Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories:
Philadelphia, PA – Councilmember Cindy Bass has proposed Bill No. 250989 would impose a 36-month moratorium on the breeding and the sale or transfer of any dog under 7 months of age within the city to address overcrowding at the city’s shelters. The bill exempts any person or entity holding a valid Pennsylvania Dog Law kennel license, which is required if one keeps, harbors, boards, or transfers a total of 26 or more dogs in a calendar year. The bill would significantly restrict responsible, small-scale, American Kennel Club–affiliated breeders, while failing to address the real sources of shelter crowding. The bill has been referred to the Rules Committee and is expected to be considered on February 2. AKC GR has contacted members of the committee to voice opposition and offer to assist in finding an alternative solution to the shelter issue.