From AKC
Senate Bill 460
a bill that seeks to unnecessarily regulate the operations of dog breeders in North Carolina remains under consideration in the state Senate. The AKC believes the bill is likely to be scheduled for consideration by the full Senate as early as This Tuesday. With your help and participation over the next several days, we can prevent this bill from passing the Senate, and we can kill this bill for the remainder of the year.
The American Kennel Club and the North Carolina Federation of Dog Clubs continue to oppose SB 460. The state Department of Agriculture does not support this bill. Your Senators need to hear that you, their constituents, also oppose this bill.
We have already made a difference. Thanks to the calls and letters that you sent to North Carolina Senators early this month, the Senate delayed voting on the bill on July 8. We are now approaching the end of the session, and it is imperative that we send the message once again that responsible dog owners and breeders oppose this onerous, unnecessary, and expensive legislation.
Problematic provisions of SB 460 include the following:
•Vague definition of "commercial breeder". Commercial breeder" is defined as someone who owns 15 or more intact females "of breeding age" and 30 or more puppies." It is unclear if these numbers refer to the number of dogs on the property at one time, or if this is cumulative over the course of a year. The bill makes a special exception for some kennels or establishments that operate for the purpose of boarding or training certain dogs. However, it is unclear if breeders who also train and sell puppies are exempt from the licensing requirement.
•Inspections of private property at any time. The bill allows law enforcement and local animal control to search the homes and private property at any time of day or night of anyone who falls under the definition of "commercial breeder".
•Allowing for seizure of animals for those who do not comply with the new regulations—with no opportunity to come into compliance. If a commercial breeder is unlicensed, animals will be subject to immediate seizure and impoundment and may be sold or euthanized. The AKC believes that breeders should be given the opportunity to come into compliance with the law.
•Directive for the NC Department of Agriculture to develop standards of care with no public input. SB 460 calls for the Department of Agriculture to develop care and condition policies for dogs belonging to commercial breeders. This does not allow for any input from dog breeders and others who are experts in animal care.
Senate Bill 460 will do nothing to address irresponsible breeding, consumer protection, or cruelty/negligence, but it will cost the state over $400,000 a year to enforce. At a time when our state is facing a projected $4 billion budget gap, enforcement of existing laws would be a better use of taxpayers’ money.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Contact your Senators, identify yourself as a constituent (tell them the town you live in), tell them you oppose SB 460, and respectfully urge them to also oppose this bill. We ask that should you decide to e-mail, you also call their offices.
See links below for assistance in contacting your Senator.
To find your Senator, visit the North Carolina General Assembly web site and type your zip code in the "Who Represents Me?" box on the right side of the page.
View basic phone scripts for breeders and fanciers.
Click here for a sample letter to personalize.
For more information, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.
Showing posts with label North Carolina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North Carolina. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
NC- McDowell County approves new animal ordinance
County approves new animal ordinance
By Mike Conley | The McDowell News
Published: July 14, 2009
After months of discussion and listening to different viewpoints, the McDowell County Commissioners adopted a new animal ordinance at their regular Monday meeting.
The new rules, which become effective Aug. 13, were approved by a 4-1 vote. Commissioner Michael Lavender voted against adopting the new ordinance.
The decision to make the rules effective on Aug. 13 will give officials time to post the changes on the county's Web site. The animal control officers will come under the Sheriff's Office while the operation of the animal shelter remains under the Public Works Department.
The revised 12-page ordinance requires local people to give their pets an adequate shelter, food, water and humane treatment. It covers how animals should be treated, the keeping of dangerous ones, how animals should be confined, rabies control, the unlawful killing of animals, the euthanization of feral dogs and cats and what to do with stray or abandoned ones. It does not require people to get their animals spayed and neutered. It also has rules for the keeping of exotic animals in McDowell County.
It replaces the old ordinance previously on the books and would give animal control officers an important tool as they do their jobs.
The new rules require owners or keepers of an animal to provide adequate food, water, shelter and humane treatment. The ordinance also applies to people who engage in dog fighting, cock fighting or any other combat between animals or animals and humans. Those activities are already prohibited in McDowell County. But the ordinance makes it unlawful for a person to possess any materials used in animal fighting or the training for animal fighting.
