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Attention Vermont fanciers! Sen. John Campbell is sponsoring S66, a bill that would amend the definition of “pet merchant” to include anyone who sells, exchanges, or donates animals. Duly incorporated humane societies would be exempt. Under existing law in Vermont, “pet merchants” must be licensed by the state at a cost of $150 per year.

If S66 is allowed to pass, thousands of hobby breeders—those who lovingly breed to share healthy, well-socialized puppies with others—will be required to be licensed and regulated by the state. Many may not be able to afford to continue their breeding programs under the burden of the proposed regulations. Consequently, puppy buyers in search of purebred dogs will seek out less reputable breeders who have little regard for the welfare of the dogs they produce and who do not accept responsibility for placing puppies in caring, responsible homes. Potential pet purchasers may also be deterred from pet ownership as a result of increased costs that will be passed on to consumers. AKC is also concerned about how S66 would be enforced, given the scope and cost of the proposed licensing expansion.

S66 is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Committee on Economic Housing, Development, and General Affairs on Friday, February 25th at 9:30 a.m. in Room 27 of the Senate chamber. Your help is needed immediately to help defeat this bill!

 

What You Can Do:

  • Attend Friday’s hearing and express your opposition to S66. If you cannot attend, contact the members of the Senate Committee on Economic Housing, Development, and General Affairs and urge them not to pass the bill.

    Committee Members
    Sen. Vincent Illuzzi (R) [Chair]
    Phone:802/828-2228,
    FAX:802/828-2424,
    Email: villuzzi@leg.state.vt.us

    Sen. Mark A. MacDonald (D) [Vice Chair]
    Phone:802/828-2228,
    Email: mmacdonald@leg.state.vt.us

    Sen. Matt Dunne (D)
    Phone:802/828-2228,
    Email: mdunne@leg.state.vt.us

    Sen. Rod Gander (D)
    Phone:802/828-2228,
    Email: rgander@leg.state.vt.us

    Sen. Hinda Miller (D)
    Phone:802/828-2228,
    Email: hmiller@leg.state.vt.us

    Sen. Kevin J. Mullin (R)
    Phone:802/828-2228,
    Email: kjmbjm@aol.com

  • Contact the bill sponsor to express your opposition.

    Sen. John Campbell
    State House 115 State St
    Montpelier, VT 05633-5301
    Phone:802/828-2228
    Email: jcampbell@leg.state.vt.us

 

For more information, contact:
Vermont Federation of Dog Clubs
nipmuc02@aol.com
802-229-2345

Canine Legislation department
doglaw@akc.org

Attention Vermont fanciers! Sen. John Campbell is sponsoring S66, a bill that would amend the…