San Francisco Considers Banning Sales of Pets Except Fish!

Carolyn Jones, San Francisco Chronicle Staff Writer
July 8, 2010

Sell a guinea pig, go to jail.

That's the law under consideration by San Francisco's Commission of Animal Control and Welfare. If the commission approves the ordinance at its meeting tonight, San Francisco could soon have what is believed to be the country's first ban on the sale of all pets except fish.

That includes dogs, cats, hamsters, mice, rats, chinchillas, guinea pigs, birds, snakes, lizards and nearly every other critter, or, as the commission calls them, companion animals.

Click here to read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/07/MN9L1EAT90.DTL

NC Victory: SB 460 Dead After Two-Year Run in Legislature

July 6, 2010

The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that SB460 is finally dead. The measure was pulled from consideration by the House Finance Committee late last week when it became clear that supporters did not have the votes to pass the measure in the House. The AKC received further confirmation this past weekend that no other additional attempts will be made to pass SB460.

Click here to read more: http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4144

NC Update: SB 460 Pulled from Consideration

July 1, 2010

North Carolina's responsible breeders and their allies were handed a major reprieve today when the bad breeder regulation bill, SB 460, was pulled from consideration by the House Finance Committee. The bill was removed from the committee's agenda when it became clear that proponents lacked the support needed to pass the measure out of committee.

With less than two weeks left in North Carolina's legislative session, it remains possible that the measure could reappear and move quickly via a number of other parliamentary maneuvers. AKC Government Relations will continue to keep you updated on any actions that could revive this bill.

Click here to read more: http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4144

NC Update: SB 460 Hearing Likely Next Week

June 25, 2010

The AKC Government Relations Department has learned that the House Finance Committee will likely consider Senate Bill 460 on Wednesday, June 30, 2010. This bill was originally scheduled to be heard on June 24, but the hearing was postponed after the committee received an enormous volume of calls and e-mails from concerned dog owners and breeders from across the state. You are making a difference! Please take a few moments this weekend to call AND e-mail the members of the House Finance Committee. Tell them that responsible dog owners and breeders oppose SB 460, and respectfully ask them to also oppose it and not let it to move forward as currently written. Scroll down for the committee contact information.

If you would like to take further action, the North Carolina Federation of Dog Clubs is hosting a lobby day at the Capitol in conjunction with the North Carolina Sporting Dog Association on Tuesday, June 29, 2010. The federation asks that those attending meet on the front steps of the North Carolina General Assembly Legislative Building at 8:30 a.m. For more information about the lobby day, please contact the federation directly.

Click here to read AKC's position on this legislation: http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4144

Riverside, CA passes spay/neuter law, limits number of pets

June 15, 2010
By ALICIA ROBINSON
The Press-Enterprise

A new animal protection ordinance in Riverside won't result in mass forced spaying and neutering, or pets being seized, city officials told residents Tuesday.

The Riverside City Council unanimously approved a rule that will require most cats and dogs to be microchipped and spayed or neutered once they're 7 months old.

But enforcement of the spay-neuter provision is secondary, which means animal control officials won't actively look for unaltered animals. For example, if a dog escaped, officials would then check that it was licensed and altered.

The rule includes exemptions for some registered show and breeding animals, or if spaying-neutering would threaten the animal's health. Also, people can continue to keep unaltered dogs by paying a much higher licensing fee.

The biggest change under the new ordinance is a cap on the number of pets people can keep without a special permit. Currently the city has no limit.

Officials said that has made the city a magnet for puppy mills, animal hoarders and others who don't treat animals well.

The rule will require people with more than four dogs or nine cats to apply for a kennel or cattery permit. Officials pointed out that unlike elsewhere in Riverside County, the city will grant the permits in residential areas.

Current pet owners are grandfathered in for 20 years with their existing pets.

The council meeting drew about 40 people, many of whom opposed the new rule. Some worried that it will unfairly penalize legitimate breeders, low-income pet owners or people trying to help abandoned animals.

Others said if the rule's target is unethical animal keepers, the city can crack down on them now.

"You've already got laws on the books to deal with these problems. Why aren't they being enforced?" said Kathy Grosso, a Banning resident who is active in the Kennel Club of Palm Springs.

Others said the rule is needed to reduce pet overpopulation, which results in crowded animal shelters and euthanasia of pets.

