Both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (CFDRDO) extend our deep appreciation to dog owners who submitted public hearing comments this year. We are grateful to Representative Doug Dubitsky for his leadership and pleased to provide the following update:
SUPPORT KENNELS AND DOMESTIC DOG LAWS:
SB 1069 seeks to, among other provisions, amend laws pertaining to kennel licenses and domestic dog laws. Helpful amendments sought by AKC and CFDRDO were adopted before favorable committee release, as detailed in this update. However, a significant concern remained in Section 3 of amended SB 1069. The words “breeder” and “facility” were used when referring to “kennel”, which is defined as anyone who produces more than two litters a year. The effect would have been that many hobby breeders would have been treated the same as commercial entities.
With the assistance of Representative Dubitsky, AKC and CFDRDO secured an agreement from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to strike the word “facility” and insert “local”, appropriate given that “kennels” are licensed by towns.
SB 1069 would also remove section 22-344c that requires state licensure of “breeder facilities” with more than ten intact dogs on the premises. Instead, after a May 16 amendment by the Senate, the bill directs towns to only inspect and license “local kennels” that produce more than five litters a year.
The bill now advances to the House.
SUPPORT ON-LINE DOG LICENSE RENEWALS:
HB 6611, “On-line dog licenses from the Department of Agriculture,” would authorize a streamlined electronic system for dog license registration and renewal through the Department with a simple flat fee for all dogs. Dog owners without electronic access would be allowed to continue to register dogs with their town clerks. An amended HB 6611 is on the House calendar for consideration.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Connecticut residents are encouraged to register your support of SB 1069 and HB 6611 by contacting your State Representative. Search for yours by using this form. Send an email noting your AKC club experience, the fairness of updated municipal kennel inspection provisions in SB 1069 and the convenience of on-line dog license renewal provided by HB 6611. View the key issues page on the value of responsible breeders in AKC’s Legislative Action Center for talking points. Please include your address and contact information so they know you are a constituent.
For more information on these or other legislative issues in Connecticut, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.