The new rules also prohibit the owners or keepers from abandoning an animal, except for when they are taken to the county's animal shelter during normal business hours. Persons also cannot transport any animal in an automobile or trailer in such a way that would cause pain, suffering or death.
The adopted ordinance creates a dangerous canine appeals board, which will consist of five members appointed from the county's Planning Board. This new board will hear and determine all appeals from the owners of such animals. If an animal control officer has determined that a dog is dangerous and should be euthanized, then the owner can appeal this decision to the newly created board.
At Monday's meeting, the commissioners deleted a $500 fine that could be assessed against violators of the ordinance. The highest fine that can be imposed is $200.
After months of work, the McDowell County Planning Board presented in March a revised animal ordinance to the County Commissioners.
"I appreciate our Planning Board," said Commission Chairman David Walker. "They spent five to six months working on this document. Chairman Max Boyd and his group did an outstanding job. Everybody's viewpoint was heard and examined."
Last month, the commissioners held a special workshop meeting so they could listen to different opinions. About 15 people showed up to attend the workshop meeting.
The commissioners listened to representatives from local animal welfare groups who asked that the ordinance contain more rules about inhumane tethering and specifications for a proper shelter. They also heard comments from residents who are opposed to the county placing more rules on property owners. Under North Carolina law, animals are considered property.
Several local animal welfare advocates asked county officials to consider rules that would ban the inhumane tethering of animals, especially dogs. They feel that animals should not be left tied up in someone's back yard without shelter. Tethered dogs can have behavioral problems and the practice could be considered inhumane, they said.
The adopted ordinance states, "It shall be unlawful to tether an animal to a stationary object under conditions that Animal Control Officer(s) deem harmful or potentially harmful to the animal."
Under the new ordinance, McDowell County will provide a manual of best practices for the proper tethering of animals. These will be guidelines for pet owners to follow. They won't be rules that can be enforced by animal control officers.
Under the new rules, every person who owns any pen, lot, kennel, shelter or other place where animals are kept shall maintain them in a sanitary and humane manner. All animals shall be provided with adequate shelter from the weather.
Animal welfare advocates also wanted to see a section in the ordinance stating what kind of materials should be used in a proper shelter, adding that a metal barrel is not good enough. The barrels can become hot in the summer and quite cold in the winter, they said.
With the new rules, the county will set up a metal barrel exchange program. The owner of a dog that is kept in a metal barrel could get a plastic one for free through this program.
"We do appreciate all the animal rights groups and their contributions as we prepared this ordinance," said Walker. "We appreciate their input."
By Mike Conley | The McDowell News
Published: July 14, 2009
After months of discussion and listening to different viewpoints, the McDowell County Commissioners adopted a new animal ordinance at their regular Monday meeting.
The new rules, which become effective Aug. 13, were approved by a 4-1 vote. Commissioner Michael Lavender voted against adopting the new ordinance.
The decision to make the rules effective on Aug. 13 will give officials time to post the changes on the county's Web site. The animal control officers will come under the Sheriff's Office while the operation of the animal shelter remains under the Public Works Department.
The revised 12-page ordinance requires local people to give their pets an adequate shelter, food, water and humane treatment. It covers how animals should be treated, the keeping of dangerous ones, how animals should be confined, rabies control, the unlawful killing of animals, the euthanization of feral dogs and cats and what to do with stray or abandoned ones. It does not require people to get their animals spayed and neutered. It also has rules for the keeping of exotic animals in McDowell County.
It replaces the old ordinance previously on the books and would give animal control officers an important tool as they do their jobs.
The new rules require owners or keepers of an animal to provide adequate food, water, shelter and humane treatment. The ordinance also applies to people who engage in dog fighting, cock fighting or any other combat between animals or animals and humans. Those activities are already prohibited in McDowell County. But the ordinance makes it unlawful for a person to possess any materials used in animal fighting or the training for animal fighting.
The new rules also prohibit the owners or keepers from abandoning an animal, except for when they are taken to the county's animal shelter during normal business hours. Persons also cannot transport any animal in an automobile or trailer in such a way that would cause pain, suffering or death.