The ordinance must pass a second reading on June 22 and would then go into effect July 23.

The city plans to offer a dog license amnesty in July and August, when fees for expired licenses will be waived and licensing is free if a dog is vaccinated, altered and microchipped.

Reach Alicia Robinson at 951-368-9461 or arobinson@PE.com

Click here: http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4138

Rhode Island Update: Contact the House Judiciary Committee

June 15, 2010

Senate Bill 2022, which places numerous new onerous requirements on responsible dog owners, has passed the Senate and been assigned to the House Committee on Judiciary. The General Assembly will only be in session for another week, so it is essential that responsible dog owners and breeders in Rhode Island contact their Representative and the members of the House Committee on Judiciary today to express opposition to the onerous provisions in this bill.

Click here to read the AKC's letter to the House Committee on Judiciary: http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4138

Click here to read the previous legislative alert: http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4131

Riverside, CA to discuss MSN for minor violations of animal control ordinance

June 14, 2010

The Riverside City Council will meet Tuesday, June 15th to discuss an ordinance that would require the spaying/neutering of any dog or cat for even a minor violation of the animal control ordinance, would force pet owners to microchip all their animals, and will require anyone with five or more dogs to obtain a residential kennel license. It is vital that responsible dog owners and breeders attend the hearing to oppose this measure.

Provisions of the proposed ordinance include:

All dogs and cats will be required to be spayed or neutered unless the owner has purchased an intact animal license. Current law requires owners to license their pets; however, keeping that license would become much tougher.

Any animal that is picked up at-large will be required to be spayed/neutered prior to being returned to the owner. Any violation of the animal control ordinance can trigger a requirement that the animal(s) be sterilized. A few of the examples used in the ordinance include failure to posses a current rabies vaccination, failure to license, leash law violations, animals left unattended in a car and failure to provide adequate care.

A dog would have to be spayed/neutered if there are 3 complaints verified by the department that the dog has run at-large, or the owner is found to be neglectful. (AKC staff is concerned at the vagueness of this language. It does not appear to require that the owners be cited for the alleged violations or that the owner is convicted of animal cruelty charges.)

If an owner has one intact license revoked, they can have all their intact licenses revoked. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume if one dog was picked up at-large and sterilized, then all dogs owned by this person would be required to be sterilized.

Limits residents to four dogs, unless they obtain a residential kennel license. Current residents who own five or more dogs will be grandfathered in for twenty years, but can not replace animals that die or are rehomed.

Requires that applicants for a residential kennel license allow animal control to inspect their premises. (AKC staff does not believe that justification exists for requiring dog owners or breeders to allow animal control unfettered access to their private homes. Existing laws allow animal control to investigate animal cruelty, neglect, noise and sanitation complaints.)

Requires that any advertisement for the sale of an unaltered dog or cat include the intact license number for that animal. Since animals are not required to be licensed until they are 4 months old, it is unclear how this would impact the sale of puppies younger than four months.

Requires that all dogs and cats be implanted with a microchip. Exemptions are provided if a veterinarian states in writing that it is dangerous to the animals health or would negatively impact the animal’s athletic abilities. Animals that are kenneled or trained in Riverside, but whose owners do not live in the jurisdiction are not required to implant microchips.

This ordinance would require the sterilization of any animal that was picked up by animal control, even on a first offense. This is unreasonable as even responsible owners can have an animal escape due to a mistake by a meter reader, gardener, friend or relative leaving a gate open. We agree that steps should be taken to address owners who habitually allow their animals to run at-large, but such a severe response is not justified by a single incident.

The AKC opposes the concept of mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs. Instead, we support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the right of responsible breeders and owners. Mandatory spay/neuter is an ineffective solution to animal control problems because it fails to address the heart of the issue—irresponsible ownership. These laws are extremely difficult to enforce and can be evaded by irresponsible animal owners who won’t licensing their pets. This proposed ordinance will unfairly punish responsible owners who are already complying with local animal control laws, while irresponsible owners continue to make problems for the community and local shelters.

The American Kennel Club also opposes mandatory microchipping. As part of our ongoing efforts to promote responsible dog ownership, the AKC encourages dog owners to properly identify their pets. We believe, however, that the final decision about identification. The American Kennel Club also opposes mandatory microchipping.

Rhode Island to Mandate Sterilization of All Cats!

