The Connecticut Joint Environment Committee’s public hearing agenda for Wednesday, February 28, 2024, includes HB 5223; which would, as part of a handful of provisions under the oversight of the Department of Agriculture, amend the legal definition of “grooming facility” to include those doing business in “any vehicle or trailer”. As a result, professional handlers exhibiting in the state could be required to obtain a grooming facility license.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes health and safety should always be primary considerations when grooming a dog. Professional handlers are paid by dog owners or breeders to train, condition, and show dogs in conformation shows and earn points towards AKC championships. They travel across the country to exhibit dogs at competitive events. Grooming a dog for exhibition is simply incidental to the services being provided and should not require state licensure.
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 28, 2024, 10:00AM” from the “Hearing Date and Time” drop down menu.
- Select “HB05223-AAC MINOR REVISIONS TO AGRICULTURE 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 28, 2023, 10:00AM public hearing in person or remotely. To do either, you must register by following these details before Monday, February 26, 2024, at 6PM.
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will provide additional information as developments warrant. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.