15/03/2023
We received an email today from the American Kennel Club about Senate Bill 1492 and House Bill 1581 in the Florida legislature, which would define any unsterilized female dog over the age of six months as a “breeding female” and would require her owner to register with the state as a “breeder,” pay significant fees, and be inspected by the state or by any person or non-governmental organization selected for that purpose. Any violation could result in dog confiscations. Registrants would be required to comply with federal commercial dog breeder/dealer regulations; additional state rules not yet written; and all existing and future county/city dog breeder laws, fees, and inspection requirements.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly opposes these bills. Not only would they impose huge and costly restrictions on home-based and hobby breeders, they also would likely require beloved family housedogs to be kenneled in accordance with commercial standards. Learn more about Breeder Regulations and Restrictions Legislation on AKC’s Legislative Action Center.
As of March 14, 2023, Senate Bill 1492 and two related Senate bills remain active. Therefore, continued action in opposition to the Senate bill is needed.
The office of the sponsor of the House bill, Representative Linda Chaney, has advised American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) that she intends to withdraw House Bill 1581 and its two related bills, HB 1583 and 1585. As of this time, House Bill 1581 and its two related House bills also remain active, pending Rep. Chaney’s formal withdrawal of them. AKC GR will continue to monitor this information and provide updates.
