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The Sarasota County Commission will discuss a proposed amendment to an ordinance adopted in April of 2016. The staff is recommending that the hobby breeder definition be eliminated and that the definition of “Commercial Establishment” be modified to more clearly exclude those who engage in occasional sales and responsible hobby breeding. This action is in response to requests from local responsible breeders and kennel clubs. It appears that there may be continuing opposition from other local animal groups and their lawyers.

The AKC urges responsible dog owners and breeders to attend the meeting and voice their opinions about these proposed changes.

Sarasota County Commission Meeting
Date: Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Council Chambers, 1660 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 

Staff Recommendations:

According to the Staff Memo from the Planning and Development Services Department, staff is recommending that the ordinance be amended to eliminate the current definition of “hobby breeder” and to replace the definition of “commercial establishment.”

Proposed definition of “commercial establishment” (additions are underlined):

Commercial establishment shall mean a business which is open to the public, with regular business hours, that engages in a retail sale. An occasional sale at a pet grooming business, boarding kennel, or veterinary office shall not constitute a retail sale at a commercial establishment. A private residential property shall not constitute a commercial establishment.”

What You Can Do:

  • Attend the Sarasota County Commission meeting on June 21, 2016 and participate in the continuing discussion about this ordinance.
  • Contact the members of the Sarasota County Commission by email or phone prior to the meeting and inform them of your concerns with the original ordinance and the proposed changes.

AKC Resources:

AKC Position Statement: Canine Population Issues
Issue Analysis: The Value of Responsible Dog Breeders
AKC Position Statement: Breeding Restrictions
AKC Position Statement: Responsible Breeding Practices 
Responsible Breeding Practices Issue Brief

Sarasota County Commission

Chairman Alan Maio
amaio@scgov.net 
941-861-5344

Vice-Chairman Paul Caragiulo 
pcaragiulo@scgov.net 
941-861-5344

Commissioner Carolyn J. Mason
cmason@scgov.net
941-861-5344

Commissioner Christine Robinson
crobinson@scgov.net 
941-861-5344

Commissioner Charles D. Hines, Esq. 
chines@scgov.net 
941-861-5344

The Sarasota County Commission will discuss a proposed amendment to an ordinance adopted in April of 2016. The staff is recommending that the hobby breeder definition be eliminated and that the definition of “Commercial Establishment” be modified to more clearly exclude those who engage in occasional sales and responsible hobby breeding.