The American Kennel Club has created the petition in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) new proposed regulations which would create harsh and unintended consequences for responsible small and hobby breeders in this country. Please join us by signing the petition before July 16 when the public comment period to the Animal Care Division of the USDA’s Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service ends. The petition, along with AKC’s comments on the proposed rule change, will be sent to the USDA.
Support AKC’s comments to the USDA regarding the new proposed rule change (RIN 0579-AD57) to the Animal Welfare Act at www.akc.org/petition.
The AKC shares the USDA’s concern about substandard Internet puppy sellers that operate outside the current regulations. However, under the proposed regulations to redefine “retail pet store,” breeders who maintain more than four “breeding females” and who sell even one puppy sight unseen, by any means (including online, by mail or by telephone), would now be regulated as commercial breeders by the USDA. The effect of these proposed regulations would be to take away the public’s opportunity to obtain puppies from some of our nation’s top breeders who in many cases, have dedicated their lives to breeding for health, breed type and temperament.
“We encourage you to sign this petition in order to alert the USDA that a ‘one size fits all breeders’ type of regulation is not in the best interest of purebred dogs, especially rare breeds, and those looking to add a puppy to their family,” said AKC Chairman of the Board Alan Kalter. “By signing our petition and posting your comments it will demonstrate our combined commitment to the continued breeding of dogs by responsible small and hobby breeders throughout this country.”
The AKC is the only not-for-profit purebred dog registry with a care and conditions of dogs policy and has conducted more than 55,000 inspections since 2000. Join us today to do your part in supporting responsible breeders and sign at www.akc.org/petition now!
The American Kennel Club has created the Join With the AKC to Protect Responsible Small Breeders…