New Strict Breeders Bills Introduced In New York State Senate
[Friday, May 01, 2009]
Two new bills in the New York State Senate would severely limit the operations of responsible dog breeders in the Empire State. The American Kennel Club opposes these bills, and strongly encourages all concerned responsible dog breeders and owners in New York to contact the members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, which currently has cognizance of both bills, and respectfully express their opposition to the bills.
Senate Bill 4515 would require the registration and regulation of animal breeders. SB 4515 features many problematic provisions, including:
•Defining "breeder" as any person who breeds three or more animals for sale per year for profit. Any person defined as a "breeder" will be required to obtain a breeder license annually. The definition exempts from the definition duly incorporated humane societies. The threshold contained in this definition is overbroad and will apply the vast majority of dog breeders, thereby making enforcement impossible.
•Imposing stringent engineering requirements for animals' primary enclosures. As currently worded, these strict requirements will apply to all locations where dogs are housed, including the private residences of those classified as a 'breeder' under this law. This will potentially require thousands of dollars in extensive upgrades to be made to some individuals' residences.
•Mandating twice-a-year inspections of breeders' facility to be conducted at the breeder's expense. This additional, undefined fee could significantly the resources breeders need for caring for their animals. Additionally, due to the low threshold contained in the definition of "breeder" listed above, the number of inspections required under this new law will create an enforcement nightmare for New York state officials.
•Limiting "pet dealers" in New York to obtaining dogs only from New York State licensed "breeders." This requirement will inhibit many responsible purebred dog breeding programs by arbitrarily limiting operations; and will affect the health of many breeding programs by unreasonably and arbitrarily limiting gene pool diversity.
Senate Bill 4690 seeks to impose ownership limits and allow seizure of certain animals. The AKC opposes the following measures in SB 4690:
•Limit any person from owning more than 50 unsterilized dogs. The AKC believes that numerical limits do not address the underlying issues of responsible ownership and proper dog care. Additionally, this definition does not exclude dogs under a certain age; as such, many responsible purebred dog breeders could inadvertently exceed this arbitrary limit by having several large litters.
•Allow any police officer, any agent or officer of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or any agent or officer of any duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals to seize dogs kept in violation of the proposed 50 dog limit if certain due process requirements are met. The bill does not detail the fate of animals seized pursuant to this bill.
•Amend the existing definition to "pet dealer" to include any person who engages in the sale or offering for sale of more than nine animals per year for profit at wholesale or to the public, including breeders who sell animals directly to consumers or at wholesale. By expanding this definition, more New Yorkers will be required to adhere to the many statutory provisions required of pet dealers in New York.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Concerned New Yorkers are strongly encouraged to contact the members of the Senate Agriculture Committee listed below. Respectfully yet strongly let them know that you oppose both Senate Bill 4515 and Senate Bill 4690, and urge them to do the same.
New York Senate Agriculture Committee:
Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, Chairman
Room 903,Legislative Office Building
Albany, New York 12247
Phone: (518) 455-2761
E-mail: aubertin@senate.state.ny.us
Senator William T. Stachowski
Room 802,Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-2426
Fax: (518) 426-6851
E-mail: stachows@senate.state.ny.us
Senator Velmanette Montgomery
Room 306, Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY12247
Phone: (518) 455-3451
Fax: (518) 426-6854
E-mail: montgome@senate.state.ny.us
Senator Neil D. Breslin
Room 502, Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-2225
Fax: (518) 426-6807
E-mail: breslin@senate.state.ny.us
Senator David J. Valesky
Room 416, Capitol Building
Albany, New York 12247
Phone: (518) 455-2838
Fax: (518) 426-6885
E-mail: valesky@senate.state.ny.us
Senator Catharine M. Young
Room513, Legislative Office Building
Albany, New York 12247
Phone: (518) 455-3563
Fax: (518) 426-6905
To e-mail Senator Young, click here.
Senator James L. Seward
Room711B, Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-3131
To e-mail Senator Seward, click here.
Senator George H. Winner, Jr.
Room415, Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-2091
Fax: (518) 426-6976
To e-mail Senator Winner, click here.
Senator Michael Ranzenhofer
Room315, Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-3161
Fax: (518) 426-6963
To e-mail Senator Ranzenhofer, click here.
For more information, contact AKC's Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
CT- SB 499 Bad News For Responsible Dog Breedres
URGENT: Connecticut SB 499 Bad News For Responsible Dog Breeders
[Monday, May 04, 2009]
On Thursday, April 30, Connecticut Senate Bill 499, which seeks to impose several changes to Connecticut's consumer protection laws, passed the state's Senate with burdensome last-minute amendments. The bill is now in the House of Representatives. While the American Kennel Club (AKC) supports reasonable consumer protection laws that protect both puppy purchasers and responsible dog breeders, the changes contained in SB 499 are not reasonable. As such, the AKC and the Connecticut Dog Federation, both strongly oppose SB 499 as currently written. Because this bill may be considered tomorrow, all concerned responsible dog breeders and owners in Connecticut are strongly urged to immediately contact their state representative. Let them know that you oppose SB 499 as currently written, and urge them to do the same.
