21/21/11 - Federal Regulations – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has distributed proposed regulations for enforcing a 2008 law that amends the federal Animal Welfare Act. This measure “prohibits the importation of dogs from any part of the world into the continental United States or Hawaii for purposes of resale, research or veterinary treatment, unless the dogs are in good health, have received all necessary vaccines and are at least 6 months of age.” The AKC supports strong enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act as amended by this rule, recognizing that a large number of puppies are being bred overseas and imported into the United States in order to bypass the welfare regulations and standards required of American breeders. In many cases, irresponsibly bred and undocumented foreign puppies end up at shelters, rescues or other informal or unregulated retail venues. Diseases borne by such animals can create public health issues for both animal and human populations. AKC GR issued a statement of support, provided formal comments, and issued an informational alert with information on how AKC clubs and breeders could submit comments. The public comment period closed on October 31. APHIS is currently reviewing these comments.
Federal Bills:
Update - H.R. 835 / S. 707 – Known as the “Puppy Uniform Protection & Safety Act” (PUPS), this bill would require anyone who owns or co-owns dogs that produce 50 or more puppies that are sold in a 12-month period to be regulated under USDA dog dealer regulations. Anyone meeting that criteria would be required to obtain an annual USDA license, maintain minimum federal standards of care, and undergo regular inspections at least biennially. The language in this bill is identical to the 2010 PUPS bill. AKC GR has also expressed a number of concerns with other provisions in the measure, including the definition of “breeding female” as an intact female of four months or older. The bills have been assigned to their chamber’s agriculture committees. Neither is scheduled for a hearing.
Proposed Federal Regulations – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has distributed a proposed rule (regulations) that provides guidance to federal agencies tasked with enforcing the 2008 law that prohibits the import of puppies under the age of 6 month into the continental United States for resale. The rules are available for public comment until October 31, 2011. The rules would require that anyone importing dog into the U.S. for resale obtain import permits and provide documentation to demonstrate that the dogs are in good health, have received all necessary vaccines (including rabies and DHLPP) and are at least 6 months of age. The AKC supports these regulations, recognizing that a large number of puppies are being bred overseas and imported into the U.S. in order to bypass the welfare and standards required of U.S. breeders. In many cases, irresponsibly bred and undocumented foreign puppies end up at shelters, rescues and other informal or unregulated retail venues. Diseases borne by such animals can create public health issues for both animals and human populations.
Federal Alert:
US H.R. 1406 – This legislation, known as the “Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2011,” would require the prescriber of an animal drug to provide the pet owner with a copy of the veterinary prescription and a written disclosure that the owner may fill the prescription through the prescriber (if available) or through another pharmacy selected by the pet owner. It has been referred to the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Another attempt to regulate hobby breeders under the same requirements as commercial breeders is being made at the federal level. Senator Richard Durbin of IL is the author, but many lawmakers have already "signed on" to support the bill.
PUPS2 Co-sponsors- please take a look and if any of your legislators are listed, get in touch and let them know you are not happy with their support of this bill.
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Canada
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
7/13/11 Yavapai County, AZ update - success:
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors was scheduled to consider a proposal that would limit dog ownership to four dogs per acre, with a maximum of 20 dogs on a private property. Due to the overwhelming number of calls and e-mails received by the Board, the proposal has been removed from the agenda.
6/3/11 -
The American Kennel Club has learned that the Yavapai County Planning and Zoning Commission will consider limiting dog ownership to 4 dogs per acre of land in residential areas, up to a maximum of 20 dogs total. The commission has stated that this will include those who foster dogs.
In addition, the proposal states that “commercial breeding and training operations” will be subject to a use permit. These terms are not defined, so it is unclear who this will affect.
It is imperative that all local responsible dog owners, club members, and those who participate in dog events in Yavapai County attend the hearing or submit letters of concern to the commission.
The hearing information is as follows:
Prescott hearing:
Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: 1015 Fair Street
Prescott, AZ 86305
Cottonwood hearing:
Date: Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: 10 S. 6th Street
Cottonwood, AZ 86326
If you are unable to attend either hearing, you may address comments to the Yavapai County Planning and Zoning Commission and send them care of Kristy Dargue (dargue@co.yavapai.az.us, or fax: 928-771-3432).
