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THE SENATE |
S.C.R. NO. |
130 |
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TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
requesting the DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Board of Veterinary Examiners and the Hawaiian humane society to implement a comprehensive pet protection program FOR DOGS AND CATS.
WHEREAS, there are more than three hundred fifty-three million animal companions in the United States, and more than sixty-one per cent of households own a pet; and
WHEREAS, pets, specifically dogs and cats, are purchased or obtained from multiple sources, such as pet stores, breeders, animal shelters, and adoption agencies; and
WHEREAS, certain breeders are driven by the profit motive and in some cases, do not take precautionary measures to protect newborn dogs and cats from diseases or genetic predispositions; and
WHEREAS, some breeders are professionals who treat and care for their animals, and others breed dogs and cats for a certain appearance or size, with the result that many live uncomfortable tragic lives because their bodily and brain functions are inhibited; and
WHEREAS, the State has an interest in protecting the welfare of dogs and cats from cruelty and exploitation, as well as protecting Hawaii's consumers from less-than-reputable pet breeders and dealers; and
WHEREAS, a comprehensive pet protection program would provide protection for consumers from unscrupulous breeders and protect animals, prior to purchase or adoption, from unsanitary living and breeding conditions; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Board of Veterinary Examiners and the Hawaiian Humane Society are requested to implement, within the extent of their authority, a comprehensive pet protection program for dogs and cats along the lines of House Bill No. 1842 (2009), which was introduced during the Regular Session of 2009; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is requested that the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Board of Veterinary Examiners and the Hawaiian Humane Society consider the following elements in a comprehensive pet protection program for dogs and cats:
(1) Requiring a pet dealer to provide spaying, neutering, and licensing law information to a buyer upon purchase;
(2) Requiring all dogs and cats, prior to purchase or sale, to be examined by a licensed veterinarian;
(3) Requiring a pet dealer to furnish a complete medical history to a buyer upon the purchase of a dog or cat, including breeder information, birth date, immunization and worming records, illness or disease history, and the breed of the animal;
(4) Requiring a pet dealer to refund the purchase price or pay medical expenses to a customer who obtains a written certification from a licensed veterinarian, within fifteen days of purchase, that the animal is ill or, within one year of the date of purchase, that animal has a fatal or life threatening disease;
(5) Requiring breeding and pet care standards, including fire protection, sanitation, water and adequate nutrition, adequate living space, socialization, exercise, and prompt veterinary care; and
(6) Providing penalties and remedies for violations of the pet protection program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is requested to report on the progress of implementing the comprehensive pet protection program to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2010; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Chairperson of the Board of Veterinary Examiners and the Executive Director of the Hawaiian Humane Society.
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OFFERED BY: |
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Animals; Pet Protection Program