June 2, 2010

SB 2249 passed the Senate on June 1st with a substitute. Bill awaits committee assignment in the House.

The Issue.
Legislation that had been assigned to study has now been set for hearing, with a single day's notice, by the Senate Committee on Constitutional and Regulatory Issues. Rhode Island Senate Bill 2249 prohibits the transfer of any cat, whether for compensation or not, unless the animal is first sterilized. The only exception is if "the animal is being specifically offered for breeding purposes." Violators are subject to a $300 fine.

The Impact.
This legislation, though well intentioned, is ill-conceived and poorly crafted. As currently written, the bill prohibits any person from transferring an unsprayed/unneutered cat, whether by sale, adoption or "otherwise convey[ing]" the animal. Thus, the bill does not merely target shelter animals, or even pet store animals, it covers every person in the state. A 10-year old who gives away a litter of kittens borne by the family pet feline, for example, could be subject to multiple fines of $300 a piece for each kitten in the litter. The only exception to this prohibition is if the animal is being "specifically offered for breeding purposes." How would this be determined? Could anyone evade a fine simply by claiming at the time a cat is "conveyed" that it was for breeding purposes? If so, the bill contains a loophole large enough to drive a truck through, making it completely ineffectual.

PIJAC Position.
PIJAC supports the spay and neuter of dogs and cats as a general rule, recognizing however that there are various circumstances under which it is inappropriate. The intention to breed an animal would be one reason not to sterilize it; health implications may be another. This is why PIJAC believes such a decision should be made on a case-by-case basis between the pet owner and his or her veterinarian. The state should not substitute a blanket mandate for the professional judgment of licensed veterinarians.

Furthermore, the enforcement problems inherently associated with mandatory sterilization laws are compounded exponentially with this particular bill. Because SB 2249 includes no mechanism for determining when an animal that is sold, adopted out or otherwise transferred was conveyed with the intent that it be bred, enforcement of this law would be a nightmare.

PIJAC opposes this ban both because it is poor public policy and would in practice be unenforceable and ineffective.

Recommended Action.
SB 2249 is scheduled to be heard in Hearing Room 310 upon the "Rise of the Senate" (meaning no precise time is provided). Persons concerned about this proposal are urged to contact committee members in advance of the hearing to voice their opposition. Individuals may also easily contact their state senators directly through PIJAC's Legislative Action Center on the Governmental Affairs page.

(NOTE: Senate Bill 2022, which provides for tethering guidelines/penalties is also set to be heard before this same committee. Click here to read PIJAC's PetAlert on this issue.)

Those who desire additional information about this proposal should contact PIJAC's Michael Maddox via email at michael@pijac.org by phone at 202-452-1525.

Click here for details http://capwiz.com/pijac/issues/alert/?alertid=15075376

Rhode Island SB2022 Would Outlaw Keeping a Dog Outside for More than One Hour!

May 27, 2010

Senate Bill 2022 was approved by the Senate Committee on Constitutional and Regulatory Issues on May 26, and will next move to the full Senate. Concerned Rhode Island dog owners should contact their Senators now.

Click here for details http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4131

May 22, 2010

The Committee on Constitutional and Regulatory Issues has scheduled Senate Bill 2022 for consideration on May 26. As currently written, this bill would outlaw keeping any dog outside, tethered, penned, caged, fenced or otherwise confined for more than one hour without access to an outdoor housing facility unless the person in charge of the dog was also outside with it.

The American Kennel Club is concerned by these strict requirements and believes the bill could place a hardship on many families and their pets. In particular, many pet owners have adequate fencing systems that prevent pets from wandering without the need for the specified housing facility.

The AKC encourages all concerned dog owners and breeders in Rhode Island to contact their legislators and the Committee on Constitutional and Regulatory Issues, and urge them to address their concerns.

The American Kennel Club strongly supports humane treatment of dogs, including an adequate and nutritious diet, clean water, clean living conditions, regular veterinary care, kind and responsive human companionship, and training in appropriate behavior. The AKC supports reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of breeders and owners who take their responsibilities seriously.

