Bills are moving in both the Iowa House and Senate that would further regulate those who maintain four or more intact dogs and receive any kind of consideration for breeding or transferring even one dog.
The bills have now passed subcommittee and could be considered by the full committees any time. It is essential that if you are a dog breeder, fancier, or dog owner in Iowa that you do the following:
• Contact the House Commerce Committee and respectfully ask them to oppose HSB 560. Click here and click on individual names for contact information.
• Contact the Senate Ways and Means Committee and respectfully ask them to oppose SF 502. Click here and click on individual names for contact information.
• Contact Senate President Pam Jochum and House Speaker Linda Upmeyer and respectfully ask them to not allow these bills to advance.
Talking Points:
Both HSB 560 and SF 502 would create extensive license fees, mandate inspections, and even prohibit breeders from being involved in certain rescue activities. Read AKC’s previous legislative alert for more information and talking points on these bills. Click here for a sample phone script to use when contacting the legislature.
Below are a few additional talking points to consider:
• Iowa already has numerous laws regulating breeders. There does not need to be a call for further regulations. Iowa already has some of the most stringent breeder laws in the United States, including regulating those who keep just a few dogs in their home and occasionally breed one litter. This is in addition to federal regulations requiring USDA licensing and inspections of anyone who owns more than 4 intact female dogs and sells a puppy sight unseen. Calling for further regulations will send the very clear message that responsible dog owners and breeders are not welcome in Iowa and could result in the loss of the ability to continue to obtain a quality purebred dog from a responsible Iowa breeder.
• Breeders have a positive influence on the state. Responsible breeders are models for their communities. They raise healthy dogs and work to ensure that puppies are placed with responsible owners. These breeders are in a unique position to support new pet owners and teach them to be responsible dog owners. In addition, many breeders are providing quality dogs not just for wonderful family pets, but also to act as service, working, and search and rescue dogs. When contacting the legislators, let them know all you do on behalf of your dogs from caring for them to ensuring they are in good homes.
Responsible dog owners and breeders have a significant impact on the Iowa economy. AKC dog event generate significant revenue for local businesses in addition to the thousands of dollars each dog owner and breeder spends in a year on veterinary care, grooming, and basic dog needs. Continuing to target dog breeders in the state could lead to a significant loss of revenue for Iowa communities and a further drain on state resources.
• SF 502 and HSB 560 are not in the best interest of dogs, responsible breeders, or the State of Iowa. These bills will do nothing to help improve the lives of dogs in Iowa. In fact, one provision would even prevent breeders from being involved in certain rescue activities, thereby preventing those with some of the best facilities and knowledge in caring for dogs to be able to assist homeless dogs. In addition, these bills will require breeders to purchase multiple expensive licenses and be subject to mandatory inspections – even of their private homes. This will be a tremendous drain on state resources and an unnecessary violation of the rights of responsible breeders.
AKC will continue to monitor these bills and provide more information as it becomes available.
Bills are moving in both the Iowa House and Senate that would further regulate those who maintain four or more intact dogs and receive any kind of consideration for breeding or transferring even one dog.