This came across my desk today. If you've ever taken your pet dog to an obedience class, dog park or to any kind of dog show, you may want to contact your state legislators and politely ask them to reconsider on the following idea. Dog shows and/or agility/obedience trials are typically put on by non-profit, small clubs. Lots of times there is no charge to spectators:
July 11, 2011
http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4452
A Massachusetts legislative committee is scheduled to consider House Bill 1023 on July 19 a bill that would significantly change the definition of kennel to encompass training facilities or any dog event with more than 12 dogs. All those meeting the new criteria would be required to comply with all state and local licensing and other regulations currently reserved just for large kennels.
This would mean that any daytime activity where more than twelve dogs are present (including dog shows, training facilities, companion events, etc.) would now be considered a kennel and required to comply with all state and local kennel licensing and regulations. Read AKCs previous Legislative Alert for more information on House Bill 1023, including AKCs letter to the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
It is essential that the committee members hear from responsible dog owners, exhibitors, trainers, and breeders who either reside in the Commonwealth or participate in Massachusetts dog events:
Attend the committee hearing on July 19. The meeting information is as follows:
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Date: July 19, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Massachusetts State House, Room A-2
**If you plan to attend, please contact the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners so they can know how many plan to testify and can provide you with any last-minute information:
Virginia Rowland
[email protected] or
Julie Rembrandt Seeley
[email protected]
Contact the committee members and express your concerns with House Bill 1023. View the committee member names and contact information here.
View a sample letter to personalize
View a sample phone script
The AKC will continue to closely monitor this legislation. For questions or more information, contact the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs & Responsible Dog Owners at the e-mail addresses listed above, or the AKC Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720 or
[email protected].