The AKC strongly believes that dog owners should be responsible for their dogs and promote public education programs designed to teach responsible dog ownership. We oppose, however, legislation that seeks to arbitrarily limit dog ownership.
Arkansas
California
9/1/11 Los Angeles, CA update:
The City of Los Angeles Animal Services Department is proposing to increase the city’s current animal limit from 3 dogs or cats to 5 dogs or cats. AKC GR staff alerted local club members and breeders in Los Angeles, asking them to contact their council members in support of this change. AKC GR provided talking points that laud the proposed changes, but also discuss the general ineffectiveness of limit laws. This item has not yet been placed on the council’s agenda, but as ordinances do move very quickly, residents are being asked to contact the mayor and council as soon as possible in support of this change.
7/13/11
Irvine, CA update:
The Irvine City Council is expected to consider changes to their animal control ordinance on September 13th. The ordinance will require the spaying and neutering of dogs impounded for a third time, with the only exemption for those deemed medically unfit to be sterilized. The measure will prohibit rodeos, circuses, or other similar activities. "Dog and cat exhibitions" are exempted, but the term is undefined making it unclear how AKC events may be impacted. Finally, the ordinance prohibits sales of dogs and cats by pet stores, although existing stores are allowed to continue selling animals until a specified date (this is blank in the draft). The ordinance exempts those who sell animals bred and reared on the premises of the person or establishment.
6/1/11 Irvine, CA:
The Irvine City Council has directed staff to develop ordinances to require the spaying and neutering of impounded pets (it is not clear how many violations would have to occur for sterilization to be required), a ban on pet expositions and live animal shows and a ban on sales of cats and dogs in pet stores. Draft proposals are expected to be brought before the council in late May.
Visalia, CA:
The Visalia City Council has adopted new fees for breeders and is in the process of revising the definitions for breeders and kennels.4/5/11
Irvine, CA:
The Irvine City Council has directed staff to develop ordinances to require the spaying and neutering of impounded pets (it is not clear how many violations would have to occur for sterilization to be required), a ban on pet expositions and live animal shows and a ban on sales of cats and dogs in pet stores. Draft proposals are expected to be brought before the council in approximately four months.
Los Angeles County, CA
On March 15th, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted a breeder restriction ordinance relating to dog breeding practices and licensing of animal facilities and wild animals. Under the ordinance, dog breeders will be limited to maintaining 50 breeding dogs under one year of age UNLESS specific requirements are met. The ordinance also provides animal facilities with additional standards of care, licensing, record-keeping and microchipping requirements.
Licensing
Under this ordinance, any person operating an animal facility or keeping a wild animal within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles must obtain an annual license to operate/own. (NOTE: the ordinance provides a list of animals that are not considered a “wild animal” and do not require a license to own.) The Los Angeles County Code defines an “animal facility” as “a lot, building, structure, enclosure or premises for any animal related business or organization, including, but not limited to, a non-profit humane organization animal facility, a grooming shop, a pet shop, a boarding facility and a breeding facility.” A “wild animal” is defined in the Code as “any non-domestic, exotic or dangerous animal, including but not limited to the following: wild animal/dog hybrids and other mammals, wildfowl, fish and reptiles.”
Limit Laws
The ordinance sets forth numerical limits for breeders as well as restrictions on breeding practices. No breeder may breed a female dog under 12 months of age. The ordinance sets forth different standards for breeding facilities depending on the number of dogs at the facility. Breeding facilities with 50 or fewer sexually intact dogs under one year old must have adequate staffing on the premises to attend to the dogs for at least eight hours in every 24-hour period.
Breeding facilities with 51 or more sexually intact dogs over one year must provide additional staffing, be subject to more frequent inspections, have a written medical program approved by a California licensed veterinary, and have an emergency response plan. Facilities with 51 or more dogs are also required to provide adequate staffing to care for the animals for 18 hours a day. The inspection requirements for facilities with 51 or more dogs are as follows:
51-75 dogs = one annual reinspection;
76-100 dogs = two annual reinspections;
101-125 dogs = three annual reinspections;
126-150 dogs= four annual reinspections; and
150+ dogs = five annual reinspections.
Mandatory Microchipping
It is now required that all animal facilities in Los Angeles County microchip or tattoo all dogs before four months of age or prior to be being sold or transferred.
