Florida lawmakers will consider two dog-related bills this week that could significantly affect dog breeding, pet sales, dog breeding, and animal regulations statewide. Senate Bill 1004 is a consumer protection bill that seeks to add new requirements for Florida pet dealers and when financing agreements are used to purchase a pet. Senate Bill 1356 would require dog breeders to register with the state and new rules be created for their operations. It is imperative that Florida residents contact their state senators as soon as possible to share their opinions on these impactful proposals.
Florida Senate Bill 1004 – Sale of Dogs and Cats (Consumer Protection)
SB 1004 revises laws governing the sale of dogs and cats by adding new requirements for pet dealers and financing arrangements. The bill would:
- Remove the existing caps on veterinary cost reimbursements for animals determined to have been unfit.
- Require termination of related financing agreements without added cost if a pet sale is terminated because the animal is found to have been unfit for purchase.
- Mandate the full disclosure of all financial terms before the sale of an animal.
- Require pet dealers to provide specified medical records to consumers; and
- Treat violations as unfair or deceptive acts or practices, subject to penalties.
While intended to enhance consumer protections, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned that the bill’s broad enforcement provisions may create both compliance challenges and unintended consequences for responsible pet sellers and breeders. AKC supports reasonable laws and regulations intended to protect the pet-buying public in obtaining a sound dog of the breed represented. Click here to learn more about Consumer Protection/ “Puppy Lemon” Laws.
Florida Senate Bill 1356 – Handling of Animals (Breeder Bill)
SB 1356 proposes wide-ranging changes to animal regulation in Florida. The bill would:
- Mandate Florida’s dog breeders register with the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation every two years. (Under Florida law, those who own or possess breeding female dogs and offer for sale more than two litters of dogs per calendar year are considered “dog breeders” under the law.)
- Require the registration of dog breeding facilities (locations that are the site of a dog breeder which houses five or more breeding female dogs).
- Mandate the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Department) to establish rules and best management practices for dog breeding, including rules on cage spacing, sanitation, access to clean water, breeding frequency, and shelter requirements.
- Require annual and complaint-based inspections of dog breeders by the Department.
- Provide for the creation of a whistleblower program that would allow any individual to report violations of the new dog breeder rules to either the Department or a private entity contracted to administer the whistleblower program. Complaints would not have to be substantiated or attested to.
- Impose new requirements on retail stores selling animals like those that SB 1004 seeks to impose.
- Preempt local oversight of animal shelters by shifting authority to the state.
While more reasonable than the extreme breeder bills filed in Florida in prior legislative sessions, SB 1356 remains problematic. The regulatory program created by SB 1356 would be large, and as currently worded does not provide sufficient funding to sustain it. Additionally, it includes vague enforcement provisions, lacks positive voluntary compliance provisions, and allows for anti-breeder organizations to manage a bounty program on breeders based on unsubstantiated complaints. AKC opposes SB 1356 as introduced, and encourages amendments to address these concerns.
AKC supports reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of dogs
and do not restrict the rights of breeders and owners who meet their responsibilities. Click here to learn more about reasonable dog breeder laws.
What You Can Do – SB 1004 (Consumer Protections)
SB 1004 is scheduled to be considered by the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, at 1PM. Concerned Floridians are encouraged to contact committee members to share their concerns with SB 1004.
State Senator Clay Yarborough, Chair – Yarborough.Clay.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Colleen Burton, Vice Chair – Burton.Colleen.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Lori Berman – berman.lori.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Nick DiCeglie – DiCeglie.Nick.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Don Gaetz, SB 1004 Sponsor – gaetz.don.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Ed Hooper – hooper.ed.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Thomas “Tom” Leek – leek.thomas.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Rosalind Osgood – osgood.rosalind.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Kathleen Passidomo – Passidomo.Kathleen.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Tina Polsky – polsky.tina.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Jay Trumbull – Trumbull.Jay.web@flsenate.gov
Concerned residents are also encouraged to attend the hearing in person. It will be held in Room 110 of the Senate Office Building, 404 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.
What You Can Do – SB 1356 (Dog Breeders Regulations)
SB 1356 is scheduled to be considered by the Florida Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on Wednesday, February 4, at 1030AM. AKC opposes SB 1356, and encourages all dog breeders, dog owners, and concerned Florida residents to contact members of the committee to express opposition to SB 1356 as introduced.
State Senator Thomas “Tom” Leek, Chair – leek.thomas.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Kristen Aston Arrington, Vice Chair – Arrington.Kristen.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator LaVon Bracy Davis – LaVon.BracyDavis.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Tracie Davis – Davis.Tracie.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Nick DiCeglie – DiCeglie.Nick.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Debbie Mayfield – mayfield.debbie.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Stan McClain – mcclain.stan.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith – smith.carlos.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Tom A. Wright – wright.tom.web@flsenate.gov
State Senator Clay Yarborough – Yarborough.Clay.web@flsenate.gov
Dog breeders, dog owners, and concerned Florida residents are also strongly encouraged to attend the Committee hearing and express opposition to SB 1356 in person. The committee will meet at 1030AM in Room 110 of the Senate Office Building, 404 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.
For More Information, Contact…
The Florida Association of Kennel Clubs – Jseltrecht123@gmail.com.
AKC Government Relations – doglaw@akc.org.