FLORIDA Mandatory Spay/Neuter...

American Kennel Club News Article
Florida Mandatory Spay/Neuter Bill Introduced
Date of Article: January 22, 2009

Legislation that seeks to prohibit persons from owning or maintaining an intact dog or cat older than four months old has been filed in the Florida House. If adopted, Florida House Bill 451 would have a profound negative impact not only on responsible dog breeders in Florida, but also on all current and prospective dog owners. It is vital that all breeders and concerned dog owners in Florida contact their elected state legislators and voice their strong opposition to this unreasonable and unenforceable measure.
]The American Kennel Club opposes the concept of breeding permits, breeding bans, or the mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs. Instead, we support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of breeders and owners who take their responsibilities seriously. Additionally, we strongly support and actively promote a wide range of programs to educate the public about responsible breeding practices and the responsibilities of dog ownership.

As currently written, HB 451 would:

• Require owners of every dog or cat in Florida to have each animal sterilized within 30 days of the animal reaching four months of age, or within 30 days of the owner receiving the animal.
• Provide ambiguous exemptions, including dogs with veterinary certification showing that sterilization would endanger the animal’s health, until such issues no longer exist; Greyhounds currently used for racing, until retirement; show animals registered with an established breed registration organization to be approved by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; dogs or cats that have earned, or are in the process of earning, a competitive sports title; animals trained, or in training, for use in law enforcement, military, or rescue; and animals for which an owner holds a valid breeding permit issued in accordance with an ordinance of a county or municipality.

AKC believes that any attempt at restricting the rights and liberties of responsible breeders—especially via mandatory spay/neuter laws—must be defeated.
The Florida Legislature will convene its session in early March. As a recently filed bill, HB 451 has not yet been referred to a committee within the Florida House of Representatives. However, it is important that all responsible dog breeding and owning Floridians write their elected officials in Tallahassee , respectfully expressing their strong opposition to HB 451, and asking them to oppose the bill. This will help ensure that the bill will not be considered when the legislature comes into session.

For more information, a list of state legislators, sample letters, etc. visit
http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=3711

For complete bill text visit
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0451__.xml&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=0451&Session=2009

 

This has all turned into a nightmare. What happened to human rights in this country. If they are not out right banning, they are telling you that you can only own if you do what I say. Our government has too much power when it comes to these kinds of choices. All it takes is one person to take something and run with it. We have to start doing the same.

 

and just in case you couldn't guess it...
This bill is being sponsored by HSUS and PETA, go figure.:eek:

 

What state is next? This is getting crazy!

 

wasnt something mentioned by obama about doing away with BSL?

 

Grrr i have fought this in California AB 1634

AB 1634 comes back every year and it keeps on not passing why don't thees people just give up

 

So any hear anything like this dealing with obama at all?

 

Thats why I live in New Hampshire where the motto is "Live free or die".

 

That would be a dream come true if the federal government banned all BSL. I can't even take my dog to Boston legally without a muzzle. I never put one on him and I would take a damn fine over putting a muzzle on my dog any day.

 

Truthfully I would like to see someone tell one of thoses crazy rednecks they have to get their unregistered hunting hounds fixed. They crossbreed them dogs for hog hunting. So not registered but serve a purpose. That would be a funny thing. If you ever been to Dixie County Fl you will know what I mean.

 

Its sad but funny how United States has become so puss-a-fied excuse my language but its true people are passing laws on dogs dont you think we have more to worry about then dogs fix the freakin economy first.

I digress


What can we do? All of us come on here and let out our fustration but what are the necessary steps to help this situation or are we truly fighting a losing battle?

 

They breed for working purpose. I don't see anything crazy about that....

This law is crap. But does anyone know what registries it considers legit in its wording?

 

I wasn't saying y they bred was crazy I agree with breeding for working reasons. The law is crap. Just was saying most of them guys down there are crazy enough to use there big a$$ trucks to run over them little bitty cars if a enforcement officer told them they had to fix one of there hunting dogs.