Budget Bills Propose Major Change in NH Spay/Neuter Program

May 21, 2010

The current versions of the House's and Senate's budget balancing bills (SB 450 and HB1128) contain provisions to eliminate the position of Animal Population Control Assistant and require the Commissioner of Agriculture to put administration of the program out to bid for a contract not to exceed $20,000 a year, and allow the department to charge the program no more than $5,000 a year for administrative oversight. Currently, a full-time employee of the NH Dept. of Agriculture administers all aspects of the program.

- The NH Veterinary Medical Association is opposed to this change in the program. Over 100 veterinarians participate in the program. They have indicated that many of the participating veterinarians will not participate in the program if it is handled by an independent contractor due to the potential for compromising privacy and the costs of adapting to a new paperwork process.

- A major concern is the lack of effective financial and confidential information controls if using an independent contractor. Veterinarians provide proprietary information about their fees to participate in the program and individuals provide their social security number and financial information to qualify for the program.

- NH's animal control population (spay/neuter) program was instituted in July, 1995. It is has been the model for other states and is considered "the gold standard" of programs. It is extremely successful, highly respected and trusted. Placing the program with an independent contractor, even if it was a large humane society, would disrupt the program's administration, be more costly and undermine the credibility of the program.

- Currently, Vermont uses a contractor to administer their animal population control program. They have had issues and problems with security and confidentiality of personal information. Vermont indicates that there will be more complaints and questions for the NH Department of Agriculture to handle if a contractor is used. Furthermore, Vermont has had only one applicant who has come close to meeting the contract qualifications - at a cost more than double the proposed amendment's maximum of $20,000 annually. NH's program is 50% larger than Vermont's. Vermont indicates that there will be more complaints and questions for the NH Department of Agriculture to handle if a contractor is used.

- The NH Animal Population Control Program is funded by dog licensing fees. Every year since its inception, the funds have been expended. Using an independent contractor resulted in Vermont having to raise more funds to administer the program that didn't go to spaying/neutering cats and dogs.

The provisions are contained in Sections 33-35 of SB 450. A copy of SB 450 can be found at http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/SB0450.html

STATUS: During the upcoming week, a conference committee of Senators and Representatives will try to come to agreement on what to take out or keep in SB 450. For the time being, action on HB 1128 has been suspended since the House nonconcurred with the Senate amendments.

ACTION NEEDED
Several members of the House Finance Committee now recognize the folly of this provision. Our Senators need to be better informed about how this provision would undermine this valuable and successful program. SB 450 will be. Please send a note to the members of the Senate listed below and ask them to work with the Senate conference committee members to remove these provisions from the 2010 budget bill (SB 450). In your note mention two or three of the reasons listed above.

Jacalyn L. Cilley - 2 Oak Hill Road; Barrington, NH 03825-3820; jacalyn.cilley@leg.state.nh.us
Sheila Roberge - 83 Olde Lantern Road; Bedford, NH 03110-4816; sheila.roberge@leg.state.nh.us
Amanda Merrill - 8 Meadow Road; Durham, NH 03824-3006; Amanda.Merrill@leg.state.nh.us
Bob Odell - PO Box 23; Lempster, NH 03605-0023; bob.odell@leg.state.nh.us
John Gallus - 292 Prospect Street; Berlin, NH 03570-2137; john.gallus@leg.state.nh.us
Harold Janeway - 225 Tyler Road; Webster, NH 03303-7733; harold.janeway@leg.state.nh.us
Kathleen Sgambati - 25 Pine Street; Tilton, NH 03276-5535; kathleen.sgambati@leg.state.nh.us

Click here for details http://nhdogs.org/

Ohio Senate Committee to Vote on
Breeder Bill on May 26

May 21, 2010

The Ohio Senate State and Local Government and Veterans Affairs Committee will be taking testimony and likely voting on Senate Bill 95 on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. We encourage all Ohio dog owners and breeders to consider attending the hearing and contacting the committee with any concerns you have with the proposal.

Senate Bill 95 seeks to regulate kennels that produce at least nine litters of puppies and sell sixty or more dogs in a calendar year. It also creates a new Kennel Control Authority Board to regulate the law and conduct inspections.

The sponsor has worked with interested parties and made numerous positive changes to the bill, including clarifying confusing and problematic language and ensuring proper breeder representation within the Kennel Control Authority Board.

Click below to read the AKC's letter to the committee, which outlines our remaining concerns with the bill. We understand that further amendments may be added prior to Wednesday's vote, and AKC's comments reflect the bill as currently written.

