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3/2/09 Maryland SB 318 - IS DEAD for 2009 Received UNFAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION by the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Hearing held at Miller Senate Office building, 2 East, 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 410 841 3623. Park at Navy Stadium and take shuttle, ask bus driver for closest stop. If you're testifying, arrive by 12 noon to sign in and submit testimony. You can also submit material without testifying. Senators Gladden, Della, Madaleno and Stone have introduced Senate Bill 318. This legislation that looks very similar to other detrimental bills being introduced in a dozen or so other states. Anyone with “custody” of more than 10 “breeding” dogs older than four months of age would be subject to restrictions concerning · Housing · Enclosures · And mandates a minimum amount of time the dog must spend outside the enclosure (2 hours a day) Maryland Dog Federations strongly endorses the right to own, keep and breed dogs in a responsible and humane manner. We believe that responsible dog ownership is compatible with most living arrangements. Many Maryland residents are deeply committed to their dogs and the many sports of dogs, including dog showing and obedience, agility, and many other wholesome activities that can be shared among generations. All-breed dog shows generate millions of dollars in entertainment revenue in the state. The Maryland Dog Federation strongly opposes SB 318 bill on the following grounds: There is no exemption for people who show their dogs or participate in other dog sports, which remain intact in order to compete. 2/10 UPDATE: It is our understanding that the definition of "breeding dog" may be amended to "a dog kept for the purposes of breeding." This change is supposed to calm the fears of the dog show and dog sport community. It doesn't. The Federation does not share that confidence. It would not be unusual for a show breeder to have 10 intact dogs over four months of age; for example, a couple of adult and a litter of puppies that have not yet gone to new homes. Not only are there no exemptions for the hobby breeder, the law specifically exempts PET STORES and PUPPY STORES! Studies indicate there are real risks associated with sterilization surgery that must be considered. The decision to spay or neuter pet dogs should be a careful decision made between a veterinarian and pet owner. Read: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Data Analysis: Spay/Neuter Risks - Benefits Passage of this bill would affect breeders of law enforcement dogs, guide dogs, and service dogs. Because the aptitude for work is not evident until they are older, future generations of these dogs could be severely impacted if they are required to be sterilized at 4 months in order to remain with the breeder or relinquish ownership. Simply having intact dogs doesn't mean they are breeding dogs. Many breeds of dogs simply do not have the exercise requirements mandated in SB 318
Maryland HB 495 - Going no where in 2009 Status: Hearing conducted February 12, 1pm Contact Judiciary Committee members today HB 495 and SB 318 are identical. The same bill must be passed on both sides of the Assemby. Since the senate bill is dead, the house bill is a moot point. Delegates co-sponsoring HB 495:
Smigiel, Ali, Barkley,
Bartlett, Barve,
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