Virginia House Bill 330 would require pet stores to comply with the federal Truth in Lending Act, along with its implementing Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Regulation Z, when offering and extending consumer credit. The bill was referred to the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee and to its Agriculture Subcommittee, which recommended the bill with a substitution that instead would prohibit any financing of dogs or cats that does not comply with state and federal consumer credit law.
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Kansas Bill Would Increase Criminal Penalties for Disabling or Killing Certain Dogs and Horses
Kansas House Bill 2583 would increase criminal penalties for disabling or killing assistance dogs or dogs and horses used by law enforcement officers or other government personnel. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice and a hearing was scheduled for February 1, 2024.
Concerns Arise Over Ontario Couple’s Kennel Zoning Request
An application submitted by a couple from Mapleton, Ontario, seeking a zoning by-law amendment to allow for a breeding kennel on their property has sparked concerns from several councillors. Although they claim the kennel has operated for years with just three dogs, the report indicates there are several buildings on the property currently housing other animals such as kangaroos, birds, lemurs, and goats. Councillor Michael Martin expressed his frustration with the application, highlighting numerous activities on the property that appear to be non-compliant with township bylaws. He also questioned the necessity for additional kennels in the area, stating, “Mapleton is full of licensed kennels. I’m not convinced that we need another one, to be honest. […] And it’s also full of unlicensed kennels and breeding operations that have received a fair amount of media, and rightly so. It’s a concern.” A recommendation report and proposed bylaw amendment will be drafted for review once outstanding concerns have been addressed.
West Virginia Bill Would Update State Cruelty Code
West Virginia House Bill 5044 would amend the state’s animal cruelty law to define minimum standards for food, water, shelter, exercise, veterinary care, and confinement. It also would provide for seizure of animals in danger and increase minimum penalties for repeat offenders, including mandating at least six months imprisonment and requiring that their names be added to a “do not adopt or sell registry.” The bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
Hawaii Bills Would Impose Requirements and Penalties on Owners of Dangerous Dogs
Hawaii House Bill 2058 and Senate Bill 2692 would establish requirements and penalties for owners of dogs deemed dangerous. The bills have not yet been assigned to committees.
Colorado Bill Would Require Animal Testing Facilities to Make Dogs and Cats Available for Adoption and Report on Animal Use
Colorado Senate Bill 24-067 would require animal testing facilities to submit annual reports relating to their use of animals. It also would require them to transfer dogs and cats to animal shelters or rescues once the animals will no longer be used for experiments. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services.
Mississippi Bill Would Authorize New Remedies for Injuries from Dog Bites
Mississippi House Bill 413 would authorize courts to issue certain remedies, including euthanasia orders, and award reimbursement of expenses incurred by dog bite-related injuries, “regardless of the propensity of the dog.” The bill was referred to the House Judiciary B Committee.
Arizona Bill Would Phase Out Simulcast Dog Racing
Arizona Senate Bill 1260 would phase out simulcast dog racing by December 31, 2028. The bill has not yet been referred to a committee.
Three Charged with Over 100 Offences of Child and Animal Abuse in Edmonton
Edmonton authorities have charged two men and one woman with over 100 offences related to the extensive abuse of seven children and five dogs. The Edmonton Police Service's Child Protection unit initiated the investigation on December 1, 2023, leading to the removal of the children and dogs from their home. Allegations include severe abuse of the children (between the ages of two and thirteen). The accused father also beat one of the dogs frequently with a broom handle and tortured them by poking them with a stick through the kennel cage. He faces 45 charges, including assault and animal cruelty, along with his partner (not the children’s biological mother). The twenty-five-year-old family member is charged with assault.
Kentucky Bill Would Grant Civil Immunity to Individuals Who Rescue Dogs and Cats from Dangerous Confinement in Unattended Vehicles
Kentucky House Bill 311 would provide civil immunity for any individual who damages an unattended car or truck in the process of removing a dog or cat who appears to be in “imminent danger of death,” provided that certain conditions are met. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Committees.