On Thursday, October 31, 2019 the Manatee Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to hold a work session to discuss proposed restrictions on retail sales of pets. Concerned citizens are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more and provide input on these proposals.
Certain legislation that has been introduced and/or enacted in other Florida communities has legislatively memorialized inaccurate and derogatory statements about dog breeders. Some of these proposals have included problematic definitions and restrictions for home-based and small-scale local breeders. Therefore, responsible pet breeders in Manatee County are urged to become informed and involved in discussions on pet sale restrictions in their county.
Read more about the impact of similar proposals in other communities:
Why ‘Pet Shop’ Laws Affect You
Losing Your Freedom To Choose Your Own Dog
Ban On Purposebred Pets Will Repeal Consumer Protection Laws
The American Kennel Club emphatically supports freedom of choice in selecting a pet. AKC actively promotes efforts to ensure that people are educated, understand the demands of responsible ownership, and have access to a pet that is right for them. AKC opposes measures that restrict choice by compelling people and/or retailers to obtain pets solely from shelters or rescue pet distributors.
Members of the Manatee Kennel Club are working on this issue. Please contact Judy Seltrecht, Legislative Liaison, at 813-843-5145 for information.
What you Can Do:
Manatee County residents and concerned dog owners are urged to attend the workshop on October 31, 2019. Residents are also encouraged to contact their commissioners with questions and to express concerns. Click here and click on each commissioner’s name for contact information.
Meeting Information:
Work Session – Retail Sale of Pets
October 31, 2019, 1:30pm to 5:00pm
County Administrative Center
First Floor, Honorable Patricia M. Glass Chambers
1112 Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
Click here for directions and parking information. When posted, the meeting agenda can be found here.
For more information, please contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org or call 919-816-3720.