The American Kennel Club supports reasonable laws and regulations intended to protect the pet-buying public in obtaining a sound dog of the breed represented. Breeders and/or sellers should be responsible for providing certain refunds, replacements or reimbursements should the dog sold become ill or die from a condition contracted prior to purchase. Such remedies should be conditioned upon the buyer's scrupulous adherence to the care and feeding program prescribed by the breeder and/or seller, as well as a timely examination by a state-licensed veterinarian once the puppy has gone to its new home. Breeders and/or sellers should provide buyers with a written bill of sale detailing the responsibilities of both the buyer and seller. This bill of sale should also detail any exclusions to refunds, replacements or reimbursements.
As currently written, Senate Bill 499 includes several provisions that go far beyond any measure of reasonableness, including:
•Requiring anyone who breeds two or more litters a year to have each puppy being sold examined by a veterinarian prior to the initial offering for sale, and examined every 15 days after the initial examination. The AKC believes that the provision requiring additional veterinary examinations every 15 days after the initial examination, regardless of whether a puppy is in sound health, is burdensome and unreasonable, and does not take into consideration the potential length of time responsible breeders may keep a puppy—in many instances, several months—prior to sale.
•Directing all sellers of dogs to file a certificate of origin with the Department of Agriculture within two days of sale, or otherwise be subject to a $100 fine, 30 days imprisonment, or both. The AKC argues that not only is this provision unreasonable, but if enacted, would create an enforcement nightmare of Connecticut's Department of Agriculture, which will be required to enforce this provision.
•Limiting kennel licensees from purchasing a dog or cat for resale from a breeder or other person, firm, or corporation located outside Connecticut that is not in possession of a current license issued by the USDA and any applicable state agency. This provision is both unreasonable and unenforceable because the various states have different breeder licensing regimes; as such, many breeders will not be able to meet the requirement of being licensed by both the USDA and a state. Additionally, the AKC believes that this provision opens the door to limiting the acquisition of all dogs from sources from outside Connecticut, regardless of intended purpose. This may result in many responsible breeders in Connecticut not being able to acquire appropriate dogs for their breeding programs from outside of Connecticut.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
All concerned responsible dog breeders and owners in Connecticut are strongly urged to immediately contact their state representative. Let them know that you oppose SB 499 as currently written, and urge them to do the same. Click here to find your legislator.
If your Representative is a Democrat, please call the House Democrats at (860) 240-8500. If your Representative is a Republican, please call the House Republicans at (860) 240-8700. Ask for your Representative by name. Tell them that you are calling about SB 499 and respectfully let them know that you oppose the bill.
For tips on how to effectively communicate with legislators, click here.
For a copy of our Disagree Diplomatically brochure, click here.
For more information, contact AKC's Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.
[Monday, May 04, 2009]
On Thursday, April 30, Connecticut Senate Bill 499, which seeks to impose several changes to Connecticut's consumer protection laws, passed the state's Senate with burdensome last-minute amendments. The bill is now in the House of Representatives. While the American Kennel Club (AKC) supports reasonable consumer protection laws that protect both puppy purchasers and responsible dog breeders, the changes contained in SB 499 are not reasonable. As such, the AKC and the Connecticut Dog Federation, both strongly oppose SB 499 as currently written. Because this bill may be considered tomorrow, all concerned responsible dog breeders and owners in Connecticut are strongly urged to immediately contact their state representative. Let them know that you oppose SB 499 as currently written, and urge them to do the same.
The American Kennel Club supports reasonable laws and regulations intended to protect the pet-buying public in obtaining a sound dog of the breed represented. Breeders and/or sellers should be responsible for providing certain refunds, replacements or reimbursements should the dog sold become ill or die from a condition contracted prior to purchase. Such remedies should be conditioned upon the buyer's scrupulous adherence to the care and feeding program prescribed by the breeder and/or seller, as well as a timely examination by a state-licensed veterinarian once the puppy has gone to its new home. Breeders and/or sellers should provide buyers with a written bill of sale detailing the responsibilities of both the buyer and seller. This bill of sale should also detail any exclusions to refunds, replacements or reimbursements.
As currently written, Senate Bill 499 includes several provisions that go far beyond any measure of reasonableness, including:
•Requiring anyone who breeds two or more litters a year to have each puppy being sold examined by a veterinarian prior to the initial offering for sale, and examined every 15 days after the initial examination. The AKC believes that the provision requiring additional veterinary examinations every 15 days after the initial examination, regardless of whether a puppy is in sound health, is burdensome and unreasonable, and does not take into consideration the potential length of time responsible breeders may keep a puppy—in many instances, several months—prior to sale.
