N.C. Senators to Reconsider Dog Breeder Bill

Posted: Friday, July 10, 2009, 2:35 p.m., EDT

N.C. Senators to Reconsider Dog Breeder Bill North Carolina’s state Senate has delayed voting on an amended version of Senate Bill 460, which seeks to regulate the commercial breeding of dogs. The measure was withdrawn from the Senate calendar on July 8 and re-referred to the Senate Rules Committee for further consideration.

Senate Bill 460 directs the state Board of Agriculture to establish standards of care for animals at commercial breeding operations. A “commercial breeder” is defined as any person who owns or maintains 15 or more intact female dogs of breeding age and 30 or more puppies for the purpose of the sale.

The standards of care are to include provisions for daily exercise, veterinary care, housing and record keeping. Penalties are provided for commercial breeders who fail to provide adequate care for the animals.

Under Senate Bill 460, no commercial breeder would be allowed to operate in the state without first obtaining an annual license. Failure to obtain a license would constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.

The American Kennel Club is calling on the state’s dog owners and breeders to continue to speak out in opposition of the bill, which the organization claims is “ineffective” and will cost North Carolina more than $400,000 a year to enforce.

Click here to view Senate Bill 460. <HOME>

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N.C. Senators to Reconsider Dog Breeder Bill

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Reader Comments

All taxpayers should be mandated to visit their local animal shelters at least once a year and see for themselves all the cruelty and insanity that goes on simply because of "out of sight, out of mind" attitude so many people practice. Something needs to be done to stop all this madness and I am a hunter and I have always loved to hunt my dogs but I stand on the side of the dogs on this. We can't stop the killing until we stop the supply, simple as that! Mandate that visit just like jury duty and I guarantee the public outcry will be deafning about this needless slaughter of innocent animals.

Jim Harmon

James, Arden, NC
Posted: 8/6/2009 5:43:17 AM

I am not an AKC member, a breeder, or a sportsman, but a rescuer of canines that are no longer wanted. I am against this bill for the principle that it is sponsored by the biggest FARCE in America - the H$U$, which is NOT an animal welfare organization, but a politcal machine funded by well meaning people that have been duped into believing that H$U$ works for animals. The do not! see www.humanewatch.org

Nancy, Black Mountain, NC
Posted: 7/14/2009 3:01:00 PM

I read the bill, it sounds reasonable. What does the AKC consider to be an effective bill?

Gary, Wilmington, NC
Posted: 7/10/2009 5:22:39 PM

While I do not know the facts behind the American Kennel Club's opposition to the bill, I think it is appalling that nothing is done. Greed and money plus protectionism seem to be behind some of this. Why shouldn't a license be required? Why shouldn't there be responsibility for care of innocent animals. If the AKC doesn't like this, let them volunteer to have officers/volunteers inspect breeder establishments. They make lots of money. Start a campaign to assist with regulation! Something must be better than finding reasons why this won't work. Become part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Linda, Chapel Hill, NC
Posted: 7/10/2009 1:02:14 PM

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