Salt Lake County, UT to Hold Final Vote on Breeder Regs on 12/21
December 17, 2010
The Salt Lake County Council has scheduled a special meeting on Tuesday, December 21 to vote on a proposal that limits dog breeding in Salt Lake County and places numerous regulations on responsible breeders. The vote was originally scheduled for December 14, but was postponed after numerous concerns were raised by local residents.
The AKC urges all local clubs and breeders in Salt Lake County to attend the meeting on December 21, and also contact the members of the county council and express any concerns you have with the proposal as currently written.
Meeting Information:
Date: Tuesday, December 21
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Council Chambers
2001 South State Street
Salt Lake City, Utah
Mayor Peter Corroon – (801) 468-2500
E-mail Mayor Corroon
Click here for the council’s contact information.
Summary
The proposal only relates to those who live in unincorporated areas of Salt Lake County. Also, those who are licensed by the USDA would be exempt from the licensing provisions. Click here to read the proposal in its entirety.
Although the AKC agrees with many provisions, including the importance of regular veterinary care, sufficient housing and protection from the elements, there are still several provisions of grave concern that will not protect the health and safety of dogs, or the rights of responsible owners and breeders, including:
· Definition of “Volume Dog Breeder” – As currently written, a “volume dog breeder” is anyone who whelps more than one litter of dogs in a 12-month period. Anyone who falls under this definition must be licensed and inspected each year.
· Unannounced Inspections – The proposal requires an annual inspection, but also allows inspections “upon receipt of a complaint or on [the division’s] own motion.” This allows arbitrary inspections at any time during business hours at the discretion of the county’s Animal Services Division. There is no requirement that complaints be substantiated prior to inspection.
· Problematic Standards of Care – All dogs must be provided constant and unfettered access to an indoor enclosure with solid floors. There are no exceptions for other types of safe, sanitary flooring.
The proposal would also limit dogs to two litters in any 18-month period (it appears this also applies to stud dogs). The AKC believes that all decisions regarding breeding should be made by a breeder in conjunction with a veterinarian, and not subject to arbitrary government restrictions.
The AKC strongly supports the humane treatment of dogs. We believe all dogs should be bred and raised in a safe, healthy environment, and support laws that ensure this without imposing burdensome and costly regulations or infringing on the rights of responsible dog breeders.
Read the AKC’s issue brief on Responsible Breeding Practices, which provides talking points on breeding regulations.
Read the AKC's Issue Analysis The Value of Responsible Dog Breeders.
The AKC Government Relations Department will continue to monitor this proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org with any further questions, or to obtain the latest information.
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Robert
www.TheAnimalLawyer.com
