March 2023

Kelly Crouch, CFA Legislative Information Liaison
Sharon Coleman, CFA Legislative Legal Analyst

Oklahoma is considering a bill rejected twice by the California legislature – the Dog and Cat Bill of Rights. Like the earlier California bills, House Bill 1992 has a simple mandate. All animal control, animal shelters, and rescue groups would be required to conspicuously post a copy of the Dog and Cat Bill of Rights as specified in the bill. These rights range from being free from cruelty to the right to mental stimulation, sterilization to prevent unwanted litters, and veterinary care. The bill would cause an unnecessary burden as humane organizations already know to educate and screen potential adopters while existing anti-cruelty laws are critical for intentional malfeasance.

House Bill 1992, introduced by Rep. Micky Dollens (D-93), is a near match to California’s AB 1881 from 2022. Five amendments, including substituting “deserve” for “has a right to,” failed to save it. In 2021, the concept was a failed cut-and-paste amendment to the California bill AB 702.

Oklahoma is also considering SB 349, which would repeal the annual reporting requirements of Commercial Pet Breeders (4 Okl.St.Ann. §30.11). It passed the Senate in a 45:2 vote and is now in the House. 

In other news, Texas Representative Brian Harrison (R, District 10) has introduced HB 3081 that would repeal the Dog and Cat Breeder Law. The Sunset Advisory Commission recommended eliminating the Licensed Breeder Program in 2020. However, proponents of the law seek to increase the number of licensees with three identical bills: HB 274, HB 876, and HB 2238.

EDITOR’S NOTE 3/18/2023 Texas HB 2238 (Buckley) will be heard in The House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee on Wednesday, March 22 at 8:00am in room E2.010 of the State Capitol.