REPORT OF THE LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
By Joan Tabor
 

NEW JERSEY STATE LEGISLATION

Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Licensing Act  A2906/S2381

Assemblyman Burzichelli officially withdrew A2906 on May 5, 2003.  The Assemblyman has expressed a desire to enact a “Responsible Dog Ownership Law” that all groups will embrace.  We in the Federation commend Burzichelli’s decision, however we will remain cautious with respect to future proposals that he might make regarding any “Responsible Dog Ownership Law”.

Please write Assemblyman Burzichelli a thank you note for his decision. 

Senator James, sponsor of the identical bill in the Senate (S2381), is willing to “step back” from the pit bull legislation for the time being.  He is said to want to develop a proposal that will meet his objective.  Feel free to continue to contact Senator James’ office, 973-621-1400 and Senator Rice’s office, 973-371-5665 to let them know how you feel about this legislation, as it is NOT officially dead.  Also contact your own Senator about S2381.

Senator Sharpe James                                            Senator Ronald Rice
Suite 1535, 50 Park Place                                       1044 South Orange Avenue
Newark, NJ  07102                                                   Newark, NJ  07106
senjames@njleg.org                                              senrice@njleg.org

A3201 would clarify that cruelty to animals includes the harming or killing of an animal through the use of another animal and provides for criminal and civil penalties for violations thereof.

This bill might consider cropping, docking, and dewclaw removal as maiming or unnecessary mutilation or disfigurement.  There needs to be an exemption for customary animal husbandry or veterinary practices.  It is unclear whether birds that are used in Field Trials or Hunting Tests might also fall under some of the language contained herein.  The bill sponsors are John Burzichelli (District 3:  Salem, Cumberland and Gloucester) and Douglas Fisher (District 3).

Assemblyman John Burzichelli and Assemblyman Douglas Fisher
14 East Commerce St., 3^rd Floor
Bridgeton, NJ  08302
856-455-1011
AsmBurzichelli@njleg.org
AsmFisher@njleg.org

A778 would establish the crime of assault by animal.  This crime would occur whenever a person purposely uses an animal to intimidate or put another in fear of bodily injury.  Under the bill, assault by animal would be graded as a crime of the fourth degree.  The bill would elevate assault by animal to a crime of the third degree if the animal causes bodily injury.  The bill would elevate assault by animal to a crime of the second degree if the animal causes significant injury to a law enforcement officer in the performance of his duties.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

American Airlines Lifts Breed Ban

After months of negotiations, American Airlines has decided to reverse its policy on banning Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers and any mixed breeds containing one or more of those breeds. Effective May 17^th, 2003, all dog breeds will be accepted for shipment, provided that their shipping containers conform to new “safe container” requirements.

Acceptable kennels will require releasable cable ties attached to each of the four corners of the kennel door.  American Airlines will provide these cable ties to the customer at no additional charge.  Acceptable kennels must meet the requirements of the International Air Transportation Association live Animal Regulations.

California Fanciers Defeat Proposed Ban on Hunting with Dogs

California Bill AB342, which would have prohibited hunting with dogs or training for that purpose, was soundly defeated in committee by a vote of 19-0.  The bill was granted reconsideration as a courtesy to the author, meaning it could come before committee again before next January.  It is unlikely, however, that the author could procure enough votes for the bill to pass.  The AKC will keep a watchful eye in the event that it does reappear.

Iowa Dog Bill Goes From Bad to Worse

The dangerous dog bill in Iowa has a new number:  SF446 (formerly SSB1195).  The breed specific aspects of it have been dropped.  However, SF446 declares all unleashed or unmuzzled dogs dangerous, while never once addressing the behavior of the dog itself as a criterion in determining whether its dangerous.  Any dog that enters another person’s property may be seized immediately and destroyed by the property owner without liability.  No exceptions are made.  This bill represents a threat to the safety of dogs throughout Iowa.