Click here for details http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4127

Oklahoma SB1712 Passes

May 19, 2010

The American Kennel Club wishes to thank all those who worked so hard during the 2010 legislative session to oppose Senate Bill 1712 and to ensure that laws that govern dog breeders in Oklahoma are reasonable, enforceable and fair. Despite the efforts of many responsible dog owners and breeders, the measure was passed by House and Senate and signed by Governor Henry shortly after the conclusion of the session. We are providing the following recap of the bill, and information on what you can expect to help you plan for changes in the Oklahoma law. As always, the AKC urges all dog owners to know, understand and comply with the laws of their jurisdictions.

Bill Summary:
Known as the "Commercial Pet Breeders Act", SB 1712 expands government regulation of anyone who breeds dogs or cats and who owns more than 11 intact females of either species. The bill's vague definition of commercial breeder includes no time frame, which means it could require anyone who owns or co-owns more than 11 intact females over 6 months of age and has ever bred a dog or cat, even if they are not currently breeding their animals, to be licensed as a commercial breeder. The amended bill does not exempt sportsmen, and it will also require many of those who maintain hunting dogs to license their hobby kennels as commercial enterprises.

SB 1712 will require owners or co-owners of 11 or more intact female dogs to be licensed as commercial breeders, regardless of whether those animals are being bred. It does not impose a limit on the number of dogs a person may own or maintain.

Click here for details http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4121

Hollister, CA to Consider Mandatory Spay/Neuter of Chihuahuas and Pit Bulls

May 13, 2010

The Hollister City Council has given the city attorney permission to draft an ordinance to mandate the sterilization of all Chihuahuas and "pit bulls" in city limits.

This is in response to a recent report by the Hollister Animal Control stating that there has been a significant increase in shelter intake, euthanasia, and dog attacks among these breeds, although the term "pit bull" is not defined.

The AKC opposes all breed-specific and mandatory spay/neuter proposals. These proposals are discriminatory, difficult to enforce, and fail to address the true problem of irresponsible ownership. We encourage all responsible dog owners residing in Hollister to contact city officials and respectfully request they not move forward with this proposal.

Click here for details http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4119

Oklahoma Call to Action: Contact Governor Henry Now!

April 29, 2010

The AKC Government Relations Department expects Oklahoma Senate Bill 1712 to be sent to Governor Brad Henry soon for his signature or veto. It is imperative that all responsible dog breeders and owners in Oklahoma contact Governor Henry immediately and respectfully ask him to veto this bill.

Bill Summary:
Known as the "Commercial Pet Breeders Act", SB 1712 expands government regulation of anyone who breeds dogs or cats and who owns more than 11 intact females of either species. The bill's vague definition of commercial breeder includes no time frame, which means it will require anyone who owns or co-owns more than 11 intact females over 6 months of age and has ever bred a dog or cat, even if they are not currently breeding their animals, to be licensed as a commercial breeder. The amended bill does not exempt sportsmen, and will also require many of those who maintain hunting dogs to license their hobby kennels as commercial enterprises.

Click here for details http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4107

MO Representative Calls for United Opposition to Proposed Breeder Ballot Measure

April 28, 2010

Missouri State Representative Michael Parson has issued an open letter calling for a united opposition to the proposed ballot measure in Missouri that would restrict responsible dog breeding in the state.

The AKC opposes the proposed ballot measure, which would place a cap on the number of animals someone in Missouri may own. We support, however, House Joint Resolution 86. If adopted by the Legislature, HJR 86 would place a measure on the November 2010 ballot that would protect the rights of Missouri residents to raise animals in a humane manner that protects animal health without allowing the state to impose undue economic burdens on animal owners.

Click here for details http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4105

Updated 4/20: New Orleans Mandatory Spay/Neuter Ordinance Vote Delayed

April 20, 2010

The AKC Government Relations Department has learned that the mandatory spay/neuter ordinance proposal currently under consideration by the New Orleans City Council will not be considered at its meeting this Thursday, April 22. Because the New Orleans City Code requires at least 20 days of consideration for all proposals that seek to impose new permits or fees, this ordinance is not likely to be considered at least until the City Council's regular meeting on May 6. The May 6 meeting will be the first for the newly-elected members of the City Council.

