THE FEDERATION
of Animal Care and Control Agencies

The 2008 legislative session ended on March 13 and despite the short sixty-day calendar, at least 50 bills relating to animals were introduced or brought back from the previous session.

Bills relating to limiting provocation as a defense for dog bites of children less than six years old (HB3179), revoking the ban on the use of dogs to hunt cougars, and requiring the state's emergency management division to prepare animal emergency operations guidance were just some of the issues brought forth in Olympia.

HB2511 or what is referred to as the "Healthy Pets bill" or "Pet Lemon Law bill" was one of the many new proposals that did not make it completely through the legislative process.  The bill originated from several meetings of the Federation legislative committee, held during the summer and fall of 2007.  The committee was approached by the Humane Society orf the United States (HSUS), asking if we might work together on legislation that would provide individuals more consumer protection if they purchased a sick or ill pet from a pet "dealer" (which was defined in the legislation).  A similar law was already enacted in 17 states.  HB2511 allows consumers that purchase sick puppies or kittens to seek a refund, replacement and/or reimbursement of necessary veterinary costs to treat the animal; and requires that such businessses provide critical medical information about the animal being purchased.  Animal shelters were exempted and would have no role in these situations.

Once a draft of the bill was accepted by the legislative committee, it was shared with the Federation Board of Directors for final review.  Gordon Walgren, the lobbyist for both the Federation and WACA, worked closely with Inga Gibson, Washington State Director for HSUS, to secure sponsors for the bill.  From early January until the end of March, involved attending hearings, answering questions and encouraging other legislators to support the bill.

The Federation's legislative committee continued to monitor the legislative activity on the other bills and our lobbyist attended many meetings and hearings on our behalf!  The issues of highest priority (based on input from the committee and board members) were HB2511 (healthy pets), SB5066 (animal protection orders), SB5106 (emergency plans for animals), HB1105 (homeowner's insurance discrimination based on breed of dog owned) and HB2547 (canine cruelty).

Previous issues raised in the committee, such as spay/neuter regulations or financing, establishing humane officer standards, and anti-chaining are still on our list for possible consideration for legislation in the future.

The Federation will continue to hold legislative committee meetings this spring and summer, with the goal of evaluating the recent session and establishing the priorities for the 2009 session (which is a longer session).  If you would like to share your organization's comments or needs for new statewide legislation, please contact committee co-chairs (and Federation board members), Nancy McKenney and Denise McVicker.