House Bill 1591, a bill to preempt local governments from limiting where retail pet stores acquire animals offered for sale, passed the senate last night and is on its way to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for her consideration. This important measure will void any local ordinances which attempt to force retailers into “adoption only” or similar policies, which not only limit consumer choice but artificially suppress market demand for purebred canines from hobby breeders and sporting dog enthusiasts. Please use our take action button below to email the Governor asking her to sign HB 1591.
“Opponents of HB 1591 have engaged in a massive misinformation campaign to try and kill this legislation,” said Todd Adkins, vice president of government affairs at the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “Thankfully, members of the Arkansas House and Senate were able to see through the noise and protect lawful businesses and kennel operators against the ongoing threat of local governments running amok on these issues.”
Arkansas is one of many states where animal extremists have turned to local governments for major policy changes they are unable to pass at the state level. HB 1591 is a response to such a move made in Fayetteville last year to restrict how pet shops operate in the city.
“We want to thank Representative David Ray for his tireless work on this important issue,” added Adkins. “The animal extremists threw a ton of mud at him for his efforts so we in the sporting dog community cannot thank him enough for hanging in there and pushing this through.”
Please use our take action button below to thank Representative David Ray, along with cosponsors Howard Beaty, Jr. and Senator Jim Dotson for their strong support for the sportsmen community. Please make sure you use BOTH action buttons to ensure your voice of support of HB 1591 and the bill sponsors are received.
Don’t forget to share this important message with your family, friends, and fellow sportsmen asking them to also email the Governor urging her support of HB 1591 and thanking the sponsor & cosponsor’s of this bill for making it happen.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.