The adopted ordinance creates a dangerous canine appeals board, which will consist of five members appointed from the county's Planning Board. This new board will hear and determine all appeals from the owners of such animals. If an animal control officer has determined that a dog is dangerous and should be euthanized, then the owner can appeal this decision to the newly created board.
At Monday's meeting, the commissioners deleted a $500 fine that could be assessed against violators of the ordinance. The highest fine that can be imposed is $200.
After months of work, the McDowell County Planning Board presented in March a revised animal ordinance to the County Commissioners.
"I appreciate our Planning Board," said Commission Chairman David Walker. "They spent five to six months working on this document. Chairman Max Boyd and his group did an outstanding job. Everybody's viewpoint was heard and examined."
Last month, the commissioners held a special workshop meeting so they could listen to different opinions. About 15 people showed up to attend the workshop meeting.
The commissioners listened to representatives from local animal welfare groups who asked that the ordinance contain more rules about inhumane tethering and specifications for a proper shelter. They also heard comments from residents who are opposed to the county placing more rules on property owners. Under North Carolina law, animals are considered property.
Several local animal welfare advocates asked county officials to consider rules that would ban the inhumane tethering of animals, especially dogs. They feel that animals should not be left tied up in someone's back yard without shelter. Tethered dogs can have behavioral problems and the practice could be considered inhumane, they said.
The adopted ordinance states, "It shall be unlawful to tether an animal to a stationary object under conditions that Animal Control Officer(s) deem harmful or potentially harmful to the animal."
Under the new ordinance, McDowell County will provide a manual of best practices for the proper tethering of animals. These will be guidelines for pet owners to follow. They won't be rules that can be enforced by animal control officers.
Under the new rules, every person who owns any pen, lot, kennel, shelter or other place where animals are kept shall maintain them in a sanitary and humane manner. All animals shall be provided with adequate shelter from the weather.
Animal welfare advocates also wanted to see a section in the ordinance stating what kind of materials should be used in a proper shelter, adding that a metal barrel is not good enough. The barrels can become hot in the summer and quite cold in the winter, they said.
With the new rules, the county will set up a metal barrel exchange program. The owner of a dog that is kept in a metal barrel could get a plastic one for free through this program.
"We do appreciate all the animal rights groups and their contributions as we prepared this ordinance," said Walker. "We appreciate their input."
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
NC- SB 460 To Be Heard -TOMORROW
URGENT: North Carolina SB 460 Short title: Commercial Breeding of Dogs-To Be Heard Thursday, April 30, 9AM
Senate Bill 460 will be considered by the North Carolina Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday, April 30. Details are as follows:
DATE: Thursday, April 30, 2009
TIME: 9:00 AM – Please plan to be arrive no later than 8:30AM, dressed in professional attire.
LOCATION: Room 1027, Legislative Building, 16 W. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
All concerned responsible dog breeders and owners in North Carolina are encouraged to attend the hearing on Thursday in opposition to the bill. We need to show strong opposition to SB 460. While attendees will not be able to speak in opposition, NUMBERS MATTER! If you are unable to attend, please call or e-mail the members
This Act defines a commercial breeder as (5b) anyone who, during any 12-month period, maintains 15 or more adult female dogs for the primary purpose of the sale of their offspring as companion animals.
Remember- these dogs do not need to be currently having puppies- just that they are intact females and you intend to sell any offspring as a companion animal.
and defines a commercial breeding operation as (5c) the physical location or facility at which a commercial breeder breeds or maintains adult female dogs and their offspring. Yes- this implies your home if that is where you maintain your dogs. If your puppies are born in your bedroom, it is still part of a "commercial breeding operation"
Senate Bill 460 will be considered by the North Carolina Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday, April 30. Details are as follows:
DATE: Thursday, April 30, 2009
TIME: 9:00 AM – Please plan to be arrive no later than 8:30AM, dressed in professional attire.
LOCATION: Room 1027, Legislative Building, 16 W. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
All concerned responsible dog breeders and owners in North Carolina are encouraged to attend the hearing on Thursday in opposition to the bill. We need to show strong opposition to SB 460. While attendees will not be able to speak in opposition, NUMBERS MATTER! If you are unable to attend, please call or e-mail the members
This Act defines a commercial breeder as (5b) anyone who, during any 12-month period, maintains 15 or more adult female dogs for the primary purpose of the sale of their offspring as companion animals.