Standards of Care
The ordinance provides a list of standards of care that includes cage stacking, grooming requirements and bans tethering, unless permitted under the California Health and Safety Code Section 122335. (See text of ordinance for complete list.)
Recordkeeping Requirements
The ordinance states that anyone with an animal facility license must maintain the following records:
The name, current address and telephone number of the owner of each animal kept at the facility;
The state the animal entered and left the facility;
The description of the animal and other identifying information;
The date a dog was acquired;
The date of each litter birthed by each female;
Veterinary records and the cause of death and method of disposal; and
A valid rabies certificate on every dog over four months old kept at the facility.
For animal facilities selling dogs and cats to the public, a conspicuous public notice must be posted containing the breeder’s name, address, and license number. If the breeder’s name is unknown, then the name and address of the person from which the dog or cat was obtained must be posted.
Penalties
Any animal facility found in non-compliance of this ordinance faces the following penalties:
1st violation - fine of up to $250; and
2nd violation (committed within one year of the 1st violation) - a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to six months or a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
6/1/11 Senate Bill 1522 SD2 HD 1 would have imposed ownership limits of 50 intact dogs of any age and required licensing as a high-volume dog breeder for anyone who sells 25 or more puppies per year or owns 20 intact female dogs or 30 intact dogs of either sex over the age of 6 months. This bill also would have established extensive engineering requirements for licensees’ dog facilities and allowed inspections of any areas in which dogs are kept, handled or transported with no exemptions for personal residences. The bill died in process; however, legislators have requested a state audit of the number of dog breeders in Hawaii as a first step for enacting future regulations. Read AKC’s Legislative Alert for SB1522.
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
9/1/11 Massachusetts:
House Bill 1023 would significantly change the definition of kennel to encompass “daytime only” facilities that have more than 12 dogs on the premises. This would include any facility used for training, dog shows, or trials. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure on July 19. AKC GR has sent a letter of concern, alerted parent clubs and Massachusetts club officers, and continues to work with the Massachusetts federation to defeat this measure. Read more about this legislation
6/1/11 Massachusetts:
House Bill 1455 would make numerous changes to animal control laws, including establishing intact animal permits for all owners of intact dogs and providing recommended penalties for common nuisance violations that include sterilization or euthanasia. The bill also would allow municipalities to ban or regulate specific breeds and require localities that do so to establish a 3-person board “to identify and determine the breed of dogs.” HB 1455 was considered by the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
Medford, MA:
The Medford City Council is considering a mandatory spay/neuter proposal. While a final draft is not yet available, AKC GR has sent a letter of concern regarding mandatory sterilization laws and suggesting more positive alternatives.
Maryland
12/21/11 -Cecil County, MD update:
Provisions include requiring a license and inspection for anyone who keeps dogs for hunting, tracking, performance events or field or obedience trials. Anyone who breeds three or more litters would be required to obtain a commercial breeder license, individual dog licenses and a business license, as well as comply with zoning requirements. A license for an intact dog would cost four times as much as one for a dog that is sterilized and microchipped. The commission held a work session on November 15 and is expected to schedule an opportunity for public comment in the near future.
Charles County, MD:
The Charles County Board of Commissioners is considering an updated proposal that would establish an “animal fancier permit” for anyone who “harbors or keeps” more than 10 adult animals and does not breed them. To obtain a permit, owners would be required to pay an unknown annual fee, submit to annual inspections, and purchase individual licenses for each animal owned. Separate permits would also be required for anyone who owns four or more intact animals for the purpose of charging a fee for stud services or selling offspring, or anyone who trains, boards or transfers animals. The proposal further requires a shelter for any animal left outside for more than 30 minutes. This shelter must be in compliance with the same specific structural guidelines as shelters for dogs left permanently outside. The board held a public hearing on November 1 and is expected to vote soon.
10/28/11 - Cecil County, MD update: A hearing scheduled for August 16 was cancelled, but the council is expected to schedule another hearing in the near future. Local fanciers, breeders, and exhibitors are encouraged to contact the commission and express opposition to these proposals.
