Friday, June 14, 2019
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is seriously concerned that the New Hampshire Legislature, through procedural maneuvers avoiding the full legislative process, may be on the verge of eliminating the state’s recognition of “breeders” and instead labeling them as newly-defined “pet vendors”. Because this proposal is problematic for multiple reasons, it is imperative that concerned New Hampshire residents contact their state legislators immediately and urge them to oppose the proposed “pet vendor” definition.
SUMMARY: The New Hampshire Senate has attached to the state budget (HB 2) an amended version of legislation opposed by AKC and NH DOGS that (1) strikes the current law’s definition of “commercial kennel”, and (2) defines anyone who transfers 25 or more dogs in a 12-month period as “pet vendor”. Under this proposal, all breeders who transfer (not sell) 25 or more dogs of any age during the year would be labeled as “pet vendors”. Pet vendors will be required to apply for a state license, be inspected, and comply both with municipal restrictions that likely require obtaining commercial zoning permits and with state regulatory standards.
Because their versions of the state’s budget now differ, both the Senate and House have appointed three members from each chamber to a budget conference committee. They will begin negotiating a final budget proposal on Monday, June 17. The negotiated result will be sent to Governor Sununu for this approval.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: The American Kennel Club (AKC) is asking you to immediately contact your state representative and senator and request that they:
- Drop the proposed “pet vendor” definition;
- Do not eliminate “commercial kennel” from law; and
- Instead of in budget negotiations, use the full legislative process to make significant policy changes.
Please share these concerns:
- Some breeds of dogs have large litters, and if a second litter produced a number of puppies that exceeds the proposed threshold, a fancier/hobbyist breeder could find themselves classified as a “pet vendor” and subject to these oversight requirements.
- Someone who breeds dogs for purpose of improving, exhibiting, or showing the breed, or for use in sporting activities, should not be regulated as a commercial entity with inspections and commercial zoning requirements.
CONTACT by PHONE OR EMAIL:
To identify contact information for your state Representative, go to http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/default.aspx
To identify contact information for your state Senator, go to http://gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/members/wml.aspx
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will provide additional information as developments warrant. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.