Wisconsin Senate Committee to Consider Changing Animal Seizure Laws on 4/6

The Wisconsin Senate Committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations will hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 580 on Tuesday, April 6, 2010.

SB 580 seeks to amend state statutes regarding the seizure and subsequent care of animals whose owners are suspected of mistreatment or dog fighting and are engaged in a legal proceeding.

The latest version of this bill contains a number of new provisions. This includes declaring an animal “unclaimed” if the owner fails to pay an amount mandated by the court for care of the animals within 5 days of the order. The owner must continue to pay in bonds, securities, or direct funds (depending on the court order) for the duration of all proceedings relating to the animal(s) seized, and will only receive unused funds if found to be not guilty.

The duration of proceedings may be extended beyond the original time frame if there is a “showing of good cause” by the political subdivision, person/organization caring for the seized animals, or the owner.

What You Can Do:

Attend the hearing and express any comments or concerns you have with this bill. The hearing information is as follows:
Senate Committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations

Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Time: 11:10 a.m.*
Location: Room 411 South
Wisconsin State Capitol
Madison, Wisconsin

*Please note that the hearing will be held after an executive session on unrelated measures

Contact the committee members TODAY to express comments or concerns with this bill:

Senator Fred Risser (Chair)
Phone: (608) 266-1627
E-mail: [email protected]

Senator Judith Robson
Phone: (608) 266-2253
E-mail: [email protected]

Senator Pat Kreitlow
Phone: (608) 266-7511 or (888) 437-9436
E-mail: [email protected]

Senator Michael Ellis
Phone: (608) 266-0718
E-mail: [email protected]

Senator Alan Lasee
Phone: (608) 266-3512
E-mail: [email protected]

For more information, contact the Dog Federation of Wisconsin at [email protected]

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