New York Bills Advance – Contact the NY Assembly T

[dobs4ever]

New York Bills Advance – Contact the NY Assembly TODAY!
April 27, 2012
www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4639
(http://www.akc. org/news/ index.cfm? article_id= 4639)
Dear Legislative Liaisons, All-breed Club Officers, Delegates, Judges, and
Breeders: Please forward this message to members of your club(s) in New
York or others who may be impacted:
Two bills impacting the rights of responsible dog owners have been approved
by New York Assembly Committees. Responsible New York dog owners and
breeders are strongly encouraged to contact their New York Assemblymembers
TODAY and ask them to OPPOSE Assembly Bill 3431 and SUPPORT Assembly Bill
3507. _Click here_ (http://assembly. state.ny. us/mem/?sh= search) and type in
your address to find the name and contact information for your Assembly
member.
Assembly Bill 3431 – Ban on Debarking
_Assembly Bill 3431_
(http://assembly. state.ny. us/leg/?default_ fld=&bn=AB3431& Text=Y) would ban the practice of debarking, thereby restricting the
rights of responsible dog owners to make viable, safe decisions on behalf of
their pets in conjunction with their veterinarian.
The AKC believes that much misinformation exists about the debarking of
dogs. This procedure, which is performed by a veterinarian using laser or
biopsy technology, is safe and relatively non-invasive. It is an acceptable
medical procedure that is often done as a "last resort" when all other methods
of modifying a dog's behavior have failed. For many responsible owners,
debarking is the only alternative to euthanizing or surrendering their canine
companion to a local shelter when their pet's noisy behavior continually
disrupts the community.
The American Kennel Club opposes Assembly Bill 3431.
Talking Points:
_Read AKC’s position statement on debarking_
(http://www.akc. org/pdfs/ canine_legislati on/position_ statements/ Debarking. pdf)

_Read AKC’s Issue Analysis: Dispelling the Myths of Cropped Ears, Docked
Tails, Dewclaws, and Debarking_
(http://www.akc. org/pdfs/ canine_legislati on/Crop-Dock- Debark-Article. pdf)
_View a sample letter to personalize_
(http://images. akc.org/governme ntrelations/ documents/ A3431Debarking_ SampleLetter. docx)
Assembly Bill 3507 – Prohibiting Insurance Breed Discrimination
_Assembly Bill 3507_
(http://assembly. state.ny. us/leg/?default_ fld=&bn=A03507& term=&Summary= Y&Text=Y) prohibits insurers from refusing to issue,
renew, cancel or raise premiums for homeowners insurance based on the breed of
dog owned by the policyholder. The bill does allow for insurance companies
to take these actions if the dog has been declared dangerous based on
current law, which also already expressly prohibits municipalities from passing
laws that target specific breeds of dogs.

_View a sample letter to personalize_
(http://images. akc.org/governme ntrelations/ documents/ A3507BSLInsuranc e_SampleLetter. docx) .
The American Kennel Club strongly supports Assembly Bill 3507.
AKC Government Relations will continue to closely monitor these bills and
provide more information as it becomes available. For questions or more
information, contact AKC GR at [phone] or _doglaw@akc. org_
(mailto:[e-mail]) .