The Burke County Animal Advisory Board has scheduled a public hearing for Wednesday, September 9, 2020, to further discuss proposed county breeder permits. Local breeders, sportsmen, and dog owners are strongly encouraged to attend the hearing and express your concerns (Scroll down for hearing information).
This hearing is in response to a directive from the Burke County Commission. In early August, the commission heard concerns from the American Kennel Club (AKC), local breeders, and sportsmen during a full commission hearing on a comprehensive proposal changing numerous county animal control laws. As a result, the commission directed the Animal Advisory Board to work on amendments over the next 90 days.
The purpose of the hearing on September 9 is to receive public input on the proposed breeder permits. There will also be discussion on proposed tethering amendments. At this time, AKC has not received information on the tethering amendments.
Summary of Proposed Breeder Permits:
As currently proposed, annual breeder permits would be required for anyone who intentionally or accidentally breeds a litter. AKC opposes the concept of breeder permits, which are unnecessary, costly, and difficult to enforce. Instead, AKC supports reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of all dogs and do not restrict the rights of breeders and owners who meet their responsibilities.
Among other provisions, the proposal states that this permit would allow dogs to remain unsterilized for the year. It is believed this permit would only be required for those intending to breed, but there are questions as to whether unsterilized dogs could be kept without a breeder permit. AKC strongly believes this provision should be clarified.
Breeder permits are among numerous changes being proposed for the county, and hearings will continue to be scheduled in the upcoming weeks. Dog owners in Burke County are encouraged to review the proposed ordinance here.
What you can do:
Dog owners, sportsmen, and breeders are urged to attend the public hearing to discuss your comments and concerns about the proposed breeder permits:
Burke County Animal Advisory Board Public Hearing
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
5:00 pm
County Commissioner’s Room
110 North Green Street, Door E
Morganton, NC 28655
Seating is limited to 25 people and is on a first-come, first-served basis. To reduce the spread of the Coronavirus, participants will be screened, required to wear a face covering, and must sit six feet apart.
Those attending are encouraged to bring seven copies of their comments that can be distributed to Animal Advisory Board members.
Comments may also be submitted to the County Clerk at kay.draughn@burkenc.org. The comments must be received 24 hours in advance of the hearing to ensure they can be distributed to the board prior to the hearing.
AKC Government Relations will continue to monitor this proposal. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.