The Pierce County Animal Control Advisory Panel will discuss possible breeder licensing and significant fee increases at their upcoming meeting December 21st. It is vital that concerned fanciers, breeders and responsible dog owners voice their concerns.
Please see specific information below about the meeting and the proposed changes.
Background:
Pierce County currently licenses kennels in separate categories and for corresponding fees as follows: Commercial Kennel/Cattery - $250, Boarding Kennel/Cattery - $200, Foster Shelter Kennel/Cattery $75 (sterilized) or $150 (intact animals), Hobby Kennel Cattery with 6 to 20 animal -$150, Private Kennel/Cattery $150. The proposed changes will increase fees and alter the distinctions between commercial and hobby kennels.
Proposed Changes
$200 Kennel license for any resident housing 6 to 15 dogs
$250 Breeder License (in addition to kennel license)
Hobby Kennel/Cattery License – fee not stated, for those keeping animals for hunting, breeding for exhibition, organized events, field work or obedience trials (breeders would also need $250 breeder’s license)
Require individual licensing of dogs at a kennel (in addition to kennel license fee)
Consolidate definitions for boarding, commercial, short-term and private kennels
Potential Impact of Changes
Pierce County hosted 192 AKC-sanctioned events in 2009, including dog shows, agility, rally, obedience, and herding trials. These events attracted over 34,000 participants who contributed approximately $1.1 million to the local economy by purchasing food, gas, lodging and other items during their visit. Passage of laws that are burdensome to responsible breeders would indicate that these responsible owners and our events are not welcome in Pierce County.
These measures will place burdens on responsible owners and breeders and will do nothing to address the irresponsible pet owners who do not comply with current laws. Resources would be better used to enforce current licensing laws and address animals and owners who are creating problems in the community.
What You Can Do
· If you are a club officer, please contact Susan Peterson at ragtimef2@gmail.com and let her know how many members are in your club and if she can officially represent your club’s opposition to this measure.
· Email the Pierce County Auditor at pcauditor@co.pierce.wa.us and politely state your opposition to these burdensome and ineffective measures.
· Attend the Animal Control Advisory Panel’s meeting December 21st and voice your concerns during public comment.
Pierce County Animal Control Advisory Panel Meeting
Tuesday, December 21st
6pm
Public Meeting Room
Pierce County Annex
2401 S. 35th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409
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Robert
www.TheAnimalLawyer.com
