Tomorrow (February 12), an Iowa House subcommittee will consider a positive bill increasing the threshold of what constitutes a commercial breeder in Iowa. The bill also seeks to fix a longstanding problem wherein hobbyists have been improperly categorized as commercial kennels, resulting in significant barriers that have prevented some hobbyists from obtaining dogs in another state.
AKC urges all dog enthusiasts and hobby breeders in Iowa to contact the subcommittee members today (Scroll down for contact information).
Understanding Concerns with Current Law:
Iowa currently has one of the most restrictive definitions of “commercial breeder” in the United States. State law requires licensing and regulation as a commercial breeder for anyone who maintains four or more intact dogs and receives any kind of consideration for breeding or transferring even a single dog.
This could likely include offering a stud dog and receiving any compensation or “consideration” (such as a puppy back) from the resulting litter.
As a result, it has been a challenge for hobbyists meeting this definition to ensure compliance with commercial regulations in a home-based environment, and they are required to open their private homes for inspection.
In addition, current law states that a commercial kennel cannot in part purchase a dog from a commercial establishment “that does not have…. a similar authorization issued or renewed by another state.” This has created much concern and lack of clarity for hobbyists in Iowa who meet the definition of commercial kennel regarding how they obtain a dog from another state. Most hobbyists in other states are not considered commercial, and therefore do not have the same level of licensure.
Summary of House File 2298:
House File 2298, among other provisions, makes two changes to address these concerns:
1) Updating the commercial breeder threshold – The proposed definition would apply to those with seven or more breeding dogs, as opposed to four breeding dogs, thereby alleviating some of the burden on home-based hobbyists, as well as the state. All breeders would still be subject to state and local laws regarding the care and treatment of all dogs.
2) Removing the confusing provision regarding out of state dog purchases – The bill would remove the requirement that commercial breeders may only obtain dogs from breeders in other states with a “similar authorization”, attempting to clarify and address a concern raised by many hobbyists currently licensed as a commercial breeder in Iowa.
AKC continues to be in contact with the sponsor to ensure the bill is as clear and effective as possible.
What You Can Do:
Attend tomorrow’s subcommittee meeting:
Thursday, February 12
8:45 am
Iowa State Capitol, Room 304
Contact the subcommittee members:
Rep. Samantha Fett (Sponsor of HF 2298)
(515) 281-3221
samantha.fett@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Heather Hora
(515) 281-3221
heather.hora@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Elizabeth Wilson
(515) 281-3221
elizabeth.wilson@legis.iowa.gov
AKC Government Relations continues to closely monitor all legislation impacting dogs and dog owners in Iowa. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at dolgaw@akc.org.