No rescue should oppose this bill–it is intended only to help you, not harm you!

For more information, contact Christy Counts at christy@okhumane.org or 405-286-1229.

For the full text of this bill, click here.

Here are some important facts for rescues about HB 1332:

(print this as a PDF)

• “USDA standards,” are a minimum only. The fact that there is a minimum cage size does not mean this is how you have to keep your dogs; “USDA standards,” means you cannot provide LESS than this, you are welcome to provide a higher standard with more room. Under USDA regs, dogs can be in the home, on grass, etc. If the dog is used for breeding, the place where it gives birth must be able to be sanitized. Nothing in this bill says that rescue organizations (or breeders) must build cages or runs.
• The bill provides that non-profit rescue organizations may use foster homes and it is up to the organization to ensure the quality of the foster home meets the MINIMUM standards. The organization must know where the dog is kept, the veterinary care it receives, and the date of the spay or neuter. Complaints about the organization or a certain home would obviously be cause for an inspection.
• Foster care of animals is a matter of public trust and generally at least some funding from the public. If someone applies for a child care license they expect to be inspected…are dogs worth nothing?
• The cost to a rescue organization is $25 per year. This is consistent with, or below, other states and is a bargain to know that for the first time standards exist which protect dogs and cats which are not lucky enough to get into a place just like yours. If this seems too high you should rethink rescue.
• It is not possible to license fewer groups of people (breeders, dealers, rescues and private shelters) and be at all effective. If only breeders are licensed, then trashy breeders claim to be rescue or “educational” organizations in order to elude inspections. If only non-profit organizations come under regulations, than fraudulent rescues simply claim to be a breeder! That is why other states regulate all!

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