The Dog Sellers Advisory Committee has completed its discussions on Standards of Care, and DATCP has compiled a draft of "chapter ATCP 16". The next step in the process is a series of Public Hearings so that everyone who wishes to will have a chance to read and comment on the new administrative rules.

     Please click here to read thorugh the Notice of Hearing and the Analysis Prepared by the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

     This plain-language analysis spells out all facets of the proposed Administrative Rules for WI Act 90, including definitions, who is required to be licensed and who is exempt, licensing fees, records that must be maintained, Certificates of Veterinary Inspection, etc. -- as well as the everyday, nuts and bolts minimum standards of care for animals in licensed facilities.

     Below, we are also including links to the complete ATCP-16 hearing draft (56 pp, pdf), the Business Impact Analysis, and the Fiscal Estimate.

    ATCP-16 Public Hearing Notice/Plain Language Analysis,   

    ATCP 16 Public Hearing Draft - complete (pdf)   

     ATCP 16 Fiscal Estimate (pdf)   

     ATCP 16 Business Impact Analysis (pdf)   

    2009 WI 90 Administrative Rules Process   

Five Public Hearing dates have been set:

       The Wisconsin Independent Breeders Network (WIB-Net) has set up a discussion forum for the Administrative Rules Process and has invited us to leave comments. Please visit the WIB-Net Discussion Forum to share your views!

    WIB-Net Discussion Forum   

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A PUBLIC HEARING

     The Public Hearing is an important step in the legislative process in the State of Wisconsin.

Who participates?   DATCP represeentatives, members of the committees to whom the draft has been assigned for review, any members of the public who wish to attend.

How do the hearings work?  There are sign-in sheets available for those who wish to go on-record with their opinions. People may request to speak, may register for or against the bill without speaking, or may provide information without taking a position on the bill. Depending on the number of people wanting to speak, there may be a time limit for each.

Is there an audience?  Yes, size depends on interest. All interested parties and observers can attend. Media is sometimes there, too.

Do people read prepared statements?   Yes -- however, just reading from a printed statement isn't that effective. It's better to have a prepared written statement (bring 20 copies) then simply "discuss" your position with the committee when you are called to the table. As always, of course, we request that our supporters be courteous and respectful at all times and present their opinions, supported by facts and personal experience, in an orderly fashion without name-calling or bad language.

Are questions asked of the participants? Sometimes, but not usually. If by some chance you are questioned, answer to the best of your ability. If you do not know the answer, say so -- then offer to find out and get back to the questioner by phone or email later.

How long does a public hearing take?  That depends on how many people attend and wish to speak. Some public hearings are quite short; others can take hours. Each of the public hearings for ATCP 16 are scheduled for two hours.