Summary:
On Tuesday, June 24, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors advanced a proposal that will significantly overhaul the county’s animal ordinance code. The ordinance includes new breeding permitting requirements for breeding as few as one dog. It is unclear if this applies solely to breeding females, or if it applies to stud dogs as well. Anyone seeking to breed more than three dogs must apply for a kennel license.
This ordinance would apply to all Fresno County areas that are designated “unincorporated” territory. The measure is set for a final vote in front of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors at their regularly scheduled July 8 meeting.
Fresno County residents are strongly encouraged to review the information below and consider contacting the Fresno County Board of Supervisors NOW to express concerns. Scroll down for more information
Additionally, the ordinance states:
- A “breeder” is defined as a person who owns and breeds a dog or cat and sells the offspring for money or other consideration.
- No dog may be bred without first obtaining a breeding permit. A separate breeding permit will be required for each owned dog that is to be bred, and a total of three breeding permits (that follow the animal) can be issued per household. Those wishing to breed more than three dogs must apply for a kennel license.
- County residents with breeding permits will also need an unlicensed dog license (already exists) and a business tax license.
- Applications for a breeding permit are subject to a $50 application fee (the cost of the actual breeding permit will be set later).
- The sheriff shall conduct a background check on a breeding permit applicant. Approval of a breeding permit application is at the sheriff’s discretion.
- Each owned dog must bear an identifiable microchip.
- Dog owners must procure (either altered or unaltered) licenses for their dogs (already law).
- Breeding permits will be valid for one year.
- Each dog is only allowed to be bred once per year (already county law).
What You Can Do:
SCROLL DOWN FOR TALKING POINTS
Attend the Fresno County Board of Supervisors meeting and express your opposition (there is no option for virtual participation): The proposal is scheduled to be discussed on:
Hall of Records, Room 301
2281 Tulare Street
Fresno, California 93721
9:30 am, Tuesday, July 8
Contact your member of the Fresno Board of Supervisors:
- District 1 Supervisor: Vice Chairman Brian Pacheco: (559) 600-1000/ District1@fresnocountyca.gov
- District 2 Supervisor: Chairman Garry Bredefeld: (559) 600-2000/ District2@fresnocountyca.gov
- District 3 Supervisor: Luis Chavez: (559) 600-3000/ District3@fresnocountyca.gov
- District 4 Supervisor: Buddy Mendes: (559) 600-4000/ District4@fresnocountyca.gov
- District 5 Supervisor: Nathan Magsig (559) 600-5000/ District5@fresnocountyca.gov
Some points to be sure to mention to your councilmember:
- In terms of addressing overcrowding in the animal shelter system (the stated reason for the proposal), offer your supervisor the following steps which would have a greater impact on the shelter system than severely restricting responsible breeding:
- Ensure good data collection to determine where issues are originating and allow for arising problems to be adequately addresses.
- Ensure all animals received in the shelter system 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.