•Directing all sellers of dogs to file a certificate of origin with the Department of Agriculture within two days of sale, or otherwise be subject to a $100 fine, 30 days imprisonment, or both. The AKC argues that not only is this provision unreasonable, but if enacted, would create an enforcement nightmare of Connecticut's Department of Agriculture, which will be required to enforce this provision.
•Limiting kennel licensees from purchasing a dog or cat for resale from a breeder or other person, firm, or corporation located outside Connecticut that is not in possession of a current license issued by the USDA and any applicable state agency. This provision is both unreasonable and unenforceable because the various states have different breeder licensing regimes; as such, many breeders will not be able to meet the requirement of being licensed by both the USDA and a state. Additionally, the AKC believes that this provision opens the door to limiting the acquisition of all dogs from sources from outside Connecticut, regardless of intended purpose. This may result in many responsible breeders in Connecticut not being able to acquire appropriate dogs for their breeding programs from outside of Connecticut.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
All concerned responsible dog breeders and owners in Connecticut are strongly urged to immediately contact their state representative. Let them know that you oppose SB 499 as currently written, and urge them to do the same. Click here to find your legislator.
If your Representative is a Democrat, please call the House Democrats at (860) 240-8500. If your Representative is a Republican, please call the House Republicans at (860) 240-8700. Ask for your Representative by name. Tell them that you are calling about SB 499 and respectfully let them know that you oppose the bill.
For tips on how to effectively communicate with legislators, click here.
For a copy of our Disagree Diplomatically brochure, click here.
For more information, contact AKC's Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.
AKC's new Legislative Tracking
The AKC now has a clickable map of the US where they are tracking Legislative issues. This site is located Here
http://www.trendtrack.com/texis/cq/viewrpt?event=49bfaef9bd
http://www.trendtrack.com/texis/cq/viewrpt?event=49bfaef9bd
Thursday, April 30, 2009
ALL Breeders are Commercial Breeders according to Wayne Parcelle
Just ask Wayne Pacelle, all breeders are commercial breeders, even show/hobby breeders. From Wayne Pacelle's blog, dated April 1, 2009. The following is taken from his blog:
"This year, with all of the awareness and exposés of puppy mill abuses, there are more reform efforts than ever in the states-from Maine to California, and more than half the states in between. And again, what we get is vitriol and antagonism from zealous dog breeders, silence or opposition from the American Kennel Club on the legislation, and even resistance from a few state veterinary medical organizations." [snip]
"But there is a class of commercial dog breeders out there-apparently, a good number of them who are not even high-volume puppy mills-who raise their voices loudly against any attempt to impose reasonable standards of care for dogs and limits on how large these operations can be. Since they can hardly attack the substance of the legislation-because the provisions are so obviously rational (such as giving the animals an opportunity to exercise, or not forcing them to live on wire flooring their entire lives)-they attack The HSUS, almost unable to restrain themselves. They spew knowingly false things about The HSUS wanting to ban all pet ownership. In the past, in my blog and elsewhere, I've addressed these prevarications, where they take one quote completely out of context from 15 or 20 years ago, and treat that fragmented comment as doctrine, even though there are decades of public statements and action on my part and that of my colleagues that unmistakably celebrate the human-animal bond and The HSUS's vigorous support of pet keeping." [snip]
"The opponents of any and all reform efforts-led by Patti Strand, a board member of the American Kennel Club and a founder of an organization called the National Animal Interest Alliance (supported by the full gamut of fur retailers, trophy hunters, and other animal-abuse industries)-never propose anything positive. They are just naysayers and knee-jerk opponents, and they just want to tear down any law to help animals. They don't advance reform ideas of their own, because the fact is they want no laws to protect animals. In some cases, it's because they operate under the assumption that there's just no problem, or the ludicrous notion that passing a piecemeal reform will inevitably lead to a ban on all breeding. In other cases, it's simple self-delusion or hatred of government regulation.In the face of these desperate and malicious tactics, we will only step up our efforts. We’ll put more resources into the fight, knowing more than ever that we are on the side of right and that God’s creatures need us to stand up for them more than ever.”
-End of Wayne's comments-
If you've never been moved to get personally involved in the fight to protect our rights to own, breed and show dogs of our choosing, I suggest that the time is now!
Wayne's full blog for April 1st can be found here - read it and be afraid...be very afraid! Take action now!!!
http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2009/04/page/2/
My Personal Comments:
Take note of the red/bolded text in the above blog of Wayne Pacelle’s. According to this blog there are no more hobby breeders. We are a class of commercial dog breeders. Further, most commercial dog breeders are high-volume puppy mills. In one fell swoop of his pen, Wayne Pacelle has eliminated hobby breeders and reclassified us all.Then the scariest part of it all he accuses us of having being self-delusional and/or having a hatred of government regulation.
I don’t know about anyone else out there but I still live in the United States of America, where our forefathers spoke out against over-regulation of/from government. Where we have a Declaration of Independence that states
“But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”
The train of abuses and usurpations are beginning and I am tired of it. This is supposed to be a country of less government not more.
