NEW USDA BREEDER REGULATIONS TO BE RELEASED FOR COMMENT NEXT WEEK

May 17th, 2012 | Category: Legal Print

http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4653

Early next week, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be releasing for public comment a new interpretation of portions of existing regulations for the federal Animal Welfare Act.

In particular, two proposed changes may have a potentially significant impact on AKC breeders:

  • Current AWA regulations do not require licensing of  “retail pet stores”.  The newly proposed rule will significantly narrow the definition of retail pet stores so that: “Retail pet store means any outlet a place of business or residence that each buyer physically enters in order to personally observe the animals available for sale prior to purchase and/or to take custody of the animals after purchase …” .

This rescinds the “retail pet store” status/protection for those who engage in internet sales. Breeders who engage in internet-only or other sales without allowing the buyer to personally observe the puppy ahead of purchase will be subject to current USDA commercial breeder licensing and inspections. However, breeders who sell pets to their customers face-to-face will now qualify as “retail pet stores” for the purpose of remaining exempt from USDA regulations.

  • The proposed new rule also increases the exception for regulation as a commercial breeder  for those who maintain up to four breeding female dogs on their premises if person sells only the offspring born and raised on the premises for use as pets or exhibition (regardless of whether those animals are sold at retail or wholesale).

The American Kennel Club will review the proposal, provide comment after fully analyzing the impacts of the proposed rule, and will report all developments as they warrant.

For more information, visithttp://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_welfare/2012/retail_pets_faq.pdf for a fact sheet prepared by USDA/APHIS regarding the proposed rule change; andhttp://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/2012/05/pdf/docket_APHIS_2011_0003.pdf for a preliminary copy of the proposal.

Letter to Topeka Mayor

October 7th, 2010 | Category: In the news, Legal Print

October 5, 2010

Mayor Bill Bunten

215 SE 7th, Room 352

Topeka, KS 66603-3914

Dear Mayor Bunten:

As Legislative Coordinator for the Doberman Pinscher Club of America I wish to thank you and your City Council for the recent update to your animal regulations – specifically as related to Breed Specific Legislation and dangerous dogs.  Your recognition of the difference between a truly dangerous dog and a loyal companion protecting its owner or a dog reacting in self defense is laudable.  Too often good, companionable dogs are destroyed for reacting the only way they can to protect themselves or their owners.  Hopefully your ordinance will serve as a guide to other communities considering updates to their regulations.

It was especially heartening to read of this update precisely two years after the memorable DPCA National Centennial held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel.  Your participation in the welcoming of the Marine War Dog Handlers was greatly appreciated.  The entire event was truly a once in a lifetime occurance for the participants as well as hotel staff.

Hopefully you will have the opportunity this week to once again visit these outstanding Dobermans and their owners and handlers as they enjoy the National Specialty in hospitable Topeka.  Please visit the ladies at the Registration Table in the Exhibition Hall and they will see that you are introduced to our current President, Janet Van Wormer.

Again, I thank you and your staff for the very sensible approach to responsible dog ownership.

Respectfully,

Dana M. Johnson,

Legislative Coordinator

Doberman Pinscher Club of America

dpcalegislativedirector@dpca.org