There are currently two ordinances being proposed at the county level in Florida which have the potential to dramatically impact the rights of fanciers and hobby breeders. Your help is needed to defeat these proposals and protect the rights of Floridians to responsibly breed, show and own unaltered animals.
Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County is considering numerous changes to their existing animal control ordinance. First, the definition of hobby breeder has been revised to limit these breeders to 2 litters or less annually. Anyone who sells more than 2 litters per year will be defined as a “pet dealer” and required to comply with excessive regulations that significantly expand the state pet dealer law. The proposal also allows for inspections without a warrant, mandates microchipping and makes a host of other changes.
For additional information about Palm Beach please contact the Boca Raton Kennel Club at Pat@KesefSchnauzers.com or Florida Petlaw moderatorfloridapetlaw@hotmail.com.
Orange County
The proposed rewrite of the Orange County animal control ordinance affects many areas of dog ownership. First, it establishes a “pet dealer” defined as anyone who engages in the sale of more than 2 litters or twenty dogs per year. Although the definition is consistent with state law, in Orange County this classification will require compliance with added registration requirements and inspections. It will also require that any time an animal is left alone there be an emergency contact available.
The county is also extensively rewriting their dangerous dog ordinance. Area fanciers are concerned about the lack of an exemption for dogs that have been provoked, as well as a vaguely defined process for designating an animal dangerous.
For more information on Orange County legislation contact the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs at 407-322-8980 or dja0218@aol.com.
Citrus County Developments
The Inverness Kennel Club and local dog owners are proud to report that the Citrus County Commission has unanimously rejected a proposal that would have restricted owners to a cumulative 6 dogs and/or cats and would have prohibited breeding and sale of dogs or cats from a residential structure. Congratulations to all who worked to defeat this measure.
For additional information on Citrus County please contact the Inverness Kennel Club at marmich@atlantic.net.
Points to Consider:
- The American Kennel Club strongly supports reasonable, enforceable legislation to govern dog ownership. We further understand the challenges that come with formulating animal control laws that will keep communities safe and harmonious without punishing responsible pet owners.
- Unfortunately, the proposals being considered in Florida do not achieve that balance. We encourage purebred dog owners to take part in the various workshops noted above and to work with legislators and fellow fanciers in crafting reasonable, nondiscriminatory measures.
- To assist you in your efforts, the Canine Legislation Department offers information packets, brochures, talking points and model legislation pertaining to breeding restrictions, limit laws and dangerous dog proposals. Please contact us at doglaw@akc.org to request appropriate materials. You may also wish to contact the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs at dja0218@aol.com.
For more information, contact:
Florida Association of Kennel Clubs
President, Diane Albers
407-322-8980
dja0218@aol.com
AKC’s Canine Legislation department
919-816-3720
doglaw@akc.org
There are currently two ordinances being proposed at the county level in Florida which have the…