6/1/11 Cecil County, MD – The Cecil County Board of Commissioners is expected to consider numerous changes to its licensing laws at an upcoming public hearing. These provisions include requiring all who are “engaged in the business of breeding” five or more dogs to obtain a kennel license, individual dog licenses and a business license, as well as schedule annual inspections with three separate county departments. Other provisions expected to be discussed include requiring a license and inspection for anyone who keeps dogs for hunting, tracking, participation in dog shows, performance events or field or obedience trials.
6/1/11 Maryland update: Senate Bill 839 creates a licensing program for all who own or have custody of 15 or more intact female dogs over the age of six months and who sell dogs “from six or more litters in a year.” The bill also allows counties to establish additional kennel license fees to cover administration costs associated with the licensing program and allows them to enact more stringent kennel licensing laws. The bill has been signed by the Governor and becomes effective on October 1, 2011.
Minnesota
Michigan
9/1/11 Ypsilanti Township, MI:
The Ypsilanti Township Board of Supervisors has given preliminary approval to an ordinance that would require annual permits for each dog bred (including stud dogs). Prior to obtaining a permit, a breeder would be required to allow an inspection of the “breeding/whelping location” to determine whether the area is in compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code. The proposal would also prohibit the breeding of all “pit bulls”, which are defined in current law as any dog that meets five of eight physical characteristics on a list. The Board has agreed to talk with members of AKC’s Michigan federations prior to the final vote on this measure.
6/1/11 Saginaw, MI update:
The City of Saginaw is seeking to restrict the ownership of 5 dog breeds (“pit bulls,” Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Bullmastiffs and Alaskan Malamutes), and impose a 3-dog limit on all dog owners, regardless of breed. The list of breeds will be reconsidered and updated each year. These proposals are expected to be formally introduced on June 6.
Mississippi
Missouri
12/21/11 - St. Louis, MO:
The St. Louis Board of Aldermen is considering Board Bill 107, which would redefine hobby/show breeders and impose a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance, among other provisions. Under the proposal, all dogs in city limits for more than 30 days must be sterilized. Exemptions would be made for those with hobby/show permits (which would be required for all who own two intact dogs, down from 10 in current law). Those who purchase hobby/show permits must also pay an annual $200 inspection fee. The proposal also includes a new limit law and low commercial kennel thresholds. The bill has been approved by committee and is pending consideration by the full board. The sponsor must now decide whether she wants to bring the bill forward for a vote.
10/28/11 - St. Louis, MO:
The St. Louis Board of Aldermen is considering Board Bill 107, which would redefine hobby/show breeders and impose a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance, among other provisions. Under the proposal, all dogs in city limits for more than 30 days must be sterilized. Exemptions would be made for those with hobby/show permits (which would be required for all who own two intact dogs, as opposed to 10 as stated in current law). Those who purchase hobby/show permits must also pay an annual $200 inspection fee. The proposal also includes a new limit law and low commercial kennel thresholds. The bill has passed committee and is pending consideration by the full board. The sponsor must now decide whether she wants to bring the bill forward for a vote. Local residents are encouraged to contact board members and ask them to oppose this measure.
6/1/11 Missouri:
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has signed Senate Bill 161, which makes numerous positive changes to the provisions enacted by Proposition B, including removing the 50-dog ownership limit and the restrictions on breeding ages (the bill now states that female dogs may not be bred more than what is recommended by a veterinarian). Read more about this victory.
Montana
Nebraska
7/13/11 Nebraska update:
Legislative Bill 427 would further regulate “commercial dog breeders. Due to this low threshold in current law, LB 427 would require anyone who owns four intact dogs of any age to comply with the same strict engineering standards and other standards for large, commercial facilities. The Nebraska Legislature has adjourned for the year and will reconvene in January 2012, at which time LB 427 will be considered.
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
12/21/11 - New York:
Assembly Bill 259/Senate Bill 3806 would amend the laws regarding the care of animals that have been seized and are being cared for during animal cruelty hearings. A. 259 has passed the Assembly and been assigned to the Senate Finance Committee. Its companion, S. 3806, has passed the Senate Finance Committee and is pending in the Rules Committee. The AKC has written letters, most recently to the Senate Finance Committee, requesting that the bill be amended to allow for reimbursement for animal owners found “not guilty.”
10/28/11 - Suffolk County, NY update:
Although the sponsor removed language that attacked the AKC, the legislative findings still impugned the integrity of responsible dog breeders. The sponsor, Legislator Cooper, agreed to withdraw the bill after legal concerns were raised and instead introduced Resolution IR-1769, which would create a voluntary rating system for Suffolk County pet stores.
