Summary:
On Thursday, June 20, the Fresno City Council unanimously adopted a resolution that suspends the issuance of new unaltered dog licenses until the 3-month shelter occupancy rate average drops below 75 percent. As the city is currently above this threshold, the issuance of new unaltered dog licenses is to be immediately suspended if Mayor Jerry Dyer signs the resolution. The measure adopted by the city council contains NO exemptions.
The mayor has until July 1 to take action on the resolution. Fresno residents are strongly encouraged to review the below information and ask Mayor Dyer to veto the resolution. Submit written comments to Mayor Dyer HERE or via phone at (559) 621-8000. Scroll down for more information and talking points
Additional Information on the Resolution:
Additionally, the resolution states:
- Any advertisement to the public regarding the availability of any dogs for
sale or transfer, which was bred for the purpose of selling or transfer within the City,
whether for compensation or otherwise, shall prominently display the unaltered dog
license. - Any dog owners whose animal has been either bred or sold or transferred without an unaltered dog license shall constitute a misdemeanor.
- Any commercial operation that allows for the sale or transfer of dogs within its premises without a proper unaltered dog license shall constitute as a misdemeanor.
- Any person who violates this resolution shall be assessed by means of administrative citations and shall be payable directly to the City of Fresno. Administrative fees for violation of this resolution shall be assessed at $1,000.00 per dog. Each and every day a violation exists constitutes a separate and distinct offense.
- Breeding shall be deemed to have occurred upon the production of offspring, whether such offspring results from sexual activity or artificial insemination, and whether such sexual activity was intentional or the result of improper confinement
Talking Points:
- Remind the mayor that responsible, licensed dog owners and responsible owners of intact animals are not the reason for shelter population concerns
- In terms of addressing issues in animal shelter system, offer the mayor the following steps which would have a greater impact on shelter system than banning responsible breeding:
- Ensure good data collection to determine where issues are originating and allow for arising problems to be adequately addresses.
- Remind the mayor that there are NO exemptions in the resolution and that spay/neuter is permanent even if the resolution could be temporary.
- Ensure all animals received in the shelter system to be checked for microchips so lost pets can be quickly reunited with their owners and don’t languish in shelter system taking up valuable space and resources.
- Make sure low-cost spay and neuter funds are available to all who need it and ensure that program availability is widely known through community outreach.
- Often, dogs are surrendered due to economical or other unforeseen circumstances, including housing. Consider offering tax credits or other programs to incentivize greater acceptance of pets in residential housing to address issue of pets ending up in shelter system only because of housing issues.
- Develop a plan to manage “dangerous dogs” taken in and kept in the shelter system.
Visit Breeding Regulations and Restrictions in the AKC Legislative Action Center for more talking points and information.
AKC GR will provide updates as warranted on next steps as they are available. For questions or more information on California legislation, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.