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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 14, 2016 11:40 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Kerry A. Benninghoff |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Dog Wardens Right to Carry |
| In the near future, I will be re-introducing HB 639 from last session. This legislation will make it legal for dog wardens to carry stun guns or firearms. In 2008, the General Assembly extensively amended the Dog Law (Act 225 of 1982) and while most of the provisions related to regulating newly-designated “commercial kennels,” an important aspect of enforcement power was also removed. Our Secretary of Agriculture used to have the discretion to authorize properly trained dog wardens to carry firearms. At this time, a dog warden may not carry, use or possess a stun gun or firearm in the performance of his or her duties. Dog wardens are law enforcement officers and may encounter dangerous situations where a stun gun or firearm is the best and safest means of protection. With this in mind, I plan to re-introduce legislation to restore this authority to the Secretary of Agriculture. With the approval of the secretary, dog wardens would have to have both proper certification and training in the use of stun guns and firearms in the performance of his or her duties. Dog wardens regularly face very vicious, powerful animals. Please join me in supporting our dog wardens by giving them the protection they deserve! Former Cosponsors: D. COSTA, DeLUCA, DUSH, GABLER, GIBBONS, A. HARRIS, KAUFFMAN, KAVULICH, KNOWLES, MAJOR, METCALFE, MILLARD, MOUL, MURT, READSHAW, ROZZI, ZIMMERMAN |
Introduced as HB1026