9/1/11 Suffolk County, NY: The Suffolk County Legislature has introduced Resolution 1545, a measure that contains legislative intent that makes a number of inaccurate, misleading and unsubstantiated claims that impugn the integrity of the American Kennel Club and dog breeding in general. The measure also would require any pet store in the county that sells puppies to source them from shelters, rescue organizations or from breeders within the county. AKC GR has written a response that refutes the claims made in the proposal and calls for strong opposition to the measure. Legislators have also been invited to the Suffolk County Kennel Club’s Canine Experience on July 31 to interact with responsible dog owners and to better understand the many ways that AKC activities benefit the county, including education, outreach, family-friendly activities and events that contribute a significant economic impact to the community. HB 1545 is scheduled for possible consideration on August 2.
7/13/11
Suffolk County IR-1545 purportedly seeks to educate consumers about illegal and substandard kennel conditions in other states by limiting the choice of types of dogs that may be sold in Suffolk County pet shops. Under this measure, dogs at Suffolk pet stores could only be sourced from shelters, rescue organizations or Suffolk County breeders.
The legislative findings presented in IR-1545 attack the integrity of responsible breeders and the American Kennel Club by broadly implying that all female dogs bred in the United States are mistreated, abandoned and/or killed. It makes a number of other wildly inaccurate statements, including claims that AKC inspections do not assess the care/conditions or wellbeing of dogs.
7/13/11
New York:
Assembly Bill 8146 seeks to create an “Animal Breeding Permit” for everyone who breeds a female dog for pay or other compensation. The permit would allow for the whelping of one litter per female in a twelve-month period. The bill also calls for inspections of all licensees. The bill has been assigned to the Assembly Agriculture Committee. No hearings have been held on this bill, and to date none have been scheduled.
New York update:
Senate Bill 946 revises the definition of “property” in the state’s penal code to include pets. It also expands the penalty of grand larceny in the fourth degree to include pet theft. AKC sent a letter of support for this measure, which passed the Senate and is now pending in the Assembly Codes Committee.
6/1/11 New York update:
Assembly Bill 3595 would prevent senior citizens from being denied occupancy or evicted from a multiple-unit dwelling because they own a pet. The bill has been assigned to the Assembly Housing Committee.
Senate Bill 946 revises the definition of “property” in the state’s penal code to include pets. It also expands the penalty of grand larceny in the fourth degree to include pet theft. This passed the Senate Codes Committee and is now pending on the Senate floor.
North Carolina
6/1/11 North Carolina:
House Bill 426/Senate Bill 2, called “Chamberlin’s Law,” would expand the state’s cruelty laws and lower the standard for the definition of cruelty from an act that is “intentional” to an act that is only “reckless.” While exceptions are made for physical alteration of livestock and poultry to conform to breed standards, no exception is made for dogs. Anyone who is found guilty could be prohibited from owning or having custody of dogs for an established period of time, and ordered to receive a psychiatric or psychological evaluation at his own expense. HB 426 has been referred to the House Committee on Judiciary B. SB 2 has been re-referred to the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate. Neither bill is scheduled for a hearing.
North Dakota
Ohio
6/1/11 Ohio:
Senate Bill 130 seeks to regulate “high volume” dog breeding in Ohio, defined as those who produce at least 9 litters of puppies and sell 60 or more dogs in a calendar year. The bill is very similar to Senate Bill 95 from 2010, which, in its final version, included a number of changes requested by the AKC, but still contained several provisions of concern. These include a definition of “kennel” that could be interpreted to mean any owner of an intact dog and problematic standards for “high volume breeders.” The bill has been assigned to the Senate Agriculture, Environment & Natural Resources Committee, but no hearing has been scheduled.
Oklahoma
12/21/11 - Tulsa, OK:
After a proposal containing numerous breeder regulations was tabled this summer, a second measure proposed by a member of the Tulsa City Council in October would have defined "commercial breeder" as anyone who possessed an intact female animal for "sale, indirect sale or exchange". The proposal would also have limited those who hold Hobbyist Exemption Permits to owning five intact dogs or cats and breeding only one litter per year. As with the previous proposal, those who held a private kennel permit would be exempt from the city’s current limit laws, but those would only be issued for industrial or commercial zoned areas. Thanks to the diligence and persistence of local clubs and hobby breeders, who continued to educate the members of the council and attend every hearing after the first proposal was tabled, the measure was pulled from consideration just prior to the final vote on November 3, 2011.
