Harmful Texas Dog Bill Moving Fast
Sportsmen Calls Needed to Stop Legislation Threatening Sporting Dog Owners
House Bill 1451, introduced by Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D- Houston), would classify sporting dog owners as commercial dog breeders and subject them to costly new regulations, warrantless home inspections, and expensive new permit fees.
This bill has been put on the fast track. It was rushed through the committee process and has been placed on the House Local and Consent Calendar – a Calendar typically reserved for noncontroversial bills – where it could be quickly passed through the full House.
Sportsmen need to contact their state representatives today and ask them to oppose House Bill 1451 and to remove it from the Local and Consent Calendar to allow for a much needed debate on the bill.
Some of the many harmful provisions in the bill include:
Classifying anyone who possesses 11 or more intact female dogs and sells only one dog as a “breeder.” So-called breeders are then subject to unnecessary new regulations and costly fees.
Allowing unannounced searches of all areas where a breeder keeps dogs or maintains records related to their dogs. This would allow warrantless searches of a breeder’s own home.
Allowing a commission to set permit fees for breeders that are necessary to pay for administrative cost and enforcement of the bill. The fiscal note attached to the bill estimates that this will amount to nearly $1.3 million.
Based on this estimate, fees for sporting dog owners could be in the thousands of dollars.
Requiring the commission to establish new, unnecessary standards of care requirements including new enclosure, veterinary, and exercise requirements.
These new requirements are not needed and would cause a financial burden on responsible sporting dog breeders.
Take Action! Texas sportsmen should contact their state representatives today and ask them to oppose HB 1451 and to remove it from the Local and Consent Calendar. Tell them the bill treats sporting dog and hobby breeders as large commercial breeders, allows for warrantless searches of homes, and creates unnecessary, costly new regulations.
To find your state senator’s contact information, visit the USSA Legislative Action Center at
www.ussportsmen.org/LAC.
For more information, contact the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance at 614-888-4868 or email
info@ussportsmen.org
U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
801 Kingsmill Parkway
Columbus, Ohio 43229
614-888-4868
www.ussportsmen.org
info@ussportsmen.org
Harmful Dog Bill Legislation Moving Fast~Action Needed
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