Further the Founding Fathers stated that after petitioning the British government to correct these wrongs and not receiving any redress, it became necessary to Declare their Freedom from the British Government.
They consequently set up a government with Constitutional Rights to guarantee that the government would not usurp our basic freedoms and a petitioning process to redress wrongs and unnecessary laws.
But when we, the people and common citizen of the USA, follow these dictates of Our Founding Fathers in the way to petition unnecessary laws/legislation as set up by our forefathers, we have come up against a Would-Be-Dictator of unending money supply, that demands that we give into them and are wrong to oppose them. Further, we are a group of zealous dog breeders spewing forth vitriol and antagonism because we dare to confront and fight against the legislation that would be dictated on us by an organization as they attempt to lure/con/dictate to the legislators of these state and federal governments (who are elected to office to follow the will of their constituents) to pass their legislation not the legislation of the people. To me this is Dictatorship. This Would-Be-Dictator, Wayne Pacelle, of the Humane Society of the United States, demands that we are self-delusional and have a hatred of governmental regulation.
I stand up and say, “NO, I am NOT SELF-DELUSIONAL and YES, I am AGAINST unnecessary GOVERNMENT REGULATION, especially when there are federal and state laws already covering these areas.”
This country is undergoing drastic changes at this time. It is not a time to sit down at the table and try to come to a compromise. Compromises will not work. Once passed into law and the legislators that did the compromising are no longer in office to protect the law the way it was meant to be, changes come about. It is much harder to rescind a law then to stop legislation, but it is very easy for legislators and lobbyists to change existing laws to fit their design as they see fit.
The calling out of citizens following the constitutional procedures of legislation as desperate and malicious tactics is beyond ludicrous. Wayne Pacelle’s self-proclaimed “calling of God’s” to protect creatures, is a self-justification to fool the religious citizens to think that he is justified to take away the freedom and rights of private citizens. All of mankind was given jurisdiction and ownership of animals not just Wayne Pacelle. Wayne Pacelle is not God’s chosen to see that this is accomplished.
Further, his calling our tactics as desperate and malicious is a furtive attempt to call attention away from the HSUS not having the correct numbers when questioned and leading on the legislators in each state to believe that only the HSUS has the solution. HSUS is the liar in all of this. They have misled the USA citizenship into believing that they are concerned about animals while taking donations from an uninformed public. It is time to put a stop to their coffers profiting from their lies.
This is a time when all citizens that want to have animals in their lives, that they can touch and interact with, or breed and own, to stand up and join the fight. This fight is against not only an organization, but against a man that thinks he has the right to dictate to everyone else how they are to treat property. What they can have and what they cannot. How they are to treat this property and when. To me this sounds an awful lot like a Dictator. And I call him out as such. Wayne Pacelle, you are nothing more than a Would-Be-Dictator that will eventually be overthrown by a Grass-Roots Movement of People that will not lay down and take your politics, your lying, or your self-proclamation of being a savior for animals when you have no desire to even be in physical contact with animals. You dare to try and make your organization, HSUS, into the most powerful organization to dictate to state and federal governments what laws need to be made.
We will fight you to the end, for our Animals, for our Children, FOR OUR RIGHTS OF FREEDOM and OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS of a LEGISLATIVE PROCESS FOR THE PEOPLE.CathyM
Catren's Shar Pei
Catren's Leather Show Accessories
"This year, with all of the awareness and exposés of puppy mill abuses, there are more reform efforts than ever in the states-from Maine to California, and more than half the states in between. And again, what we get is vitriol and antagonism from zealous dog breeders, silence or opposition from the American Kennel Club on the legislation, and even resistance from a few state veterinary medical organizations." [snip]
"But there is a class of commercial dog breeders out there-apparently, a good number of them who are not even high-volume puppy mills-who raise their voices loudly against any attempt to impose reasonable standards of care for dogs and limits on how large these operations can be. Since they can hardly attack the substance of the legislation-because the provisions are so obviously rational (such as giving the animals an opportunity to exercise, or not forcing them to live on wire flooring their entire lives)-they attack The HSUS, almost unable to restrain themselves. They spew knowingly false things about The HSUS wanting to ban all pet ownership. In the past, in my blog and elsewhere, I've addressed these prevarications, where they take one quote completely out of context from 15 or 20 years ago, and treat that fragmented comment as doctrine, even though there are decades of public statements and action on my part and that of my colleagues that unmistakably celebrate the human-animal bond and The HSUS's vigorous support of pet keeping." [snip]
"The opponents of any and all reform efforts-led by Patti Strand, a board member of the American Kennel Club and a founder of an organization called the National Animal Interest Alliance (supported by the full gamut of fur retailers, trophy hunters, and other animal-abuse industries)-never propose anything positive. They are just naysayers and knee-jerk opponents, and they just want to tear down any law to help animals. They don't advance reform ideas of their own, because the fact is they want no laws to protect animals. In some cases, it's because they operate under the assumption that there's just no problem, or the ludicrous notion that passing a piecemeal reform will inevitably lead to a ban on all breeding. In other cases, it's simple self-delusion or hatred of government regulation.In the face of these desperate and malicious tactics, we will only step up our efforts. We’ll put more resources into the fight, knowing more than ever that we are on the side of right and that God’s creatures need us to stand up for them more than ever.”