Remember- these dogs do not need to be currently having puppies- just that they are intact females and you intend to sell any offspring as a companion animal.
and defines a commercial breeding operation as (5c) the physical location or facility at which a commercial breeder breeds or maintains adult female dogs and their offspring. Yes- this implies your home if that is where you maintain your dogs. If your puppies are born in your bedroom, it is still part of a "commercial breeding operation"
Monday, March 9, 2009
NC- Bills Aim to Regulate Breeders
Monday, March 09, 2009]
North Carolina House Bill 460, sponsored by Representative Maggie Jeffus of Greensboro and Representative Margaret Highsmith Dickson of Fayetteville, and its companion bill, Senate Bill 460, sponsored by Senators Don Davis of Snow Hill and Senator Don Vaughan of Greensboro, have been filed. The bills seek to regulate the commercial breeding of dogs in North Carolina. The American Kennel Club—with its operations center located in Raleigh—and its North Carolina federation, the North Carolina Federation of Dog Clubs, oppose this legislation. While these bills are not carbon copies of the breeder regulatory bills introduced throughout the nation since the start of the new year that signify a radical national agenda aimed at severely limiting the ownership of dogs, these bills are unnecessary, as current North Carolina law is effective in dealing with animal abuse and mistreatment.
HB 460/SB 460:
* Define "commercial breeder" as "any person who, during any 12-month period, maintains 15 or more adult female dogs for the primary purpose of the sale of their offspring as companion animals. However, neither terms "adult" nor "companion animals" are defined in the bill or statutorily, which makes this definition, as currently worded, vague. Additionally, the numerical threshold contained in the definition could reasonably affect many hunting and performance kennels in the Tarheel State.
* Require commercial breeders to be licensed by the state, at a cost of $50 annually.
* Call for the NC Board of Agriculture to develop standards of care, including exercise, veterinary care, housing, and record-keeping, at commercial breeding operations. These standards will be different than standards created for animal shelters, boarding kennels, and pet shops.
* Limit those classified and licensed as commercial breeders to breeding dogs only between 18 months and eight years of age, without regard to alternative means of reproduction or the health of female dogs not falling into the prescribed age range.
* Subject commercial breeding operations to unannounced inspections, including potential warrantless searches of licensees’ homes. Denial of inspections/searches is ground for license revocation and seizure of dogs, regardless of care being given to dogs.
The North Carolina Animal Welfare Act, as provided in Article 3 of Chapter 19A of the North Carolina General Statutes, already effectively deals with animal abuse or mistreatment, making the substance of HB 460/SB 460 unnecessary.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Concerned responsible dog breeders and owners in North Carolina are encouraged to contact the bills’ sponsors and respectfully urge them amend the bills appropriately.
Representative Maggie Jeffus
NC House of Representatives
16 W. Jones Street, Room 2204
Raleigh, NC 27601-1096
(919) 733-5191
Maggie.Jeffus@ncleg.net
Representative Margaret Highsmith Dickson
NC House of Representatives
16 W. Jones Street, Room 2217
Raleigh, NC 27601-1096
(919) 733-5776
Margaret.Dickson@ncleg.net
Senator Don Davis
NC Senate
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 526
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 733-5621
Don.Davis@ncleg.net
Senator Don Vaughan
NC Senate
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 411
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 733-5856
Don.Vaughan@ncleg.net
North Carolina House Bill 460, sponsored by Representative Maggie Jeffus of Greensboro and Representative Margaret Highsmith Dickson of Fayetteville, and its companion bill, Senate Bill 460, sponsored by Senators Don Davis of Snow Hill and Senator Don Vaughan of Greensboro, have been filed. The bills seek to regulate the commercial breeding of dogs in North Carolina. The American Kennel Club—with its operations center located in Raleigh—and its North Carolina federation, the North Carolina Federation of Dog Clubs, oppose this legislation. While these bills are not carbon copies of the breeder regulatory bills introduced throughout the nation since the start of the new year that signify a radical national agenda aimed at severely limiting the ownership of dogs, these bills are unnecessary, as current North Carolina law is effective in dealing with animal abuse and mistreatment.
