AKC supports reasonable consumer protection laws, and believes that proper protections and recourses should be offered to consumers in case an animal is sold that is truly “unfit for purchase”. However, SB 1902 removes reasonable protections that protect responsible breeders. It also should be noted that no such requirements are required of retail rescues or shelters.
AKC is recommending amendments that any determination of “unfit for purchase” due to illness or symptoms of illness should represent the state of the dog at the time of sale.This protects pet dealers from being forced to provide compensation for an illness that may have occurred after the dog was sold to its owner. AKC is also recommending that protection laws should state very clearly that the costs for caring for the animal must also be directly related to an illness that was present at the time of sale, to avoid forcing a pet dealer to pay for a lifetime of veterinary visits for the animal for other circumstances.
Read AKC’s previous Legislative Alert for more information on Senate Bill 1902.
Senate Bill 1902 can now be considered by the full Senate at any time. Those who reside and sell dogs in New York are encouraged to contact their State Senator and express any comments and concerns you have with Senate Bill 1902. To find their contact information, visit the AKC’s Legislative Action Center and type your address in the “Find Your Elected Officials” box. Scroll down for the name and contact information for your State Senator.
AKC Government Relations is continuing to monitor this legislation. For more information, contact doglaw@akc.org.