-End of Wayne's comments-
If you've never been moved to get personally involved in the fight to protect our rights to own, breed and show dogs of our choosing, I suggest that the time is now!
Wayne's full blog for April 1st can be found here - read it and be afraid...be very afraid! Take action now!!!
http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2009/04/page/2/
My Personal Comments:
Take note of the red/bolded text in the above blog of Wayne Pacelle’s. According to this blog there are no more hobby breeders. We are a class of commercial dog breeders. Further, most commercial dog breeders are high-volume puppy mills. In one fell swoop of his pen, Wayne Pacelle has eliminated hobby breeders and reclassified us all.Then the scariest part of it all he accuses us of having being self-delusional and/or having a hatred of government regulation.
I don’t know about anyone else out there but I still live in the United States of America, where our forefathers spoke out against over-regulation of/from government. Where we have a Declaration of Independence that states
“But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”
The train of abuses and usurpations are beginning and I am tired of it. This is supposed to be a country of less government not more.
Further the Founding Fathers stated that after petitioning the British government to correct these wrongs and not receiving any redress, it became necessary to Declare their Freedom from the British Government.
They consequently set up a government with Constitutional Rights to guarantee that the government would not usurp our basic freedoms and a petitioning process to redress wrongs and unnecessary laws.
But when we, the people and common citizen of the USA, follow these dictates of Our Founding Fathers in the way to petition unnecessary laws/legislation as set up by our forefathers, we have come up against a Would-Be-Dictator of unending money supply, that demands that we give into them and are wrong to oppose them. Further, we are a group of zealous dog breeders spewing forth vitriol and antagonism because we dare to confront and fight against the legislation that would be dictated on us by an organization as they attempt to lure/con/dictate to the legislators of these state and federal governments (who are elected to office to follow the will of their constituents) to pass their legislation not the legislation of the people. To me this is Dictatorship. This Would-Be-Dictator, Wayne Pacelle, of the Humane Society of the United States, demands that we are self-delusional and have a hatred of governmental regulation.
I stand up and say, “NO, I am NOT SELF-DELUSIONAL and YES, I am AGAINST unnecessary GOVERNMENT REGULATION, especially when there are federal and state laws already covering these areas.”
This country is undergoing drastic changes at this time. It is not a time to sit down at the table and try to come to a compromise. Compromises will not work. Once passed into law and the legislators that did the compromising are no longer in office to protect the law the way it was meant to be, changes come about. It is much harder to rescind a law then to stop legislation, but it is very easy for legislators and lobbyists to change existing laws to fit their design as they see fit.
The calling out of citizens following the constitutional procedures of legislation as desperate and malicious tactics is beyond ludicrous. Wayne Pacelle’s self-proclaimed “calling of God’s” to protect creatures, is a self-justification to fool the religious citizens to think that he is justified to take away the freedom and rights of private citizens. All of mankind was given jurisdiction and ownership of animals not just Wayne Pacelle. Wayne Pacelle is not God’s chosen to see that this is accomplished.
Further, his calling our tactics as desperate and malicious is a furtive attempt to call attention away from the HSUS not having the correct numbers when questioned and leading on the legislators in each state to believe that only the HSUS has the solution. HSUS is the liar in all of this. They have misled the USA citizenship into believing that they are concerned about animals while taking donations from an uninformed public. It is time to put a stop to their coffers profiting from their lies.
This is a time when all citizens that want to have animals in their lives, that they can touch and interact with, or breed and own, to stand up and join the fight. This fight is against not only an organization, but against a man that thinks he has the right to dictate to everyone else how they are to treat property. What they can have and what they cannot. How they are to treat this property and when. To me this sounds an awful lot like a Dictator. And I call him out as such. Wayne Pacelle, you are nothing more than a Would-Be-Dictator that will eventually be overthrown by a Grass-Roots Movement of People that will not lay down and take your politics, your lying, or your self-proclamation of being a savior for animals when you have no desire to even be in physical contact with animals. You dare to try and make your organization, HSUS, into the most powerful organization to dictate to state and federal governments what laws need to be made.
We will fight you to the end, for our Animals, for our Children, FOR OUR RIGHTS OF FREEDOM and OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS of a LEGISLATIVE PROCESS FOR THE PEOPLE.CathyM
Catren's Shar Pei
Catren's Leather Show Accessories
Cracking down on “puppy mills”? , or just limiting your rights?
This year bills have been proposed in no fewer than 15 states claming to crack down on puppy mills, but upon reading the proposed bills, they do little more than set a limit for the number of intact dogs an individual can keep.
