Missouri Alert: Bill Limiting Legal Status of Anim

[dobs4ever]

Missouri Alert: Bill Limiting Legal Status of Animals to be Heard Monday
(4/30)

April 27, 2012

www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4640
(http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4640)
Dear Legislative Liaisons, All-breed Club Officers, Delegates, Judges, and
Breeders: Please forward this message to members of your club(s) in
Missouri or others who may be impacted:
AKC Government Relations has just learned that _House Bill 1513_
(http://www.house. mo.gov/billtrack ing/bills121/ billpdf/perf/ HB1513P.PDF) will be
considered by the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence
Committee on Monday, April 30.
This bill, already passed by the Missouri House of Representatives, would
protect the rights of animal owners by prohibiting state laws from
conferring “upon any animal a right, privilege or legal status that is equivalent
or that exceeds a right, privilege or legal status” that the state confers
upon humans.
The measure further states that this exclusion of rights for animals does
not limit laws that protect the welfare of animals in Missouri.
Responsible dog owners and breeders in Missouri are encouraged to contact
the members of this committee and attend the hearing to express your
support for HB 1513. Scroll down for committee contact information.
Summary:
The text of House Bill 1513 is as follows:
The laws of this state shall not confer upon any animal a right,
privilege, or legal status that is equivalent or that exceeds a right, privilege, or
legal status as that which this state confers by law upon a human being.
This provision shall not be construed as limiting laws that protect the
welfare of animals in the state.
The AKC believes that conferring rights or legal privileges upon animals
that are equivalent to those of humans would reduce the legal status and
value of dogs as property, and thereby restrict the rights of owners,
veterinarians and government agencies to protect and care for dogs. It may also
subject them to frivolous and expensive litigation.
How You Can Help:
Contact the members of the Missouri Senate Judiciary and Civil and
Criminal Jurisprudence Committee prior to the hearing on Monday, April 30, and
respectfully ask them to support House Bill 1513. While no specific time is
mentioned, the hearing will be held in the evening after floor proceedings.
The committee contact information is as follows:
Senator Jack Goodman, Chairman
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
_E-mail Form_ (http://www.senate. mo.gov/webmail/ D29_WebMail. aspx)
Senator Eric Schmitt, Vice-Chairman
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: _eschmitt@senate. mo.gov_ (mailto:eschmitt@senate. mo.gov)
Senator Bob Dixon
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
_E-mail Form_ (http://www.senate. mo.gov/webmail/ D30_Webmail. aspx)
Senator Will Kraus
Phone: [phone]
_E-mail Form_ (http://www.senate. mo.gov/webmail/ mail_form. aspx)
Senator Brian Munzlinger
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
_E-mail Form_ (http://www.senate. mo.gov/webmail/ D18_Webmail. aspx)
Senator Jolie Justis
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
_E-mail Form_ (http://www.senate. mo.gov/webmail/ mail_form. aspx)
Senator Joseph Keaveny
Phone: [phone]
Toll-Free: 866-783-1534
Fax: [phone]
_E-mail Form_ (http://www.senate. mo.gov/webmail/ mail_form. aspx)

For questions or more information, contact AKC Government Relations at
[phone] or _doglaw@akc. org_ (mailto:[e-mail]) .