HB 460/SB 460:
* Define "commercial breeder" as "any person who, during any 12-month period, maintains 15 or more adult female dogs for the primary purpose of the sale of their offspring as companion animals. However, neither terms "adult" nor "companion animals" are defined in the bill or statutorily, which makes this definition, as currently worded, vague. Additionally, the numerical threshold contained in the definition could reasonably affect many hunting and performance kennels in the Tarheel State.
* Require commercial breeders to be licensed by the state, at a cost of $50 annually.
* Call for the NC Board of Agriculture to develop standards of care, including exercise, veterinary care, housing, and record-keeping, at commercial breeding operations. These standards will be different than standards created for animal shelters, boarding kennels, and pet shops.
* Limit those classified and licensed as commercial breeders to breeding dogs only between 18 months and eight years of age, without regard to alternative means of reproduction or the health of female dogs not falling into the prescribed age range.
* Subject commercial breeding operations to unannounced inspections, including potential warrantless searches of licensees’ homes. Denial of inspections/searches is ground for license revocation and seizure of dogs, regardless of care being given to dogs.
The North Carolina Animal Welfare Act, as provided in Article 3 of Chapter 19A of the North Carolina General Statutes, already effectively deals with animal abuse or mistreatment, making the substance of HB 460/SB 460 unnecessary.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Concerned responsible dog breeders and owners in North Carolina are encouraged to contact the bills’ sponsors and respectfully urge them amend the bills appropriately.
Representative Maggie Jeffus
NC House of Representatives
16 W. Jones Street, Room 2204
Raleigh, NC 27601-1096
(919) 733-5191
Maggie.Jeffus@ncleg.net
Representative Margaret Highsmith Dickson
NC House of Representatives
16 W. Jones Street, Room 2217
Raleigh, NC 27601-1096
(919) 733-5776
Margaret.Dickson@ncleg.net
Senator Don Davis
NC Senate
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 526
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 733-5621
Don.Davis@ncleg.net
Senator Don Vaughan
NC Senate
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 411
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 733-5856
Don.Vaughan@ncleg.net
Friday, February 27, 2009
NC- HSUS is removing dogs from breeders
Here is a story written by an employee of HSUS. There are no pictures and the "public" who reads this story will just assume it is true. Here are the "Buzz Words" that HSUS uses to gain public support:
How they descibe breeders:
"mass breeding facility"
"overcrowded breeding facilities"
"living in substandard conditions"
"overwhelmed property owner"
How they describe themselves (HSUS):
"introduce legislation that will help to put an end to the cruel puppy mill industry in our state"
"extremely rewarding to see these animals begin a new, happy chapter of their lives"
"soon be living as cherished family pets"
"make the journey to their new temporary homes in The HSUS’ specially equipped animal transport vehicle"
Note: 1. the source of the complaint was Anonymous
2. There are no mention of any charges being brought up against the owner
3. There is no evidence of "intentional" abuse- but they were not very clear if there was even evidence of abuse at all. Since no charges are mentioned, one has to assume that there was no evidence of abuse at all
4. This was not the second time at THIS facility- it was the SECOND "takings" of people's property (their dogs)
5. Many people, when faced with law enforcement at their door, don't know what to do at the time, and then only afterwards to they attempt to get help. That attempt will not be reported by HSUS- and maybe not even by the local paper- as this story is carried by the local paper.
Dogs Rescued from Overcrowed Facility
Jordan Crump
The Humane Society of the United States
Published: February 26, 2009
KINSTON, N.C. (Feb. 26, 2009) – Fifty dogs have been removed from a Lenoir County breeding facility thanks to the efforts of The Humane Society of the United States, the Lenoir County Health Department, the Lenoir County SPCA and Wayne County Animal Control. Rescuers were able to remove the 50 small-breed dogs after local officials convinced the property owner to voluntarily shut down his facility.
“This is the second time in a month that The Humane Society of the United States has rescued dogs from a mass breeding facility in North Carolina. These cases represent just a fraction of the overcrowded breeding facilities throughout the state,” said Amanda Arrington, North Carolina state director for The HSUS. “We will soon introduce legislation that will help to put an end to the cruel puppy mill industry in our state.”
