Posted on 03/20/2006 1:01:21 PM PST by doc30
Normally, I don't post requests for help on issues, but there are a fair number of more knowlegeable animal lover Freepers than I. They may be interested and/or could offer some insight into 2 bills pending in FL.
Here are the Senate Summaries of these 2 bills coming before the Senate Agriculture Committee in FL and are to be voted on the 21st. Has anyone heard of these bills and does anyone have any idea what their impact will be?
Some have said that this will cripple the dog/cat breeders in FL and will include private, non-profit animal rescue groups as "pet dealers" and make them subject to licensing requirements. Such volunteer organizations are in no place to administer government regulations and they perform an important community function. It will also shut down home/hobby breeders. For those interested, here is a list of the committee members.
Bullard 850-487-5127
Argenziano 850-487-5017
Bennett 850-487-5078
Haridopolos 850-487-5056
Peaden 850-487-5000
Smith 850-487-5020
Requires that any cat or dog offered for sale must be accompanied by an animal-purchase disclosure. Prohibits a pet dealer from possessing a dog or cat under a certain age. Prohibits a pet dealer from refusing to reimburse veterinary costs under certain conditions. Requires a pet dealer to provide veterinary care to an animal that is returned due to illness or disease. Provides that reimbursement of veterinary costs may not exceed a certain percentage of the purchase price. Deletes the provision that permits a purchaser to waive his or her right to return a dog or cat for congenital or hereditary disorders. Requires that the purchaser notify and present to the pet dealer a veterinarian's determination of the unfitness of an animal within 7 days after purchase. Requires the pet dealer to post a notice indicating where the dog or cat was bred or brokered. Provides that a waiver of any right of the purchase is void. Provides that a purchaser may initiate an action in court if a pet dealer fails to make a reimbursement, refund, or exchange as required. Requires that documents for registration with a pedigree registry organization be provided to the purchaser within a certain period if the animal is registered or capable of being registered. Provides for a refund to the purchaser if pedigree documents are not received within a certain period. Provides penalties for violations of the act. (See bill for details.)
SENATE SUMMARY SB 674
Prohibits a person from operating as a pet dealer unless the person holds a license issued by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Requires that a person file an application for a pet dealer's license on a form supplied by the department. Requires that the application fees collected by the department be deposited in the General Revenue Fund. Prohibits the department from issuing or renewing a license until the facility of the pet dealer is inspected. Prohibits the pet dealer from publishing or advertising the sale or availability of any animal unless the publication or advertisement is accompanied by the license number of the pet dealer. Requires each pet dealer to conspicuously display the license on the premises where the animals are kept for sale. Provides that the license of a pet dealer may be denied, suspended, or revoked under certain circumstances. Provides a civil penalty. Requires the department to inspect each facility of a pet dealer at least annually. Requires that each person conducting an inspection of a facility of a pet dealer or responding to a complaint concerning a pet dealer be specifically trained in the proper care of cats and dogs. Authorizes the department to delegate to a county or municipality authority to issue a license to a pet dealer, inspect facilities, and enforce the law. Requires that the delegation of authority be evidenced by a written agreement between the department and the county or municipality.
Ping - Have you eard about this? And what are your thoughts on it? I'm worried about the effect this will have on home rescue groups.
Sounds like somebody has something against small breeders.
That's the problem. Small breeders could get hit with zoning issues if it's a home based hobby business. Sadly, that's what most of the GOOD breeders are. The bad, puppy mills who are likely properly zoned, won't be very bothered by this
Of all things going on in the world and they are worried about pet stores and breeders?
Some politicians have their priorities really mixed up. To me any proposed law is allowing the camels nose under the tent of freedom.
Nuff said.
It seems more likely to stop non-puppy farms.
The camel's nose? Only if he's comming in ass first.
I approve this bill. For everyone home breeding more kittens and puppies for MONEY and GREED......15-20 of these poor souls are euthanized in the shelters. STOP BREEDING!!!!
It won't stop puppy farms. They will get the license and since they make a living selling puppies, they will go along their merry way.
susie
The vast majority of puppies and kittens sold in this country do not come from hobby breeders. Most hobby breeders gladly take back any puppy or kitten that doesn't work out (my contract stipulates that the buyers MUST bring the puppy back to me if they cannot keep it for any reason).
Pet shops don't. Puppy mills don't. Most people who breed a litter from their pet don't. And the irresponsible people who let their females wander around and get bred every time they are in season certainly don't.
Anyone who thinks hobby breeders are the problem has not done their homework.
And, I sent my emails out this morning. Hope we can stop this stupid law in it's tracks.
susie
Historically, the only people against licensing are the breeders themselves because it opens their dubious business practices to outside scrutiny/penalties.
I agree with others. It's about time these unscrupulous operators come under official scrutiny. There are far too many unwanted pets being killed because they keep breeding in spite of the undisputed fact that there are millions of their 'product' overcrowding animal shelters, rescues and pounds across the country.
I was with you till you went on to say you wanted to stop this law in it's tracks. If you think pet shops and puppy mills ought to have the same health guarantees you provide anyway, why don't you want the law?
This law would attempt to ensure they WOULD!
"OK - Reading the summary of what the law ~does~, it sounds like it first provides some enforcement of health guarantee by providing for reimbursement for expenses and refunds if purchased animals are or become sick... And the second part sounds like it's establishing licensing and care standards for dealers... including backyard breeders."
I'm all for any bill that protects the helpless animals. I wish that someone would pass a bill to punish the people we read about who commit such obscene neglect and abuse to the poor little soul they have custody of - and who depend on them for love - care and their very life. Right now - it's a slap on the wrist and a small fine - for which the thinking is - After all - IT'S ONLY A DOG OR A CAT!!
Is there any place to read this bill to understand it better and have a discussion about it?
Well, the other criticism of licensing is that the authority to license IS the authority to TAX, and limit activity through unreasonable fees.
I'm no fan of the fee for fee's sake. That's for sure.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.