HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Luis Marquez-American Kennel Club LetterAMERICAN
* KENNEL CLUB
July 24, 2017
The Honorable Tomas P. Regalado
Members of the Miami City Commission
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
Sheila Goffe
Vice President
Government Relations
Submitted into the public
record fqr ite s)
on City Clerk
File #1173 Undermines Consumer Protections and the Purchase of Pets Protected by the Federal
Animal Welfare Act
Dear Mayor Regalado and Commission Members:
On behalf of tens of thousands of responsible dog owners and future dog owners in Florida, the
American Kennel Club (AKC) wishes to share our grave concerns with File 1173, which would prohibit
pet stores from selling pets from sources regulated and monitored under the federal Animal Welfare Act
(AWA), and instead require them to sell pets only from shelters or rescue distributors, which are not
regulated by the AWA.
The AKC shares public concerns about the wellbeing of all pets. As a not -for profit organization dedicated
to the health and wellbeing of all dogs, our clubs operate the largest purebred rescue network in the nation.
We advocate for responsible dog ownership and support strong enforcement of the Federal Animal
Welfare Act, includingthe he updated 2014 retail pet store rule that requires breeders who sell pets sight
unseen or to pet stores to be inspected and meet federal animal welfare requirements.
We are extremely concerned that File 1173 ignores these recent advances and seeks to ban the retail sale
of pets from licensed, inspected and regulated breeders or retailers selling such pets. This proposal
exacerbates animal welfare issues in the community because it removes from the market the most
regulated, health -tested and temperament- checked sources of pets, while promoting pets from
sources that lack this oversight. It further harms the public by removing available consumer
protections for new pet owners and potentially increases public health risks impacting the entire
community.
An important part of ensuring the success of a pet with a new owner is to ensure that it is an appropriate
fit with the owner's lifestyle. Treasured pets may be obtained from a variety of sources, including breeders,
pet stores, rescues, and local shelters.
Unfortunately, most communities lack sufficient local breeders to meet the demand for the specific pets
desired by local residents. Those seeking a puppy that is a specific breed from a breeder subject to USDA
or state animal welfare standards, or one that is covered by Florida consumer protection laws 828.29 (5)-
(17), will likely be forced to purchase a puppy outside the community, or to obtain one of unknown origin
and no health guarantees from a shelter. (Please note that 828.29 specifically exempts animal control
agencies and registered nonprofit humane organizations from complying with state consumer protection
8051 Arco Corporate Drive Raleigh, NC 27617-3390 Tel 919 816-3600 www.akc.org
for pet purchasers law.) If efforts to continue restricting pet sales succeed, families in Miami will lose an
important source for choosing a quality pet that is the best fit for their lifestyle and circumstances.
When consumers cannot acquire a pet that is an appropriate fit for their lifestyle, that animal is more likely
to end up in the shelter system.
If Miami wishes to enact a policy that protects consumers, we encourage you to pursue a policy similar to
the one adopted by the State of Connecticut. Their law prohibits pet stores or dealers from purchasing
animals from any breeder that has been found to have committed a direct violation of USDA animal
welfare regulations or three or more noncompliance/indirect violations of USDA regulations related to the
health or welfare of an animal in the last two years. These legislative safeguards not only protect animal
welfare but also preserve consumer choice and businesses in your community.
In the interests of our shared commitment to the wellbeing of all dogs, the American Kennel Club urges
you to oppose any proposed ban on retail pet sales.
I would welcome the opportunity to work with you or other stakeholders to develop alternative and more
effective solutions to reduce shelter intakes, expand responsible dog ownership and promote responsible
pet choice in Miami. Please do not hesitate to contact me or another member of the AKC Government
Relations team at 919-816-3720 or do lawaakc.org if you have any questions or we maybe of assistance.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Sheila Goffe
Vice President, Government Relations
CC: Florida Association of Kennel Clubs
Submitted into the public
record fl' % .
on ite City Clerk