Summary:
On Thursday, November 21, the Seaside City Council (Monterey County) will consider the adoption of multiple changes to the animal control laws – including unaltered dog licenses and permits to breed one dog in the city. This will be the only opportunity to oppose these measures, so it is critical to voice your opposition now. Scroll down for contact and hearing information.
As currently written, the proposal would:
- Require anyone to spay or neuter their dog or cat unless they purchase a (potentially costly) unaltered license.
- Require anyone breeding and selling one litter of puppies or kittens to purchase a (potentially costly) breeder’s permit. The permit would not be allowed for any dog over seven years of age.
- The revocation of an unaltered license for violating any animal control laws twice over a 24-month period.
- Potentially require unlicensed animals impounded once in their lifetime be spayed or neutered prior to redemption by their owner.
What You Can Do:
Attend the November 21, 2024, Seaside City Council meeting in person or virtually and respectfully express your strong opposition, particularly to the breeder and licensing requirements. Remind the Councilmembers that you understand the concerns with shelter population and abandoned dogs, and also agree that those who own dogs should provide them with appropriate care.
However, this onerous proposal will not address concerns with shelter population or irresponsible owners. Instead, encourage them to enforce current state and local laws that ensure the responsible care of all animals—regardless of whether they are intact. Let them know the steps you take to care for your dogs and that regulating responsible breeders and owners of intact dogs is not the answer. Visit Breeding Regulations and Restrictions in the AKC Legislative Action Center for more talking points and information.
The proposal will be discussed at:
440 HARCOURT AVE (COUNCIL CHAMBER)
Seaside, CA 93955
Thursday, November 21, 2024
5:00 PM
To view or participate this meeting: Using the Zoom application on your smart phone, laptop, tablet or desktop and click on this link: https://ci-seaside-ca-us.zoom.us/j/81936832059
WEBINAR ID: 819 3683 2059
To listen or participate by phone: Please call (669) 900-9128
Enter the WEBINAR ID: 819 3683 2059 when prompted. There is no participate code –
press the pound sign # after the recording prompts you.
To make a public comment, the following options are available:
Before the Meeting via Email: Written comments can be emailed to CityClerk@ci.seaside.ca.us Include the following subject line: “Public Comment Item # B” Written comments must be received by 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
To contact members of the Seaside City Council directly (all members are at-large):
- Mayor Ian Oglesby; (831) 899-6704
- Councilmember Dave Pacheco; (831) 899-6704
- Councilmember Alexis Garcia-Arrazola; (831) 899-6704
- Councilmember Rita Burks; (831) 899-6704
- Councilmember Alex Miller; (831) 899-6704
AKC GR will provide updates as warranted on next steps in the coming weeks. For questions or more information on California legislation, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.