The Utah Legislature adjourned for the year on Friday, March 5 without passing House Bill 420.
This bill as introduced would have restricted retail pet stores in the state, and included a broad definition of pet store that could have included hobbyists who raise and sell dogs in their home.
AKC expressed concerns with this bill, which would have significantly limited pet choice and potentially harmed responsible home-based breeders and sellers in the state. A floor amendment had been filed to clarify the definition of pet store to exempt hobbyists and sportsmen, but the bill did not come up for a floor vote.
AKC thanks the Utah dog owners and club members who took the time to contact the House of Representatives on this issue. For more information on AKC’s position on this issue, visit www.akcgr.org/petchoice.