[Monday, April 20, 2009]
Committees in the Tennessee Legislature will hear companion bills that address dog breeding regulations in Tennessee. Senate Bill 258 will be considered by the Senate Commerce, Labor, and Agriculture Committee on Tuesday; its companion, House Bill 386 will considered by the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
The AKC opposed provisions in the original version of this bill that would have:
* Limited the number of dogs an individual may own * Implemented inspections of any premises without warrant or proving probable cause, where more than 20 intact companion animals over six months old are maintained * Permitted the Commissioner of Agriculture to confiscate animals and allow national humane organizations to house these animals.
The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department has recently learned that an amendment developed by the House Agriculture Committee that addresses the AKC’s concerns will be considered. The AKC is eager to work for measures that will address the issues without punishing responsible breeders and owners. We will continue to monitor this legislation and will provide more details and updates as they become available.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Attend the committee hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday. Alternatively, call, e-mail, or fax the committee members listed below. Express your support for reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of dogs without restricting the rights of owners and breeders who take their responsibilities seriously.
Details on the committees’ hearings are as follows:
SB 258 - Senate Commerce, Labor, and Agriculture Committee Tuesday, April 21, 2009 1:00 PM Legislative Plaza Room 12 Nashville, TN 37243
Sen. Paul Stanley, Chair 11 Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243-031 Phone (615) 741-3036 Fax (615) 741-1005 sen.paul.stanley@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Dewayne Bunch, Vice-Chair 9 Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243 Phone (615) 741-3730 Fax (615) 253-0243 sen.dewayne.bunch@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Charlotte Burks, Secretary 304 War Memorial Bldg. Nashville, TN 37243-0215 Phone (615) 741-3978 Fax (615) 741-8744 sen.charlotte.burks@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Mae Beavers 7 Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243-0217 Phone (615) 741-2421 sen.mae.beavers@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Tim Burchett 306 War Memorial Bldg. Nashville, TN 37243-0207 Phone (615) 741-1766 sen.tim.burchett@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Jack Johnson 10A Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243-0023 Phone (615) 741-2495 Fax (615) 253-0321 sen.jack.johnson@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Bill Ketron 13 Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243-0213 Phone (615) 741-6853 Fax (615) 741-7200 sen.bill.ketron@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Eric Stewart 310A War Memorial Bldg. Nashville, TN 37243 Phone (615) 741-6694 sen.eric.stewart@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Reginald Tate 320 War Memorial Bldg. Nashville, TN 37243-0033 Phone (615) 741-2509 Fax (615) 253-0167 sen.reginald.tate@capitol.tn.gov
HB 386 - House Judiciary Committee Wednesday, April 22, 2009 8:30 AM House Hearing Room 31 Nashville, TN 37243
Rep. Kent Coleman, Chair 32 Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243-0149 Phone (615) 741-6829 Fax (615) 253-0332 rep.kent.coleman@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Jon Lundberg, Vice Chair 205 War Memorial Building Nashville, TN 37243-0104 Phone (615) 741-7623 Fax (615) 253-0272 rep.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Janis Baird Sontany, Secretary 32 Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243-0153 Phone (615) 741-6861 Fax (615) 253-0325 rep.janis.sontany@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Eddie Bass 109 War Memorial Bldg. Nashville, TN 37243-0165 Phone (615) 741-1864 Fax (615) 741-1005 rep.eddie.bass@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Karen D. Camper 20 Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243-0087 Phone: (615) 741-1898 rep.karen.camper@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Vance Dennis 105 War Memorial Bldg. Nashville TN 37243 Phone: (615) 741-2190 Fax: (615) 253-0377 rep.vance.dennis@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Henry Fincher 32 Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243-0142 Phone (615) 741-1875 rep.henry.fincher@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Chad Faulkner 202 War Memorial Bldg. Nashville TN 37243 Phone: (615) 741-3335 rep.chad.faulkner@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Brian Kelsey 110 War Memorial Building Nashville, TN 37243-0183 Phone (615) 741-4415 Fax (615) 253-0349 rep.brian.kelsey@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Judd Matheny 205 War Memorial Building Nashville, TN 37243-0147 Phone (615) 741-7448 Fax (615) 253-0226 rep.judd.matheny@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Mike Stewart 22 Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243 Phone: (615) 741-2184 rep.mike.stewart@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Eric Watson 205 War Memorial Building Nashville, TN 37243-0122 Phone (615) 741-7799 Fax (615) 253-0252 rep.eric.watson@capitol.tn.gov
Government Relations Department American Kennel Club 8051 Arco Corporate Drive Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27617-3390 (919) 816-3720 (919) 816-4275 FAX