The dogs were found living in substandard conditions in outdoor pens throughout the property. Local officials inspected the property after receiving an anonymous complaint and found no evidence of intentional abuse, but the overwhelmed property owner voluntarily surrendered the animals. The property owner then signed a contract with local officials barring him from breeding any dogs in the future. The Lenoir County Health Department then called in The HSUS for assistance in removing the dogs from the property, finding them placement in regional rescue groups and transporting them to their new temporary homes at shelters.
“It is extremely rewarding to see these animals begin a new, happy chapter of their lives. I am hopeful that they will soon be living as cherished family pets,” said Joey Huff, director of the Lenoir County Health Department.
These dogs will make the journey to their new temporary homes in The HSUS’ specially equipped animal transport vehicle. They will be taken in by the Richmond SPCA and the Washington Animal Rescue League where they will be evaluated and placed for adoption.
How they descibe breeders:
"mass breeding facility"
"overcrowded breeding facilities"
"living in substandard conditions"
"overwhelmed property owner"
How they describe themselves (HSUS):
"introduce legislation that will help to put an end to the cruel puppy mill industry in our state"
"extremely rewarding to see these animals begin a new, happy chapter of their lives"
"soon be living as cherished family pets"
"make the journey to their new temporary homes in The HSUS’ specially equipped animal transport vehicle"
Note: 1. the source of the complaint was Anonymous
2. There are no mention of any charges being brought up against the owner
3. There is no evidence of "intentional" abuse- but they were not very clear if there was even evidence of abuse at all. Since no charges are mentioned, one has to assume that there was no evidence of abuse at all
4. This was not the second time at THIS facility- it was the SECOND "takings" of people's property (their dogs)
5. Many people, when faced with law enforcement at their door, don't know what to do at the time, and then only afterwards to they attempt to get help. That attempt will not be reported by HSUS- and maybe not even by the local paper- as this story is carried by the local paper.
Dogs Rescued from Overcrowed Facility
Jordan Crump
The Humane Society of the United States
Published: February 26, 2009
KINSTON, N.C. (Feb. 26, 2009) – Fifty dogs have been removed from a Lenoir County breeding facility thanks to the efforts of The Humane Society of the United States, the Lenoir County Health Department, the Lenoir County SPCA and Wayne County Animal Control. Rescuers were able to remove the 50 small-breed dogs after local officials convinced the property owner to voluntarily shut down his facility.
“This is the second time in a month that The Humane Society of the United States has rescued dogs from a mass breeding facility in North Carolina. These cases represent just a fraction of the overcrowded breeding facilities throughout the state,” said Amanda Arrington, North Carolina state director for The HSUS. “We will soon introduce legislation that will help to put an end to the cruel puppy mill industry in our state.”
The dogs were found living in substandard conditions in outdoor pens throughout the property. Local officials inspected the property after receiving an anonymous complaint and found no evidence of intentional abuse, but the overwhelmed property owner voluntarily surrendered the animals. The property owner then signed a contract with local officials barring him from breeding any dogs in the future. The Lenoir County Health Department then called in The HSUS for assistance in removing the dogs from the property, finding them placement in regional rescue groups and transporting them to their new temporary homes at shelters.
“It is extremely rewarding to see these animals begin a new, happy chapter of their lives. I am hopeful that they will soon be living as cherished family pets,” said Joey Huff, director of the Lenoir County Health Department.
These dogs will make the journey to their new temporary homes in The HSUS’ specially equipped animal transport vehicle. They will be taken in by the Richmond SPCA and the Washington Animal Rescue League where they will be evaluated and placed for adoption.
