Dog Legislation

The purpose of this page is to share information about Wisconsin dog legislation that can significantly affect breeders, dog owners, and potential buyers. The focus is on WISCONSIN legislation but links and news may also deal with broader issues. At its December meeting, the BGRC board, acting on a recommendation from the GRCA, appointed Wendy Biewer to serve as a LOCAL legislative liaison to monitor and report developments related to this legislation. Wendy will be posting updates and information on badgergold on a regular basis. Dates in brackets reflect the date an item was added to the page. Current items are at the top of the page.

In accepting this liaison position, Wendy recommends BGRC members who want to keep informed about developments join the wi_petlaw list serve by emailing Joy Brand, the president of DFOW, and telling her you want to join the wi_petlaw list. Joy will then send you an invitation to join. Wendy goes on to say, "It was set up so club members that belong to clubs that are members of DFOW could have access to ongoing information and not have to wait for newletters, etc. We have talking points on the DFOW file list if anyone needs to have ideas of what to write to their representatives."

Dates in brackets reflect the date an item was added to this page. Current items are at the top of the page.

Current News

From Joy Brand: I was a little surprised when I received my notifications this morning..... AB-699 was introduced that I think will handle those false complaints that dog breeders are inundated with. Please read the link and see what you think. If the person knowingly files a false complaint about a misdemeanor they are charged with a misdemeanor. If the person knowingly files a false complaint about a felony they are charged with a felony. I'm not sure the intent of 946.405 sub (3). I will try and get clarification of the intent. [January 21, 2008]

From DFOW: SB-38 took out the term "intact" throughout the bill and put in "dangerous dog". The definition of dangerous dog is in line with existing communities dangerous dog definition. [January 21, 2008]

Loretta Baughan has updated her article (Will Wisconsin Outlaw Dog Breeding?). It is available as a PDF file at Spaniel Journal. Additional links and resources are also available on this site. [January 21, 2008]

From Joy Brandt:
A JOINT public Hearing is scheduled for January 10th in Madison at 11:00 a.m. GAR-413 North. This meeting will have the committees for both houses AB-567 and SB-308 in attendance. The initial information we had was that it was just for SB-308 but this hearing is for BOTH. It is being fast-tracked....there aren't many floor periods left in this session....

I will be in attendance and will be offering testimony. Please let me know if you will be attending and/or giving testimony. We do not want everyone to reiterate the same things. Do not feel that you must testify, but you can register "against" the bills.

I will send additional information as it becomes available....

If you cannot attend, PLEASE call, email, snail mail (to reach Madison by Wednesday, January 9, 2008) or FAX the Committee Chair Senator Robert Wirch with your opposition. Your communication need not be lengthy. As always, we ask that it be respectful and cordial. You may wish to copy all the committee members in on your communications.

If you can attend, you may register "for" or "against" the bill(s). This is done on a slip of paper available at a table outside the meeting room. On the slip you can also ask to speak to the committee. Do not feel you must speak if you are not comfortable doing so..

Senator Robert Wirch (Chair)
Sen.wirch@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 267-8979
Capitol 317 East

Address Snail Mail Correspondence to:
Senate Committee on Small Business, etc
Attn: Senator Robert Wirch - Chair
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707-7882

FAX to:
(608) 267-0984
Senate Committee on Small Business, etc
Attn: Senator Robert Wirch - Chair

[January 7, 2008]

Senate Bill 308 has been scheduled for a public hearing by Committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Workforce Development, Technical Colleges and Consumer Protection in the Senate. Date/time: January 10, 2008 at 11:00 AM. Location: GAR - 413 North. [January 6, 2008]

From Wendy Biewer: Here is a link to WI Law: Codes & Ordinances. Everyone should look up their town/city and know their own ordinances and watch for possible changes. If anyone hears of proposed changes, DFOW would appreciate letting the DFOW know ASAP. We need ears and eyes in every inch of the state. [January 6, 2008]

Resources and Analysis

SB-308 Amendment [January 21, 2008]

AB-567 [January 21, 2008]

SB-38 [January 21, 2008]

WI Senate Bill 308 [January 6, 2008]

Bill History Relating to: the sale of dogs, regulation of certain dog breeders, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. [January 6, 2008]

Dog Federation of Wisconsin [January 6, 2008]

From Wendy Biewer: Here’s a web site for those who do not know their representatives. If you put in your zip code, it will give you your representatives. Votesmart.org.

Last Updated: January 21, 2008
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