The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is conducting a study of animal welfare in North Carolina. The study will focus on current laws and regulations pertaining to the welfare of dogs, the oversight of public and private animal shelters, spay/neuter programs, the score of commercial breeding operations, and consumer protection issues. The department is seeking constructive comments from the public on these issues. The results of this study will be submitted to the North Carolina General Assembly in the upcoming session and could have an impact on statewide dog laws. It is vital that the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services receives input from responsible dog owners and breeders throughout the state to help ensure that that the study reflects balanced and informed input from responsible dog owners and breeders.
Based on information provided at recent public meetings about the study, the AKC believes that spay/neuter laws and commercial breeding will be a focus of the study, and that a commercial breeder bill may be introduced in the upcoming legislative session.
The AKC urges breeders and owners to send letters to the department, respectfully commenting on the topics above and drawing from their personal expertise where appropriate. The AKC will also be commenting formally on the study, and will provide this and other information as it becomes available.
Provided below are AKC talking points and policy information on some of the issues that may be addressed, including spay/neuter laws, breeding, and limit laws:
Click here for the AKC position statement on breeding restrictions
Click here for a printable handout on mandatory spay/neuter laws
Click here for the AKC position statement on responsible breeding practices
Click here for a printable handout on responsible breeding practices
Click here for the AKC position statement on the right to keep and enjoy dogs
Click here for a printable handout on dog limit laws
The AKC's state federation, the North Carolina Federation of Dog Clubs, has also published specific comments in response to the study. Click here to read the federation's comments.
For additional information, visit the AKC Government Relations Toolbox for policy articles and analysis on the value of responsible breeders, the economic impact of AKC events in North Carolina, why mandatory spay/neuter laws are ineffective, and other related topics.
Official comments should be sent to the following address. Where possible, the department prefers letters to be sent via e-mail.
Mailing and Email Address
Animal Welfare Study Comments
c/o NCDA&CS Animal Welfare Section
1030 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1030
animalwelfarestudy@ncagr.gov
For more information, contact the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at animalwelfarestudy@ncagr.gov. You can also contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is conducting a study of animal…