Today in North Carolina, Senate Bill 460- Commercial Breeding of Dogs, will be considered. This is one such bill that could set into law the definition of commercial breeder an arbitrary number of intact female dogs (15). Earlier this year Oregon considered House Bill 2470 which identified as few as 3 litters a year as a pet dealer ,which had legal ramifications, and limited anyone from possessing more than 25 intact dogs total. West Virginia was proposing to set the commercial breeder bar at 20 intact dogs, and finally in Arkansas, the limit was set at 12 dogs, and they didn’t even have to live on your property. Many hobby breeders jointly own dogs with other hobby breeders and obviously that dog is only located at one place at a time, so the proposal in Arkansas would cover that base.
Are these laws really cracking down on puppy mills, or are they just limiting the rights of American Citizens? There is no definition of a puppy mill, but each of these laws is including a definition of a commercial breeder which, when based on an arbitrary number that some law maker sound like “a lot of dogs” creates a regulatory system on a person’s life-style choice . The term puppy mill evokes an imagine of cramped housing, untreated wounds and filth in the mind’s of most Americans. It is this image that has recently, and repeatedly, been portrayed on television by organizations such as the Human Society of the United States (HSUS). This tactic is being used to build public support for so called puppy mill bills, but rarely is the public actually reading the bills that are being proposed.
Laws that impose numerical limits do nothing to address the concerns that most Americans have in regards to the so called puppy mills. They do nothing to protect the citizens of this great nation from one another, or others wishing to do us harm; they do nothing to improve the health and saftey of the residents of this great nation; but rather, only serve to limit the choice residents of this great nation have, and criminalize activities of otherwise ordinary citizens who think they live in the land of the free where having puppies is no one else's business but theirs.
Today in North Carolina, Senate Bill 460- Commercial Breeding of Dogs, will be considered. This is one such bill that could set into law the definition of commercial breeder an arbitrary number of intact female dogs (15). Earlier this year Oregon considered House Bill 2470 which identified as few as 3 litters a year as a pet dealer ,which had legal ramifications, and limited anyone from possessing more than 25 intact dogs total. West Virginia was proposing to set the commercial breeder bar at 20 intact dogs, and finally in Arkansas, the limit was set at 12 dogs, and they didn’t even have to live on your property. Many hobby breeders jointly own dogs with other hobby breeders and obviously that dog is only located at one place at a time, so the proposal in Arkansas would cover that base.
Are these laws really cracking down on puppy mills, or are they just limiting the rights of American Citizens? There is no definition of a puppy mill, but each of these laws is including a definition of a commercial breeder which, when based on an arbitrary number that some law maker sound like “a lot of dogs” creates a regulatory system on a person’s life-style choice . The term puppy mill evokes an imagine of cramped housing, untreated wounds and filth in the mind’s of most Americans. It is this image that has recently, and repeatedly, been portrayed on television by organizations such as the Human Society of the United States (HSUS). This tactic is being used to build public support for so called puppy mill bills, but rarely is the public actually reading the bills that are being proposed.
Laws that impose numerical limits do nothing to address the concerns that most Americans have in regards to the so called puppy mills. They do nothing to protect the citizens of this great nation from one another, or others wishing to do us harm; they do nothing to improve the health and saftey of the residents of this great nation; but rather, only serve to limit the choice residents of this great nation have, and criminalize activities of otherwise ordinary citizens who think they live in the land of the free where having puppies is no one else's business but theirs.
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, April 13, 2009
AL- Spay/Neuter Bill Introduced
[Thursday, April 02, 2009]
From AKC-
Alabama Senator Del Marsh (R) of Anniston has introduced Senate Bill 554, which would, among other provisions, require the sterilization of all privately-owned dogs six months of age or older. The American Kennel Club opposes SB 554, and strongly urges all responsible dog breeders and owners in Alabama to contact their elected representatives, bill sponsor Senator Marsh, and the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and respectfully yet strongly let them know that you oppose SB 554, and urge them to do the same.
The American Kennel Club opposes the concept of breeding permits, breeding bans, or mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs. Instead, we support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the health and welfare of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of breeders and owners who take their responsibility seriously. However, the American Kennel Club recognizes the special obligation of dog owners, not only to their pets but also to their neighbors. The AKC supports "curbing" and clean-up ordinances, leash laws, nuisance laws, and other reasonable regulations designed to ensure that dogs and their owners remain respected members of their communities.
If enacted, SB 554 will:
* Require all dogs six months of age and older to be spayed or neutered.
* Provide that an owner of an unsterilized dog six months of age or older that is the subject of a complaint may be cited and, in addition to any fine, be forced to pay a civil penalty of $50 on the first occurrence; pay a civil penalty of $100 on the second occurrence; and on the third occurrence, require sterilization of the dog.
* Define "complaint" as any oral or written complaint to a local animal control agency that alleges that the dog or the owner of the dog has violated this act, any other provision of state law that relates to dogs, or a local animal control ordinance. "Complaint" also means that observation by an employee or officer of a local animal control agency of behavior by a dog or the owner of a dog that violates this act, any other provision of state law that relate[s] to dogs or cats, or a local animal control ordinance. "Complaint" shall not include an allegation of excessive noise or barking.