Click here for details http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4094

Oklahoma Update: Legislative Deadline Approaching

April 20, 2010

This Thursday, April 22, marks the important "3rd reading" deadline for Oklahoma legislation. All bills that already passed their house of origin and were transferred to the other legislative chamber must be read for the third time and debated in that chamber by the end of the day Thursday. This is a key deadline for several bills of concern to responsible dog breeders in Oklahoma. As the 3rd reading deadline approaches, the American Kennel Club strongly urges all concerned responsible dog breeders and owners in Oklahoma to consider the provisions of the bills (described below) and to contact their elected officials with their concerns regarding Senate Bill 1340

Click here for details http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4094

Missourians for Animal Care Coalition - Video entitled "The Truth About HSUS"

April 18, 2010

Check out their website and video on YouTube.

Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UovSOAgI8Ck&feature=channel and here http://www.missourifac.com

Another Mandaory Spay/Neuter Ordinance Introduced in New Orleans

April 15, 2010

In a purported effort to address three recent well-publicized dog bite incidents in New Orleans, a new mandatory spay/neuter ordinance proposal has been introduced in the New Orleans City Council. It seeks to require all dogs be sterilized by six months of age or require their owners to purchase a costly annual intact dog permit. The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes the ordinance, and encourages all responsible dog owners in New Orleans to contact the City Council and respectfully yet strongly urge them to vote down this proposal.

Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, sponsor of the current proposal, introduced a similar mandatory spay/neuter ordinance last year to address funding inadequacies of the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LaSPCA), which enforces the city's animal control laws. That proposal did not pass the Council.

Click here for details http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4094

Ohio House Committee to Consider Repeal of Statewide BSL on 414

April 12, 2010

The Ohio House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee has scheduled a public hearing on House Bill 79 for Wednesday, April 14. This bill, sponsored by Representative Barbara Sears of Lucas County, removes the term "pit bull" from Ohio's statutory definition of dangerous dogs.

Ohio is currently the only state to have enacted statewide breed-specific legislation. The current law states that if a dog "belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull", then it is automatically considered vicious and dangerous. Owners of these dogs must submit reports to the board of health and county dog warden whenever there is a transfer of ownership. Breed-specific language in state law has also enabled local Ohio municipalities to enact strict ordinances regarding ownership of "pit bulls" and has led to the ban and euthanasia of numerous dogs in communities throughout the state.

Click here for details http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4091

Wisconsin Senate Committee to Consider Changing Animal Seizure Laws on 4/6

April 5, 2010

The Wisconsin Senate Committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations will hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 580 on Tuesday, April 6, 2010.

SB 580 seeks to amend state statutes regarding the seizure and subsequent care of animals whose owners are suspected of mistreatment or dog fighting and are engaged in a legal proceeding.

The latest version of this bill contains a number of new provisions. This includes declaring an animal "unclaimed" if the owner fails to pay an amount mandated by the court for care of the animals within 5 days of the order. The owner must continue to pay in bonds, securities, or direct funds (depending on the court order) for the duration of all proceedings relating to the animal(s) seized, and will only receive unused funds if found to be not guilty.

The duration of proceedings may be extended beyond the original time frame if there is a "showing of good cause" by the political subdivision, person/organization caring for the seized animals, or the owner.

Click here for details http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4086

Florida: Oppose Bill Seeking to Put Negative Attributes on Purebred Dogs

April 5, 2010

Florida Senate Bill 122, sponsored by Senator Larcenia Bullard, will be considered by the Florida Senate Agriculture Committee on Wednesday, April 7th, at 9:00 AM. The bill seeks to require pet dealers to provide purchasers with written notices that impugn the genetic health of purebred dogs and increases fines to unreasonable amounts. The American Kennel Club and the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs both oppose SB 122. It is imperative that all concerned Floridians contact the members of the Senate Agriculture Committee; respectfully let them know that you, as a responsible purebred dog breeder or owner in Florida, oppose SB 122 and urge them to do the same.

The American Kennel Club believes that breeding programs should be undertaken responsibly for the purpose of preserving breed characteristics and producing healthy, well-socialized puppies. Responsible breeders are expected to give careful consideration to health issues, temperament, and genetic screening, as well as to the individual care and placement of puppies in responsible homes. AKC supports and promotes these and other responsible breeding practices through breeders' education programs, and commends those who offer similar guidance.

Click here for details http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4085