The Connecticut Joint Environment Committee’s public hearing agenda for Monday, February 27, 2023, includes SB 1069. In addition to a handful of provisions under the oversight of the Department of Agriculture, the bill includes significant changes to current kennel license rules. Proposed changes in SB 1069 to the current law that are of serious concern include:
(1) Amending “grooming facility” to include those doing business in “any vehicle or trailer”, both of which would also be required to obtain a grooming facility license. This could be interpreted as requiring professional handlers exhibiting in the state to obtain the license.
(2) Eliminating the current definition of “kennel” meaning “one pack or collection of dogs which are kept under one ownership at a single location and are bred for show, sport or sale”. Removing this definition erases the understanding that breeding dogs for these purposes is lawful.
(3) Authorizing municipal animal control officers (ACOs) to inspect, at any time, the “facility” of anyone who breeds more than two litters of dogs a year and required to obtain a municipal breeding kennel license, without defining “facility”. By labeling anyone who breeds more than two litters of dogs a year as a “facility,” SB 1069 fails to distinguish personal kennels from commercial business entities that produce dogs for sale to pet shops, wholesalers, or brokers.
(4) Mandating compliance with an ACO’s recommendations if the ACO finds, upon inspection of “facilities,” that breeding kennel conditions exist that may adversely affect the health and welfare of the dogs, or risk loss of license. Broadening the inspection authority of municipal ACOs without a definition of “facility” could result in an inappropriate search of the home of one who breeds personally-owned dogs for the purpose of improving, exhibiting, or showing the breed, or for use in legal sporting activity or for other personal reasons. It is unclear whether an ACO’s evaluation of “conditions” would include whether or not a dog could be bred, which is a decision that is appropriately made by owners and their veterinarians.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports and actively promotes a wide range of programs to educate the public about responsible purebred breeding practices and the responsibilities of dog ownership. AKC opposes the concept of breeding permits, breeding bans, and restrictions on the rights of breeders and owners who meet their responsibilities. Details on AKC’s position regarding breeding regulations and restrictions can be viewed here.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Immediately register your opposition with the Environment Committee by completing this form.
- Fill in the fields for your name, and select “February 27, 2023, 10:00AM” from the “Hearing Date and Time” drop down menu.
- Select “SB01069-AAC REVISIONS TO CERTAIN DOMESTIC ANIMAL RELATED STATUTES”.
- On the right-hand side, select “Opposes”.
- Please select “Type In My Testimony” under “How do I want to submit my testimony?” to share your objections or select “Upload a file I select” to upload written testimony in PDF format. Then, click on the button “Submit Testimony”.
In addition, you may speak at the February 27, 2023, 10:00AM public hearing in person or remotely. To do either, you must register by following these details before Sunday, February 26, 2023, at 6PM.
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will provide additional information as developments warrant. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.