The measure also would exempt owners of dogs from the act, if:
* Their dog is a breed approved by and is registered with a recognized registry or association, and the dog is actively used to show or compete and has competed in at least one show or sporting competition hosted by or under the approval of the recognized registry or association within the last two years;
Their dog is being trained or groomed to show or compete and is too young to have yet competed;
* Their dog has earned or is in the process of earning a special title, such as agility or herding;
* Their dog is trained or in training for use in law enforcement, military, or rescue activities; or
* By letter from a licensed veterinarian, their dog has been certified to be temporarily or permanently deferred due to age or heath or any other valid reason.
The AKC does not believe that these exemptions adequately address the underlying issue of responsible dog ownership or the right of responsible breeders to maintain an unaltered dog for the purpose of breeding.
As introduced, SB 554 is a substantive copy of a version of California Assembly Bill 1634 that responsible dog breeders and owners in California successfully opposed in 2008. As such, SB 554 is not designed as a solution for any animal control issues for Alabama. Additionally, because SB 554 provides the authority to issue a citation for an unaltered dog (or cat) that is the subject of a complaint (other than for excessive noise or barking) and which includes the consequence of owners being required to sterilize their dog, the bill does not clearly provide animal owners with due process to protect against overzealous enforcement that may result in permanent deprivation of one’s property.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
It is imperative that all responsible dog breeders and owners in Alabama contact their elected representatives, SB 554’s sponsor, and the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Respectfully yet strongly let them know that you oppose SB 554, and urge them to do the same.
To find your Alabama State Representative and State Senator, click here and enter your zip code+4 on the left side of the page.
SB 554 Sponsor - Senator Del Marsh
Alabama State House, Room 735
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7877
FAX: (334) 242-8819
E-MAIL: del.marsh@alsenate.gov
Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee
Senator Myron C. Penn, Chairman
Alabama State House, Room 731
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7868
E-MAIL: myronpenn28@hotmail.com
Senator Roger H. Bedford, Jr.
Alabama State House, Room 730-B
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7862
E-MAIL: senbedford@aol.com
Senator Kim S. Benefield
Alabama State House, Room 729-C
State House
11 South Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7874
FAX: (334) 353-8277
E-MAIL: kbenefield@acs-isp.com
Senator Ben Brooks
Alabama State House, Room 735-A
11 South Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7882
E-MAIL: benbrooksiii@aol.com
Senator Vivian Davis Figures
Alabama State House, Room 732
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7871
E-MAIL: vivian.figures@al-legislature.gov
Senator T.D. "Ted" Little
Alabama State House, Room 740
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7865
E-MAIL: tedlittle@mindspring.com
Senator Del Marsh
Alabama State House, Room 735
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7877
FAX: (334) 242-8819
E-MAIL: del.marsh@alsenate.gov
Senator Trip Pittman
Alabama State House, Room 738-B
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7897
E-MAIL: trip.pittman@alsenate.gov
Senator Henry "Hank" Sanders
Alabama State House, Room 730
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7860
(No e-mail available)
Senator Bobby Singleton
Alabama State House, Room 732-B
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7935
FAX: (334) 242-7191
E-MAIL: BSingle164@yahoo.com
Senator Rodger Mell Smitherman (President Pro Tempore)
Alabama State House, Room 722
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7870
E-MAIL: rodger.smitherman@alsenate.gov
Senator Zeb Little (Senate Majority Leader)
Alabama State House, Room 721
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7855
E-MAIL: zeb@zeblittlelawfirm.com
Senator Arthur Orr
Alabama State House, Suite 737
11 South Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130-4600
PHONE: (334) 242-7800
FAX: (334) 242-8819
To e-mail Senator Orr, click here for an online form.
RESOURCES:
For tips on how to effectively communicate with legislators, please click here.
For a copy of our Disagree Diplomatically brochure, please click here.
For a sample letter of opposition to SB 554 that Alabama residents can customize, please click here.
For more information, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org; or contact the Alabama Canine Coalition at president@alabamacaninecoalition.com.
From AKC-
Alabama Senator Del Marsh (R) of Anniston has introduced Senate Bill 554, which would, among other provisions, require the sterilization of all privately-owned dogs six months of age or older. The American Kennel Club opposes SB 554, and strongly urges all responsible dog breeders and owners in Alabama to contact their elected representatives, bill sponsor Senator Marsh, and the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and respectfully yet strongly let them know that you oppose SB 554, and urge them to do the same.
The American Kennel Club opposes the concept of breeding permits, breeding bans, or mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs. Instead, we support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the health and welfare of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of breeders and owners who take their responsibility seriously. However, the American Kennel Club recognizes the special obligation of dog owners, not only to their pets but also to their neighbors. The AKC supports "curbing" and clean-up ordinances, leash laws, nuisance laws, and other reasonable regulations designed to ensure that dogs and their owners remain respected members of their communities.
