This Wednesday, October 17, the Cumberland Town Council is scheduled to vote on a significant change to the town’s dog breeding ordinance. The proposed change removes an exemption to current breeder permit requirements for a dog registered with a national or international breed registry and that is actively being shown or competing in a sporting competition.
The proposed changes would require mandatory breeder permits. It is imperative that concerned breeders and owners in Cumberland contact the members of the Town Council to express concerns on the draft of the current proposal.
WHAT THE PROPOSAL WILL DO:
- Requires anyone who wants to breed their dog to obtain a breeding permit. The fee for each permit shall be $250 a year. Violations of the ordinance would result in a penalty of $500.
The AKC strongly opposes the concepts of breeding permits, breeding bans or mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs. Instead, we support 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.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
First, concerned Cumberland residents are strongly encouraged to contact the members of the Town Council and respectfully request they object to the proposed animal ordinance changes.
Click here to contact the Town Council members by phone or email per their membership list.
Second, concerned Cumberland residents are strongly encouraged to attend the Town Council Meeting and request, in person, that the ordinance be rejected. The meeting is scheduled to take place Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at 7:30PM in the Everett “Moe” Bonner, Jr. Council Chambers, Cumberland Town Hall, Second Floor, 45 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI 02864.
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will provide additional information on Cumberland and other pending Rhode Island legislation as developments warrant. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.