible dog owners, and call, email or write to members of the New York Assembly Agriculture Committee to oppose Assembly Bill 7218.
Sincerely,
Sheila Goffe
Director of Government Relations
Posted on Apr 24, 2009, 8:09 AM from IP address 173.4.220.96