Senate Review from Senator James Leewright

I think many Oklahomans are animal lovers, and they often consider their furry companions to be members of their family.  But there are competing views on the best way to prevent animal exploitation or cruelty when it comes to the pet business. I have authored legislation that I believe represents a common-sense approach to this issue.

This past week I won committee approval for legislation meant to better protect both pets and would-be-owners by creating reasonable, non-intrusive standards for pet stores in our state.  The legislation is Senate Bill 950, which creates the Pet Store Licensing Act which would be administered by the Department of Agriculture.