Oregon
6/1/11 Oregon:
House Concurrent Resolution 12 recognizes the AKC Canine Good Citizenship program, encourages owners to train their dogs and urges kennel clubs to provide training programs in their communities. The measure is in the House Rules Committee.
Pennsylvania
6/1/11 Philadelphia, PA:
The Philadelphia City Council has passed a proposal that makes numerous changes to dog licensing and ownership laws. Among other provisions, it limits ownership to two intact dogs and requires kennel licenses for anyone who owns 13 or more dogs or cats (regardless of whether they are intact). The proposal also prohibits shelters and pet stores from adopting out or selling dogs that have not been sterilized. The ordinance is pending on the mayor’s desk.
Rhode Island
9/1/11 Rhode Island update:
Senate Bill 140 /House Bill 5690
SB 140 was held for further study. HB 5690 passed the House. The General Assembly has adjourned and neither bill will advance this year. Read more about this legislation.
6/1/11 Rhode Island:
Senate Bill 140 – in addition to other provisions, this bill would make it a violation of the animal cruelty statute to keep any dog “outside, tethered, penned, caged or otherwise confined” for more than one hour without access to an outdoor housing facility, unless the person caring for the dog also remains outside. As currently written, this could mean that someone allowing their dog to play in a fenced-in backyard for an hour must have an outdoor facility available, unless they remain outside with the dog. The Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee has held two hearings, but not yet voted on the measure. Read more about SB 140
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
12/21/11 - Texas: The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has until March 31, 2012 to draft new dog breeder regulations that will accompany the implementation of HB 1451, the breeder regulation bill that passed during the 2011 legislative session. The Advisory Committee has been formed and had their initial meeting, primarily to train members. There are two breeder representatives on the board, but because the statute requires that they be "licensed breeders," they will not be able to vote. The committee's next meeting is December 7, 2011 in Austin, TX. Affected breeders will have until September 1, 2012 to come into compliance with the regulations and obtain a license.
10/28/11 - Cedar Park, TX:
Cedar Park officials will be hosting a community input meeting on September 27 to allow residents to voice concerns regarding a proposed ordinance that will limit residents to a combined total of seven dogs and cats.
10/28/11 - Texas update:
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has until March 31, 2012, to draft regulations as required by HB 1541. Affected breeders will have until September 1, 2012 to come into compliance and obtain a license. TDLR has recently established a website to provide updates about this legislation and is accepting applications for the Advisory Committee that will participate in drafting these regulations.
7/13/11
Texas updates:
House Bill 998 has died upon adjournment of the legislature. The measure would have required the owner of any unneutered male dog over 20 pounds that is ever off the premises of the owner off-lead to purchase $100,000 per occurrence in liability insurance to cover instances of property damages, bodily injury or death.
House Bill 1451 would define a "licensed breeder" as anyone who owns 11 or more intact female animals (dogs or cats), sells 20 or more animal annually and is engaged in the breeding and sale of animals for consideration. Among other requirements, the newly-defined "licensed breeders" would be regulated by the Commission of Licensing and Regulation, and be required to undergo criminal background checks and allow an annual inspection of their property. According to the fiscal note, which estimates 600 breeders and a cost of over $565,000 annually, individual licenses are likely to cost close to $1000. The measure is before Governor Rick Perry. Read AKC’s most recent alert on HB 1451.
Senate Bill 1517 died upon adjournment of the legislature. The bill would have required any dog adopted out or returned to an owner by a releasing agency be sterilized unless specified conditions were met. The bill also would have required that owners of dogs and cats that were not sterilized obtain a $50 intact animal permit for each intact animal.
6/1/11 Texas update:
- HB 323 passed the House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence and is awaiting a vote of the full House. SB 279 has been approved by the Senate and the House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence, and is now awaiting scheduling by the House Calendar Committee.
