Carson City News.....May 24, 2009

 AB 15, AB199 and SB132 are all on Governor’s desk to sign into law! So we as a constituency failed. 

SB 132 - Tethering Bill-------PASSED TO GOVERNOR

This hearing took two hours of testimony. It received a lot of support from outside groups. The opposition to the bill was concerned:

• The nine (9) hour limit not being a realistic amount of time for people who work; that most those claiming nine (9) hours is too long a time are confusing neglect with tethering/tying out.
• Concern about how local Animal Services would enforce this bill.
• Ambiguous terms.
• There was no action taken on this bill. It is not rescheduled for further hearings as of 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2009.

SB 133 - Dog Fighting Bill --DEAD  

This bill started out with testimony from Senator Townsend that this is his last session, and it has been his goal to serve those “who cannot speak for themselves, human or animal.” He had a rescue dog present as a guest. Senator Townsend could not stay for the hearing.

• The Committee first took testimony on the bill as written - the animal fighting bill, no one at the hearing was in favor of animal fighting.
• Beverlee McGrath, HSUS (The Humane Society of the United States) Lobbyist, then proposed her amendment. SURPRISE! TWO (2) amendments!
• On top of the Puppy Mill Amendment (click here to see document) she had another proposal prohibiting owning primates. (Editor’s Note, we are not privy to the Primate Text, however as an eye witness at the March 19 Hearing, I can tell you, no individual in this state, except certain exceptions, like a circus, could own a primate.)
• She was told by the Committee they were pretty sure Nevada law would only allow her one (1) amendment or perhaps no amendments (known as ‘riders’).  They tabled the discussion for the time and will look into the Nevada statutes for guidance about attaching riders to bills.
• Most testimony was anti-the-amendment. The representative from the Nevada Veterinary Medical Association was absolutely eloquent and effective in his opposition to the Puppy Mill amendment as were his associates. We are fortunate to have level-headed, clear thinking people in a position such as this.
• Testimony went on for an hour. We must commend Chairman Parks on his running of the meeting. Never did he show frustration with the length of the testimony or the number of those wanting to testify, even with small children in the room. He allowed a cute little girl (3 or 4?) to put her name on the record, and offered the opportunity to her big brother as well, after their mother testified. There was no action taken on this bill. It is not rescheduled for further hearings as of 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2009.

ON TO UPCOMING BILLS

SB 241 - Anti-Breeder Bill ---DEAD

The anti-breeder bill. Rumor has was scheduled on April 9 at 3:30 p.m. We will keep you posted as the time nears. This is serious business, folks! (Editor Note, this date has changed to April 7)

• $500 annual permit fee
• Two (2) breedings in a lifetime per dog or cat
• Subjects breeders to inspections
• Allows the Department of Agriculture to determine if we are of good moral character; etc. Please read the bill for yourself at: Legislative Archives page.
• Check out what AKC has to say, click here.
• Click here to read “A Breeder’s Opinion” on this bill.

Mar 11, Amend, do pass as amended. No current amended text available to public.

AB 15 - Spay/Neuter Bill --PASSED TO GOVERNOR

The spay/neuter bill was amended and passed through the Assembly. I believe it still applies to pound/rescue animals only, but with no new version available, we don’t know for certain. It is not scheduled for hearing as of 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2009.

Mar 17, Read first time, Passed, 42 Yea votes, 0 Nay Votes. Passed Mar 19 to Senate Natural Resources Committee.

AB 199 - Animal Fighting Bill --PASSED TO GOVERNOR

The Assembly version of the animal fighting bill passed unanimously March 17. Again, no new is version available - we don’t know the exact wording on the bill. On March 19 it was introduced into the Senate and assigned to Natural Resources Committee. It is not scheduled for hearing as of 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2009.

Please read each bill for yourself. You can go here and select Assembly Bills or Senate Bills. Scroll down to the bill number you want to read. (Editor’s Note, we have all the current bills posted on the Legislative Archives page.)