A11242 Ny Bill Up-date

[Rene Allegrini]

Ear Cropping and Tail Docking Bill Amended

A. 11242, the New York State Assembly bill to prohibit ear cropping and tail docking, has been amended. It is imperative that New York fanciers and concerned dog owners contact their Assemblymember and members of the Agriculture Committee immediately to oppose this legislation.

The new version of the bill contains a legislative intent section which states that "it is the purpose and intent of this act to eliminate cosmetic procedures that are cruel and inhumane to dogs, and to further curtail illegal dog fighting." The bill now expressly states that the legislature believes that there is no medical indication for ear cropping and tail docking and claims that the practices are linked to dog fighting, which is already illegal under New York state law.

The original version of the bill established a $500 fine for tail docking. The updated version increases that to $1000. Ear cropping remains a $1000 fine as it was in the initial draft of the bill.

The final modification to the bill removes the specific right of an animal rights organization to sue under a right of private action, but preserves that ability for individual dog owners. Therefore, a dog owner could file a private lawsuit against a breeder, owner or veterinarian under the provisions of A. 11242.

Under A. 11242, 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, 2007 or the surgery was performed in another state.

A. 11242 remains in the Assembly Agriculture Committee, but a hearing date has still 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.

So for this reason We all need to send letters to the Assembly members. Even if you do not live in NY SEND THOSE LETTERS or E-MAIL