April 1, 2022
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/montgomery-al-vote-tue-4-5-animal-breeder-trainer-seller-permits-expanded-cruelty-offenses/
Please share this information with animal owners in Montgomery, Alabama.
The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) just
learned that a proposed animal ordinance is scheduled for a vote by the
Montgomery City Council on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
At the time of this alert, AKC has received information about certain
provisions of the proposed ordinance. An official copy of the proposed
ordinance is scheduled to be available on the city website on the afternoon of
4/1/22.
Among numerous overreaching and problematic provisions in the proposed
ordinance:
• It would be unlawful to engage in the business of breeding, buying, selling,
training, raising, or boarding animals without obtaining a special permit
issued by the Montgomery Humane Society at cost of $150 per year. To obtain a
permit, the applicant must have a valid business license issued by the city;
provide proof of liability insurance for animal bites, injury, or death caused
by an animal; and provide veterinary records for all animals that enter or
leave their care within the 12 months prior to the date of application.
Inspections of premises would be authorized prior to issuance of a permit, on
any renewal, and on any complaint. “Animal Business” and “business venture” are
undefined, so it is assumed that all of these activities would require a
permit, such as the sale of a single animal or conducting animal training on a
volunteer basis.
• An amended section of the proposed ordinance appears to be intended to
address animal fighting. However, as written, it would make it unlawful to
promote, hold, or attend a game, exhibition, . . . or contest involving one or
more animals or involving animals and humans. This could serve to outlaw dog
shows, 4-H events, and other events involving animals. This section also does
not conform with a separate section that allows tethering of dogs in
conjunction with certain events. Therefore, it is unclear which provision
would prevail.
• Both reasonable and overreaching/vague animal care provisions are proposed.
For example, it would be an animal cruelty crime to fail to provide medical
treatment to “any” animal that is sick, diseased, injured, or suffering from
any type of parasitic infestation. It is unclear if an owner, rather than a
veterinarian, would be permitted to provide appropriate care for an animal.
• It would be a crime to fail to “properly groom” an animal, which specifically
would include “cutting or maintaining the animal’s hair to an optimum length
and condition appropriate to the animals’ breed.” The proposed ordinance does
not define “optimum length” or “appropriate condition.”
Enforcement of these and other problematic requirements would no longer be
conducted by the city police department. The Montgomery Humane Society would
be responsible for enforcement of Chapter 4, Animals of the Code of Ordinances;
all existing, amended, proposed, and future provisions of the chapter; and
would be empowered to confiscate animals.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Animal owners in Montgomery are urged to:
• Review the entire proposed ordinance after it is posted to the city
website.
• Immediately contact City Council members to express your concerns.
• Attend the city council meeting to voice opposition to problematic
sections of the proposed ordinance. For additional meeting information and to
learn how to sign up to be recognized to speak at the meeting, contact the City
Clerk’s office at 334-625-2195.
Meeting information:
Montgomery City Council Meeting
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
5:00 p.m.
Council Auditorium
103 North Perry Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
For more information, please contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@xxxxxxx
or 919-816-3720.
Stormy Hope
NAIATrust, Trustee
NAIATrust-CA on Facebook!
GSDCA Legislative Liaison to AKC
California Responsible Pet Owners
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