- House Bill 1451 would define a “licensed breeder” as anyone who owns 11 or more intact female animals (dogs or cats) and is engaged in the breeding and sale of animals for a profit. The measure passed the House and Senate Committee on Criminal Justice. Read AKC’s Legislative Alert on HB 1451. Read the most recent update.
Texas:
- House Bill 998 would require the owner of any unneutered male dog over 20 lbs that is ever off the premises of the owner off-lead to purchase $100,000 per occurrence in liability insurance to cover instances of property damages, bodily injury or death. The measure has been referred to the House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
- Senate Bill 1517 would require any dog adopted out or returned to an owner by a releasing agency be sterilized unless specified conditions are met. The bill would require that owners of dogs and cats that are not sterilized obtain a $50 intact animal permit for each intact animal. The bill has been assigned to the Senate Committee on State Affairs.
Utah
6/1/11 Utah update:
House Bill 124, as amended, sought to place numerous requirements on “commercial breeders,” defined as anyone who owns six or more dogs “for breeding” and sells or provides the offspring of the dog to another person. The bill as introduced was defeated by the House Revenue and Taxation Committee. An amended version has been referred to the Rules Committee and placed on the House file for defeated bills.
Vermont
7/13/11 Vermont update:
House Bill 303 sought to change numerous licensing and tax requirements for those who sell dogs. The Vermont Legislature adjourned prior to considering this bill. It is possible it may be reintroduced in 2012.
6/1/11 Vermont:
House Bill 303 would change numerous licensing and tax requirements for those who sell dogs. It would also require inspections of all “pet merchants,” defined as someone who engages in the sale of one or more litters per year or the sale of two or more animals over six months of age within a year. Anyone who owns two or more intact “domestic pets” must obtain a $25 annual license, which must be prominently displayed on the owner’s premises. Read more about this legislation.
Vermont:
House Bill 303 would change numerous licensing and tax requirements for those who sell dogs. It would also require inspections of all “pet merchants,” defined as someone who engages in the sale of one or more litters per year or the sale of two or more animals over six months of age within a year. Anyone who owns two or more intact “domestic pets” must obtain a $25 annual license, which must be prominently displayed on the owner’s premises. Read more about this legislation.
Virginia
Washington
Washington D.C.
West Virginia
12/21/11 - Mercer County, WV:
The Mercer County Commission has given initial approval to a proposal that would establish mandatory spay/neuter and breeder licensing requirements for county residents in an attempt to address animal population concerns. Owners of intact dogs would be required to purchase intact animal permits good for the life of the dog, so long as it is "vaccinated annually," "housed properly," and the owner can prove that "the permit is sought for a proper purpose." These terms are not defined or explained. In addition, an annual $30 breeder permit would be required for each animal bred, and would allow one litter per dog per year. Animals could be sold at seven weeks if "immunized against common diseases," although the proposal does not state which diseases it considers common. The commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on December 13
Wisconsin
12/21/11 - Wisconsin:
Representative Don Pridemore is gathering support for LRB 1798/2, a measure that would change the state’s definition of “dog breeder” from someone who sells 25 puppies per year to someone who sells 50 puppies per year. Numerous hobby breeders and fanciers have expressed concerns about the low threshold in current law; particularly since the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has clarified the threshold does include co-ownerships. AKC GR has sent a letter to the Wisconsin Legislature supporting the definition change. The legislature is in recess and it is uncertain if it will meet again before January 2012.
10/28/11 - Wisconsin:
Representative Don Pridemore is gathering co-sponsors for LRB 1798/1, a measure that would increase the state commercial breeder threshold from those who annually sell 25 dogs to those that sell 100 dogs. Numerous hobby breeders and fanciers have expressed concerns about the low threshold in current law, particularly since the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has clarified the threshold does include co-ownerships. This legislation is expected to be formally introduced this fall.
6/1/11 Wisconsin update from January 2011:
The Wisconsin Dog Breeders and Sellers Law takes effect on June 1, 2011. Under this law, all dog breeding facilities that sell at least 25 dogs per year from more than three litters must be licensed. Licenses are also required for in-state dealers who sell at least 25 dogs per year that they did not breed and raise, anyone who imports at least 25 dogs into the state each year, animal control facilities, and non-profit shelters and rescues that shelter or foster at least 25 dogs a year. Read more about the new law, review the regulations, and download the application materials on the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection’s web site.
