AB-346 Overview:

     Believe it or not, another Bill has been introduced into the state legislature targeting Wisconsin's ground-breaking new law. Assembly Bill 346 seeks to "create an exception to the licensing requirement for a person who operates an animal control facility under a contract with one or more political subdivisions if the animal control facility operates under a kennel license issued by the political subdivision in which the animal control facility is located."

     In other words, under AB-346, many animal control facilities would NOT be subject to licensing nor have to conform to the standards of care mandated by Act 90. All they would need would be a kennel license from the municipality they serve.

    Read Assembly Bill 346 here   

     This latest attack on Act 90 was introduced by Representatives Wynn, Knilans, Craig, Petryk, Pridemore (one of the original co-sponsors of Act 90), Rivard, Ballweg and Spanbauer, and co-sponsored by Senator Galloway. AB-346 was read in the WI State Assembly was on 28 October 2011, and then was referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Personal Privacy. A Fiscal Estimate was submitted on 28 November 2011.

    Assembly Bill 346 History       AB-346 Fiscal Estimate   

     One of the main strengths of Act 90 is that it requires EVERYONE selling 25 or more dogs in a year, from more than 3 litters, to be licensed and regulated, and that includes shelters, rescues, and animal control facilities. The exception for animal control facilities licensed by municipalities came up several times between the drafting and passage of the law, and was soundly rejected every time. Why should dogs in animal control facilities NOT enjoy the same protection and standards of care by law as dogs in other shelters in Wisconsin?

     Local governments may not have the experience or knowledge to set adequate standards of care for the animal control or stray hold facilities they "hire," nor even see the need for such standards. In many cases, the only requirement for a local kennel license is that the applicant pay the fee.

     The Thyme and Sage Ranch situation was a classic example of this. Over 300 animals were seized by Richland County Sheriff's Department and investigators from over half a dozen state and national humane organizations, from a "shelter" that was also the county Animal Control facility. Thyme and Sage Ranch underscored the need for INCLUSION of municiple animal control facilities under the protective umbrella of state law.

    Thyme and Sage Ranch Investigation   

      PLEASE email or phone all the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection and Personal Privacy and let them know that you are OPPOSED to AB-346! See below for names and contact information. If your representative is one of the authors or co-sponsors of this bill, let him/her know that you feel that he/she is letting both you and Wisconsin dogs down by proposing this exception!

     Remind your representatives that the current law was written after more than a decade of study and unanimously passed last year. If you are already licensed under Act 90, please mention this -- particularly if you are also an animal control facility! See the Talking Points below for more ideas to help you compose your message.

     Remember, you can be firm and passionate while still being respectful and courteous! Name-calling, or rude or abusive language will hurt, rather than help, our cause. Also, you MUST include your name and address. Your legislator won't pay much attention to what you have to say if this information isn't included.

     Committee on Consumer Protection and Personal Privacy   

    Who Are My Legislators?   

     Here are a few "talking points" to help you compose your own message:

• FACT: The legislation that became Act 90 was the result of 10 years of study. In addition to the four authors, the legislation was co-sposored by 18 Senators and 51 Representatives (including Rep. Pridemore)!

• FACT: Act 90 was signed into law in 2009 after being passed UNANIMOUSLY in both houses of the WI legislature! The law went into effect on 1 June 2011. Doesn't it seem like a waste of precious legislative time attempting to alter a ground-breaking piece of legislation that was passed with unanimous support?

• FACT: The exception for animal control facilities was discussed and REJECTED early in the devolvement of Act 90.

• FACT: AB-346, should it pass, would create a totally unleveled playing field and put humane organizations at a serious disadvantage to anyone who wanted to provide stray hold services for profit. Remember, they would get GOVERNMENT payment for the services but have NO government oversight for the conditions or treatment of animals in their facilities!

• FACT: The Thyme and Sage Ranch situation was a classic example of the need for animal control facilities/contractors to be licensed and regulated under Act 90. Over 300 animals were seized by Richland County Sheriff's Department and investigators from over half a dozen state and national humane organizations, from a "shelter" that was also the county Animal Control facility. Thyme and Sage Ranch underscored the need for INCLUSION of municiple animal control facilities under the protective umbrella of state law.

• FACT: By all reports, Act 90 inspections so far have been going smoothly.

• FACT: Humane Societies have reported that inspections have been fair, balanced and even HELPFUL

Sample Message Format: