New York State Senator Andrew J. Lanza of Staten Island has introduced Senate Bill 8546, which seeks to dramatically change the state's “pet dealer” laws by:
- Changing the definition of “pet dealer” to include anyone who engages in the sale or offering for sale of animals for profit to the public and keeps on their premises more than four intact female dogs six months of age or older for the purpose of breeding. (This is in addition to the already existing “pet dealer” classification threshold of those who engage in the sale or offering for sale of more than nine animals per year for profit to the public.)
- Removing the existing “hobby breeder” exception, which currently provides that a breeder who sells directly to the consumer fewer than 25 animals per year born and raised on the breeder's residential premises shall not be considered a pet dealer.
- Imposing record-keeping requirements.
- Mandating that all pet dealers allow their veterinarians to release the health information of their dogs to the Commissioner of Agriculture.
- Removing the existing lower-cost “hobby breeder” license fee.
- Adjusting the pet dealing license fee costs to a graduated system based on previous year's sales.
Senate Bill 8546 is a companion to Assembly Bill 11509, which, after an attempt to rush the controversial bill through the Assembly, was removed from consideration after the strong expression of opposition from concerned dog breeders and owners. (For more information on Assembly Bill 11509, click here.)
The American Kennel Club opposes the concepts of breeding permits, breeding bans, or the 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 breeders and owners who take their responsibilities seriously. Unfortunately, AB 8546 is contrary to AKC's position on legislation that seeks to impose breeding restrictions, and must be respectfully yet strongly opposed.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
It is imperative that all concerned New York dog breeders and owners contact Senator Lanza and their own state senator. Respectfully let them know that you oppose the overbearing and unreasonable Senate Bill 8546.
Senator Andrew J. Lanza
947 LOB
Albany, NY 12247
(518) 455-3215
(518) 426-6852 FAX
lanza@senate.state.ny.us
To find your state senator's contact information, click here and enter your zip code.
For more information, contact AKC's Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.
New York State Senator Andrew J. Lanza of Staten Island has introduced Senate Bill 8546, which seeks…