North Carolina Breeder Restriction Bill
March 12th, 2009Bill Name: HB/SB 460
State: North Carolina
Date of Proposal: 3/05/09
STCA Legislative Contacts: Kristin Tresidder & Al Bincarousky
House Bill 460 was recently proposed in North Carolina by Representative Maggie Jeffus of Greensboro and Representative Margaret Highsmith Dickson of Fayetteville, and its companion bill, Senate Bill 460, was sponsored by Senators Don Davis of Snow Hill and Senator Don Vaughan of Greensboro. The goal of these bills is to implement restrictions on ‘commercial breeders.’ The bill defines a commercial breeder as “any person who, during any 12-month period, maintains 15 or more adult female dogs for the primary purpose of the sale of their offspring as companion animals.”
Some of the proposed restrictions include:
- Mandatory annual licensing at a cost of $50.
- Age limits on breeding dogs
- Annual certification by a veterinarian that a dog can be bred
- Unannounced home inspections
- NC Board of Agriculture devised standards of care, including exercise, veterinary care, housing, and record-keeping
Those breeders found to be in violation of the imposed restrictions, or who declined a home inspection would find themselves subjected to fines and possible seizure and euthanasia of their dogs.
The legislative committee is currently drafting a letter to be sent to all sponsoring Representatives and Senators voicing our opposition to this proposal.
For more information on how you can help, please contact your STCA Regional Representative
