March 2, 2009
A bill has been introduced in the Florida House of Representatives to limit dog ownership and impose numerous regulations on responsible breeders and dog owners, including imposing regulations on any person owning 10 or more dogs and limiting ownership to 50 dogs. All Florida responsible dog owners and breeders are encouraged to contact their State legislators and express their opposition to House Bill 1249 and its companion bill, Senate Bill 2002.
AKC’s mission includes working to protect the rights of all dog owners and promoting responsible dog ownership. The AKC abhors neglectful treatment of dogs and strongly supports the humane treatment including providing an adequate and nutritious diet, clean living conditions, regular veterinary care, kind and responsive human companionship and training in appropriate behavior—regardless of whether the dogs are in a kennel, shelter, or even someone’s home.
The AKC also believes that numerical limits do not address the underlying issues of responsible ownership and proper dog care. Instead, the AKC supports reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of all dogs without restricting the rights of owners or breeders who take their responsibilities seriously.
If adopted, House Bill 1249/Senate Bill 2002 (click here to read the bill) would impose numerous unenforceable provisions. These include:
- Prohibiting tail docking and ear cropping except by a licensed veterinarian.
- Imposing stringent engineering standards for anyone owning 10 or more dogs at least four months of age.
- Allowing for a warrantless search by any animal control officer or “other authorized public health or safety official”, either upon the receipt of a complaint or upon the officer’s “own initiative”.
- Prohibiting anyone from owning, possessing, controlling, or having charge or custody of more than 50 intact dogs over the age of four months at any time.
- Exempting public animal shelters, nonprofit humane societies/animal adoption/rescue organizations, veterinary facilities, retail pet stores, research institutions, and boarding facilities from the standards of care required in this bill.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- We urge all responsible dog breeders and owners in Florida to contact their state legislators and politely, yet strongly express your opposition to House Bill 1249 and Senate Bill 2002.
Click here for the Florida House of Representatives’ contact information (If you do not know your district, click here).
Click here to find your State Senator and their contact information.
For a sample letter to personalize and send, click here.
RESOURCES:
- For tips on how to effectively communicate with legislators, please click here.
- For a copy of our Disagree Diplomatically brochure, please click here.
A bill has been introduced in the Florida House of Representatives to limit dog ownership and…