Oklahoma May Permit BSL in Cities
[Wednesday, January 19, 2005]
Oklahoma is currently one of 12 states that prohibit municipalities from enacting breed-specific laws. That would change if S247 (scheduled to be introduced February 7) is allowed to pass. Sponsored by Sen. Jim Reynolds, the bill allows cites and counties to regulate dangerous dogs based on breed.

The American Kennel Club strongly supports sound, enforceable, non-discriminatory legislation to govern dog ownership, and we appreciate legislators’ desire to keep communities safe for both people and dogs. That’s why we work closely with elected officials and the general dog owning public to promote responsible dog ownership, enforcement of strong leash laws, and development of clear guidelines to manage dangerous dog problems. Such methods can help prevent dog bites and other canine–related accidents from occurring. Conversely, banning or restricting certain breeds—as S247 permits—will do little to promote public safety.

Oklahoma’s current dangerous dog law forces all dog owners to be responsible regardless of the breed they own. Stronger enforcement of the existing law, rather than arbitrary, expensive new legislation, will best protect Oklahoma residents. AKC strongly opposes S247, and we urge concerned dog owners to do the same.

What You Can Do:

 

bulletContact the bill sponsor and voice your opposition to S247. Ask him to withdraw the bill from consideration.
The Honorable Jim Reynolds
State Capitol Bldg #534-B
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Phone:405/521-5522
Email: reynolds@lsb.state.ok.us

 
bulletWatch AKC’s Web site for further updates. S247 will likely be referred to a committee in early February, and the Canine Legislation department will post more details at that time.

 

For more information on this or other legislative issues, please contact the Canine Legislation department (doglaw@akc.org).