UPDATE (2/14): Disappointment as legislation hits snag in the Senate.
Senate bill, SB26, which would provide protection for chained dogs in extreme weather, failed to progress in the Senate yesterday. In order for the bill to move forward, the Senate Judicial Proceedings committee must first vote favorably to do so. SB26 fell short of the votes needed to pass out of committee to the full Senate.
Maryland Votes For Animals is deeply disappointed this straightforward bill, which had broad coalition support, did not progress in the Senate. The bill provided law enforcement with the tool it needs to intervene before a dog is in physical distress, and it provided clear and consistent standards for the public and animal control to rely on.
While these are disappointing results, MVFA is working with legislators and coalition partners to find a way forward to protect these animals. A similar bill, HB153, is scheduled for hearing this week on the House side. Stay tuned! Annapolis can be bumpy, but we're here with you and the animals for the long haul.
If you would like to find out if your Senator sits on the Senate Judicial Proceedings committee and send them a note of thanks or disappointment on their vote, you can do so HERE. Your message on their vote is important and will have the greatest impact helping animals if it is polite and to the point. We are continuing to work on this issue with legislators to help these dogs.