Oregon Bills Call for Exotic Animal Permits, Restrictions on Dog Dealers



One measure limits possession to 50 dogs; the other expands definition of ‘exotic animal.’



Posted: Thursday, May 7, 2009, 6:05 p.m., EDT



PuppiesThe rules for keeping exotic animals as well as for persons selling dogs in the state of Oregon are set to change under two new bills scheduled for hearings Tuesday, May 12.



Regarding dog dealers, the Oregon House of Representatives passed legislation that imposes oversight conditions on persons who possess, control or have charge of more than 75 dogs. Additionally, the measure provides customers of pet dealers with specific remedies if a purchased dog has a disease.



The act, House Bill 2470, would impact breeders, pet stores and anyone else qualifying as a pet dealer. A “pet dealer” is defined by the bill as anyone selling five or more litters of dogs during any one-year period. A “boarding kennel” is defined as any facility that for a fee provides care to dogs that stay at the facility an average of less than 30 days.



The bill also prohibits possessing, controlling or having charge of more than 50 sexually intact dogs that are 2 years of age or older for the main purpose of reproduction. Any person in possession or control of at least 10 sexually intact dogs at least 8 months of age are subject to the specific care requirements, including:



* Providing enough space for dogs.

* Providing enclosures meeting certain restrictions, including solid flooring.

* Maintaining detailed records for each dog.



Pet stores would also be required to disclose certain information to customers, such as the origin of a dog, identifying information and any congenital disorder or hereditary disease of the dog’s parents.



The second act, Senate Bill 391, calls for exotic animal permits. It changes the state’s definition of “exotic animal” by adding and deleting certain species as well as mandates a permit requirement for possession of an “exotic animal.” The bill also prohibits breeding of exotic animals except for small exotic felines.



SB 391 exempts certain organizations, institutions and facilities from permit requirement or from prohibition against breeding of an exotic animal. It allows for possession of an exotic animal if a person applies for a valid Oregon Department of Agriculture permit by a certain date or possessed a permit on a certain date.



Under the measure, “exotic animal” includes the following:



* Any member of the family Felidae not indigenous to Oregon, except the species Felis catus (domestic cat).

* Any nonwolf member of the family Canidae not indigenous to Oregon, except the species Canis familiaris (domestic dog).

* Any member of the order Crocodylia.



The definition provided in SB 391 adds Crocodylia and removes “any wolf.” The measure allows the state department of agriculture to charge a fee to issue or renew permits, not to exceed $100

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• Oregon Bill Hearing - EricWI, Sat May 9 17:57:46 2009