URGENT New Mexico's Dangerous Dogs Act

[Robenk]

I just had this sent to me from a friend and I am appalled! It is probably the very worst wording I have seen in BSL!!! Just wanted to get the word out and when I calm down, I'm going to send them a letter!!!

New Mexico: HB 667 defines pit bulls and Rottweilers as dangerous dogs
Posted on February 11, 2009 by stopbslcom
New Mexico State Representative John Heaton has introduced HB 667, which automatically defines “pit bulls” and Rottweilers as “dangerous.”

The bill is currently in the House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee. No hearing has been scheduled yet.

Contact information for Representative John Heaton: New Mexico Legislature
Address: 102 South Canyon, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Capitol Phone: 986-4432
Office Phone: (575) 887-5983
E-mail: jheaton@caverns.com

Contact information for the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee:

New Mexico Legislature
Representative Gail Chasey - (D) Chair, gailchasey@msn.com
Representative Antonio “Moe” Maestas - (D) Vice Chair, antonio@moejustice.com
Representative Thomas A. Anderson - (R) Member, kb5ysg@arrl.net
Representative Zachary J. Cook - (R) Member, junderwoodfirm@yahoo.com
Representative Karen E. Giannini - (D) Member, nmhousedistrict30@live.com
Representative Bill B. O’Neill - (D) Member, oneillhd15@fastmail.us
Representative Al Park - (D) Member, alpark.nm@gmail.com

The following requirements would have to be met by all “dangerous” dog owners, to include all “pit bull” and Rottweiler owners:

C. An animal control authority shall issue a certificate of registration to the owner of a dangerous dog if the owner, in addition to the requirements of Subsection A of this section, establishes that:
(1) the owner has paid an annual fee, if applicable, established by the animal control authority to register a dangerous dog;
(2) the owner has written permission of the property owner or homeowner’s association where the dangerous dog will be kept, if applicable;
(3) the dangerous dog will be maintained exclusively on the owner’s property except for medical treatment or examination;
(4) when the dangerous dog is removed from the owner’s property, the dog shall be caged or muzzled and restrained with a lead no longer than four feet, and the dog shall be under complete control of a person eighteen years of age or older at all times;
(5) the dangerous dog will not be transported in a vehicle that might allow the dog to escape or gain access to any person or animal outside the vehicle; [and]
(6) a clearly visible warning sign with a conspicuous warning symbol indicating that there is a dangerous dog on the premises is posted where the dog is kept and is visible from a public roadway or from fifty feet, whichever is less;
(7) the owner will submit to the photographing or permanent marking of the dangerous dog for purposes of identification;
(8) the owner will submit to random inspections of the animal and its enclosure by the animal control authority without warrant and will produce, upon demand of the animal control authority, proof of compliance with the registration requirements of this subsection;
(9) the owner has obtained and will maintain liability insurance in the amount of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) and will furnish a certificate or proof of insurance upon demand of the animal control authority; and
(10) the owner will notify the animal control authority at least thirty calendar days before the cancellation or nonrenewal of the liability insurance policy.

D. An animal control authority may order the immediate impoundment or humane destruction of a dog registered as a dangerous dog or previously determined to be a dangerous dog if the owner fails to abide by the conditions for registration, confinement or handling set forth in this section.

Full text of the proposed bill can be viewed here: http://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/09%2...use/HB0667.pdf

The bill may be tracked here: New Mexico Legislature

[Katoman]

Terrible, terrible...I'd like to send a letter too. Perhaps we can email him the Heddie and Hero video? ?? ?? :- /

[Robenk]

Great idea, Katoman!!! I'd bet, though, they wouldn't have a clue on how to open it!!

[JonandMichelle]

This has been revised, and no longer calls for Pit Bulls or Rottweilers to be declared "Dangerous." The bill does not label any breed, but will label any dog, regardless of breed, dangerous once it has had a bite or attack history.

[luvkoenandBriley]

Originally Posted by JonandMichelle

This has been revised, and no longer calls for Pit Bulls or Rottweilers to be declared "Dangerous." The bill does not label any breed, but will label any dog, regardless of breed, dangerous once it has had a bite or attack history.

I am glad they have at least made this change. These BSL's laws make me want to vomit!

[Robenk]

I've been at dog obed class and just got home! I was so glad to see this post & I also got an email about it too!! Thank goodness! It sounds like they got a lot of response from many different breed organizations! We'll have to stay on top of this one and any other idiotic legislation that may be upcoming!! Ugh!

[Katoman]

Great news, the way a law SHOULD be written...Ridiculous how one could even consider labeling an entire breed "automatically dangerous." My rottie is afraid of the VACCUUM!