[ Post a Response | World Bulldoggge Alliance ]
Posted by WBA on July 13, 2009, 7:14 am
205.188.116.11
UPDATE: North Carolina Breeders Bill Placed on Senate Floor Calendar for Wednesday, July 8: OPPOSITON NEEDED!
[Thursday, July 2, 2009]
Senate Bill 460 has been placed on the full Senate calendar for a second reading and consideration next Wednesday, July 8. It is IMPERATIVE that all responsible owners and breeders contact their Senators before Wednesday and urge them to not allow taxpayer money to be used on this ineffective legislation.
Please see below for more information on how you can help fight this unnecessary and expensive bill.
NC ALERT: Senate Finance Committee Advances Senate Bill 460
[Wednesday, July 1, 2009]
The North Carolina Senate Finance Committee passed Senate Bill 460 on Tuesday, June 30, despite concerns raised by many senators and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture regarding the cost of implementing this bill should it become law.
Although Senate Bill 460 was amended, the AKC continues to have concerns, including:
Vague definitions of “commercial breeder”. Commercial breeder” is defined as someone who owns 15 or more intact females “of breeding age” and 30 or more puppies.” The bill exempts kennels or establishments that operate for the purpose of boarding or training hunting, sporting, herding, show, or working dogs. It is unclear if these numbers refer to the number of dogs on the property at one certain time, or if this is cumulative over the course of a year. It is also unclear if someone who trains show dogs, but also sells puppies is exempt from the licensing requirement.
Inspections of private property at any time. The bill allows law enforcement and local animal control to search the homes and private property of anyone who falls under the definition of “commercial breeder” at any time of day or night.
Allowance for seizure of animal for those who do not comply, with no opportunity to come into compliance. If a commercial breeder is unlicensed, animals will be subject to immediate seizure and impoundment and may be sold or euthanized.
Directive for the NC Department of Agriculture to develop standards of care with no public input. SB 460 calls for the Department of Agriculture to develop care and condition policies for dogs belonging to commercial breeders. This does not allow for any input from dog breeders and others who are experts in animal care.
Senate Bill 460 will do nothing to address irresponsible breeding and will cost the state over $400,000 a year to enforce. At a time when the state is facing a projected $3 billion budget gap, improved enforcement of existing laws would be a better use of taxpayers’ money.
How You Can Help
Contact your members of the Senate today and respectfully urge them to oppose Senate Bill 460. Because time is short, we ask that you call their offices. You may e-mail them as well, but phone calls –even a respectful voice message—will make the greatest impact at this time.
Message Thread:
« Back to thread