Bill Text: HI SB3306 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating To Hunting Dogs.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-01-28 - Referred to WTL, JDC. [SB3306 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2022-SB3306-Introduced.html

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THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3306
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to hunting dogs.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that many hunters in the State utilize hunting dogs for hunting wild pigs and for recreational hunting.  Unfortunately, many owners abandon, euthanize, or surrender their hunting dogs to local animal shelters at the end of hunting season due to financial considerations or to avoid having to feed the dogs during the off-season.  Local, non-profit animal rescue organizations then become responsible for feeding and providing medical care for the abandoned or surrendered hunting dogs, many of which are grossly under- or malnourished upon their arrival.  Furthermore, rehabilitating hunting dogs that have been specifically bred or trained to hunt wild pigs can take years, creating additional challenges for shelters.  Because many dogs are not microchipped, it is impossible to find and hold owners accountable when dogs are abused, neglected, or abandoned.  The legislature further finds that hunters who breed hunting dogs should be required to obtain hunting dog breeding licenses to limit breeding and alleviate overburdened local animal shelters.     Hunting licensees who utilize hunting dogs should be kept accountable for their treatment and care of their dogs, and penalties are needed to deter further abuse and neglect, including the revocation of hunting licenses.  Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Expressly extend the microchip identification requirements of section 143-2.2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to hunting licensees who own, harbor, possess, or utilize hunting dogs;

     (2)  Require hunting licensees who breed hunting dogs to obtain a hunting dog breeding license from the department of land and natural resources to limit breeding; and

     (3)  Impose penalties for violations.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 183D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§183D-    Hunting dogs; requirements; breeding license; penalties.  (a)  A hunter licensed under this chapter who owns, harbors, keeps, has custody of, or utilizes dogs for hunting shall comply with the microchip identification requirements of section 143-2.2.

     (b)  No person, including a hunting licensee, shall engage in the breeding of dogs to be used for hunting unless issued a license from the department upon duly applying therefor and pursuant to rules as may be adopted by the department, which shall include appropriate limits on breeding.

     (c)  Failure to comply with the requirements of this section shall result in penalties as set forth in section 183D‑5(f)."

     SECTION 3.  Section 183D-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:

     "(f)  Any person who is convicted of violating any of the game laws of the State shall immediately have the person's hunting license or hunting dog breeding license forfeited and any person convicted for a second offense shall not be granted a license to hunt or to breed dogs to be used for hunting for a period of three years after the date of the second conviction."

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Hunting Dogs; Microchip Identification; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Breeding License; Penalties

 

Description:

Requires hunting licensees who own, harbor, possess, or utilize dogs for hunting to comply with mandatory microchip identification requirements.  Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to issue hunting dog breeding licenses to persons, including hunting licensees, and adopt administrative rules, including appropriate limits on breeding.  Imposes penalties.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.