If enacted, SB 554 will:
* Require all dogs six months of age and older to be spayed or neutered.
* Provide that an owner of an unsterilized dog six months of age or older that is the subject of a complaint may be cited and, in addition to any fine, be forced to pay a civil penalty of $50 on the first occurrence; pay a civil penalty of $100 on the second occurrence; and on the third occurrence, require sterilization of the dog.
* Define "complaint" as any oral or written complaint to a local animal control agency that alleges that the dog or the owner of the dog has violated this act, any other provision of state law that relates to dogs, or a local animal control ordinance. "Complaint" also means that observation by an employee or officer of a local animal control agency of behavior by a dog or the owner of a dog that violates this act, any other provision of state law that relate[s] to dogs or cats, or a local animal control ordinance. "Complaint" shall not include an allegation of excessive noise or barking.
The measure also would exempt owners of dogs from the act, if:
* Their dog is a breed approved by and is registered with a recognized registry or association, and the dog is actively used to show or compete and has competed in at least one show or sporting competition hosted by or under the approval of the recognized registry or association within the last two years;
Their dog is being trained or groomed to show or compete and is too young to have yet competed;
* Their dog has earned or is in the process of earning a special title, such as agility or herding;
* Their dog is trained or in training for use in law enforcement, military, or rescue activities; or
* By letter from a licensed veterinarian, their dog has been certified to be temporarily or permanently deferred due to age or heath or any other valid reason.
The AKC does not believe that these exemptions adequately address the underlying issue of responsible dog ownership or the right of responsible breeders to maintain an unaltered dog for the purpose of breeding.
As introduced, SB 554 is a substantive copy of a version of California Assembly Bill 1634 that responsible dog breeders and owners in California successfully opposed in 2008. As such, SB 554 is not designed as a solution for any animal control issues for Alabama. Additionally, because SB 554 provides the authority to issue a citation for an unaltered dog (or cat) that is the subject of a complaint (other than for excessive noise or barking) and which includes the consequence of owners being required to sterilize their dog, the bill does not clearly provide animal owners with due process to protect against overzealous enforcement that may result in permanent deprivation of one’s property.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
It is imperative that all responsible dog breeders and owners in Alabama contact their elected representatives, SB 554’s sponsor, and the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Respectfully yet strongly let them know that you oppose SB 554, and urge them to do the same.
To find your Alabama State Representative and State Senator, click here and enter your zip code+4 on the left side of the page.
SB 554 Sponsor - Senator Del Marsh
Alabama State House, Room 735
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7877
FAX: (334) 242-8819
E-MAIL: del.marsh@alsenate.gov
Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee
Senator Myron C. Penn, Chairman
Alabama State House, Room 731
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7868
E-MAIL: myronpenn28@hotmail.com
Senator Roger H. Bedford, Jr.
Alabama State House, Room 730-B
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7862
E-MAIL: senbedford@aol.com
Senator Kim S. Benefield
Alabama State House, Room 729-C
State House
11 South Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7874
FAX: (334) 353-8277
E-MAIL: kbenefield@acs-isp.com
Senator Ben Brooks
Alabama State House, Room 735-A
11 South Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7882
E-MAIL: benbrooksiii@aol.com
Senator Vivian Davis Figures
Alabama State House, Room 732
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7871
E-MAIL: vivian.figures@al-legislature.gov
Senator T.D. "Ted" Little
Alabama State House, Room 740
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7865
E-MAIL: tedlittle@mindspring.com
Senator Del Marsh
Alabama State House, Room 735
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7877
FAX: (334) 242-8819
E-MAIL: del.marsh@alsenate.gov
Senator Trip Pittman
Alabama State House, Room 738-B
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7897
E-MAIL: trip.pittman@alsenate.gov
Senator Henry "Hank" Sanders
Alabama State House, Room 730
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7860
(No e-mail available)
Senator Bobby Singleton
Alabama State House, Room 732-B
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7935
FAX: (334) 242-7191
E-MAIL: BSingle164@yahoo.com
Senator Rodger Mell Smitherman (President Pro Tempore)
Alabama State House, Room 722
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7870
E-MAIL: rodger.smitherman@alsenate.gov
Senator Zeb Little (Senate Majority Leader)
Alabama State House, Room 721
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
PHONE: (334) 242-7855
E-MAIL: zeb@zeblittlelawfirm.com
Senator Arthur Orr
Alabama State House, Suite 737
11 South Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130-4600
PHONE: (334) 242-7800
FAX: (334) 242-8819
To e-mail Senator Orr, click here for an online form.
RESOURCES:
For tips on how to effectively communicate with legislators, please click here.
For a copy of our Disagree Diplomatically brochure, please click here.
For a sample letter of opposition to SB 554 that Alabama residents can customize, please click here.
For more information, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org; or contact the Alabama Canine Coalition at president@alabamacaninecoalition.com.
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