Scout's Paw Tracks

Monday, May 29, 2006

Tail Doc Legislation in New York (Please Read) Bill 11242

From the the American Kennel Association.
Dock Tail Legislation

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef has introduced A. 11242, a bill to prohibit ear cropping and tail docking. It is imperative that New York fanciers and concerned dog owners contact their representatives immediately to oppose this legislation.

A person found guilty of tail docking would be guilty of a misdemeanor and could be sentenced up to one year in jail and/or fined up to $500. Ear cropping would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1000.

In order to show or compete in any event, including conformation, field trials, performance events and companion events, an owner will have to prove that the dog’s tail was docked prior to September 1, 2006 or the surgery was performed in another state.

Finally, the bill sets up a private right of action that would allow any dog owner or animal rights organization to sue a person who violates this section. Therefore an animal rights group could sue a breeder, owner or veterinarian under this proposal.

A. 11242 has been assigned to the Assembly Agriculture Committee, but a hearing date has not been announced. AKC will be posting new information as it becomes available. Please watch our web site for additional updates. To read the bill in its entirety please click here.

Points to Consider:

When appropriate veterinary care is provided, ear cropping and tail docking are safe, acceptable practices.
Owners, in close consultation with their veterinarians, should make informed decisions about their pets’ health care - not the government.
Once legislators determine they can ban certain elective procedures, they may be just a short step away from removing veterinarians’ and owners’ rights to make informed decisions about animal care and treatment.
What You Can Do:
Fanciers should immediately contact their own Assemblymember and ask him or her to oppose A. 11242. To find out who represents you in the New York State Assembly, click here: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/. It is critical that legislators hear from their own constituents!
Purebred dog owners should also contact their veterinarians and urge them not to support A. 11242. Point out that veterinarians should be concerned about allowing the government and public opinion too much control over their practices.
Share this information with other fanciers and dog clubs. We need everyone’s help!
Print and Distribute Call to Action Flyer on A. 11242 (color flyer) (black and white flyer).
Your voice is especially important if your representative sits on the Assembly Agriculture Committee.