AKC Government Relations and a board member of the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners, met with the Mayor of New Haven, CT and her staff yesterday to discuss in detail the concerns of dog owners and breeders with the animal ordinance enacted by the city’s Board of Alders on November 8th. We are grateful for Mayor Toni Harp’s willingness to meet and discuss the ordinance sent to her for approval.
In addition to addressing leash laws and strengthening the dangerous dog provisions, the ordinance establishes new breeder permits for those who pass inspection of their breeding premises and have the suitability of the dogs to be bred evaluated by the animal control officer. Holders of breeder permits are limited to two litters per year and must also acquire new litter permits for each breeding. The ordinance carries significant fines for violations.
AKC will now submit to the New Haven officials a formal request to amend the animal ordinance by striking the breeder and litter permits because there is no link between permits and reducing dangerous dog attacks in the city.
Connecticut dog owners and breeders who contacted the Board of Alders and the Mayor are encouraged to stay in close contact with AKC GR for further updates; including a future public hearing they must attend to support these changes. For more information, contact AKC GR at (919) 816-3348.
Click here for our previous New Haven alert and detailed explanation of AKC’s concerns.