Monday, August 6, 2007
North Carolina- Henderson County proposed ordinance includes mandatory spay/neuter
August 1, 2007
The Honorable William MoyerChairman, Henderson County Board of Commissioners
100 N. King Street
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Dear Mr. Chairman:Concerned dog owners and citizens of Henderson County have contacted the American Kennel Club regarding an ordinance that dramatically affects their ability to own dogs. We respectfully write to you on their behalf. The American Kennel Club (AKC) was established in 1884 to promote the study, breeding, exhibiting, and advancement of purebred dogs. AKC now represents over 4,500 dog clubs nationally, including 115 clubs in the state of North Carolina. The American Kennel Club supports sound, enforceable, non-discriminatory legislation to govern dog ownership. We understand that it can be a rather daunting task to formulate legislation that will allow the responsible citizen to enjoy a myriad of activities with his/her dog while at the same time protecting all people from the actions of irresponsible dog owners. We believe, however, that this is an attainable goal. We understand that Henderson County will soon consider changes to the animal control ordinance that include mandatory spay/neuter of dogs unless one purchases a $100 permit each year for each intact dog or cat. The AKC opposes the concept of differential licensing, breeding permits, breeding bans and mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs. Instead, we support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of responsible breeders and owners. Local responsible breeders should be viewed as assets to their communities. These breeders make serious commitments to their animals by raising healthy, well cared-for dogs and by working to ensure that puppies are placed with responsible owners. These breeders are in a unique position to support new pet owners and exemplify responsible animal ownership. Responsible dog breeders and owners are models for their communities and should not be penalized by being required to purchase the expensive intact animal permits that would be mandated by this new provision. The AKC believes the answer to animal control issues is strict enforcement of current laws, rather than passage of new burdensome regulation. The key to resolving this issue is to implement and expand the wide range of programs available to educate the public about responsible breeding practices. The AKC offers a wealth of material on this subject, and we would be happy to provide you with more information in this regard.The American Kennel Club and your constituent dog owners are willing to assist you in developing reasonable animal control regulations designed to ensure that dogs and their owners remain respected members of their communities. We look forward to working with you as this issue progresses.
Sincerely,
Sarah Sprouse
Manager, Canine Legislation
cc: Asheville Kennel Club, Appalachian Houndsmen Association, North Carolina Federation of Dog Clubs, North Carolina Responsible Animal Owners Alliance
The Honorable William MoyerChairman, Henderson County Board of Commissioners
100 N. King Street
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Dear Mr. Chairman:Concerned dog owners and citizens of Henderson County have contacted the American Kennel Club regarding an ordinance that dramatically affects their ability to own dogs. We respectfully write to you on their behalf. The American Kennel Club (AKC) was established in 1884 to promote the study, breeding, exhibiting, and advancement of purebred dogs. AKC now represents over 4,500 dog clubs nationally, including 115 clubs in the state of North Carolina. The American Kennel Club supports sound, enforceable, non-discriminatory legislation to govern dog ownership. We understand that it can be a rather daunting task to formulate legislation that will allow the responsible citizen to enjoy a myriad of activities with his/her dog while at the same time protecting all people from the actions of irresponsible dog owners. We believe, however, that this is an attainable goal. We understand that Henderson County will soon consider changes to the animal control ordinance that include mandatory spay/neuter of dogs unless one purchases a $100 permit each year for each intact dog or cat. The AKC opposes the concept of differential licensing, breeding permits, breeding bans and mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs. Instead, we support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of responsible breeders and owners. Local responsible breeders should be viewed as assets to their communities. These breeders make serious commitments to their animals by raising healthy, well cared-for dogs and by working to ensure that puppies are placed with responsible owners. These breeders are in a unique position to support new pet owners and exemplify responsible animal ownership. Responsible dog breeders and owners are models for their communities and should not be penalized by being required to purchase the expensive intact animal permits that would be mandated by this new provision. The AKC believes the answer to animal control issues is strict enforcement of current laws, rather than passage of new burdensome regulation. The key to resolving this issue is to implement and expand the wide range of programs available to educate the public about responsible breeding practices. The AKC offers a wealth of material on this subject, and we would be happy to provide you with more information in this regard.The American Kennel Club and your constituent dog owners are willing to assist you in developing reasonable animal control regulations designed to ensure that dogs and their owners remain respected members of their communities. We look forward to working with you as this issue progresses.
Sincerely,
Sarah Sprouse
Manager, Canine Legislation
cc: Asheville Kennel Club, Appalachian Houndsmen Association, North Carolina Federation of Dog Clubs, North Carolina Responsible Animal Owners Alliance
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