Oklahoma Humane Federation
Legislative Alerts

February 25, 2009

Why Are Out-of-State Interests Working Hard to Kill HB 1332?

AKC and Unlicensed Puppy Mills - The Connection

Oklahoma is being blasted by out of state interests who are trying to get our legislators to oppose HB 1332. Who benefits from this?

Why is the AKC opposed to HB1332, the Oklahoma Pet Quality Assurance and Protection Act? Why has the AKC disseminated misleading information regarding HB 1332, including that this bill may harm dog shows and field trials, even though neither one are affected by the bill?

AKC is dependent upon licensing fees from unlicensed dog breeders, producing thousands upon thousands of "AKC" registered dogs each year. Each litter registration with AKC costs $25, plus $2 per puppy, the new owner then pays an additional $15 to register the puppy. For a litter of six puppies, AKC makes $112. Thousands upon thousands of puppies leave Oklahoma each year, many through a brokerage that has had a long term relationship with AKC.

AKC has extensive overhead with a New York City office and corporate salaries exceeding $2 million and are comprised of four different non-profit organizations.

AKC and Hunte Corporation (the world’s largest broker of puppy mill dogs) have a long standing relationship; Hunte processes over 80,000 puppies each year.
HB 1332 mandates that all facilities selling, trading, adopting out or otherwise transferring over 25 dogs, cats, kittens or puppies in a single year meet at least the minimum standards mandated under USDA.

This means that if the dogs are kept in cages instead of in the house, the cage must be at least the dogs length plus six inches, times the same for width. Under this law, a beagle could spend its’ life in a 32 X 32 inch cage; according to an AKC alert, HB 1332 could affect their show dog owners…funny, huh? They can stay there for life; these folks successfully objected to the addition of minimal exercise requirements.



Oklahoma Dog Breeding...are these the show breeders that could be harmed by HB 1332?
The USDA mandates that any vehicle used to haul animals provide air circulation and temperature control if the temperature is over 85 or under 45 degrees, unless the dogs have been acclimated to above or below these extremes (yes, even then they can get around it by saying the dogs are, “acclimated.”) There is no mandate for a particular type of vehicle-it can be a mini van or any other vehicle. But some people claiming to be, “show breeders,” say that the transport standards are too strict and could stop them…funny, huh?

Some rescue organizations have said the transport regulations could burden them because they are reading fear posts…read the standards and find out for yourself!
USDA mandates:
• That if the dogs are in cages, the cages be at least six inches longer than the dog, with six inches of headroom.
• That pets be transported in a manner that is safe and comfortable, has ventilation and is of reasonable temperatures. If this is too much, one should not be transporting dogs or cats.

While under USDA regulations the number of animals sold must be declared, the sale of puppies from street corner vendors is largely a cash business, making the unlicensed facility more profitable, yet a dog show organizer claimed that HB 1332 could hurt the USDA breeders…funny, huh?

With similar wording about each bill, AKC opposes progressive, much needed puppy mill legislation in at least 8 states this session:
• OR HB 2470 Limits number of breeding dogs, remedies for diseased dogs sold
• IL HB 198 Licensing dog breeders
• IN HB 1468 Expands definitions of animal cruelty
• MD HB 495 Limits number of breeding dogs
• MD SB 318 Limits number of breeding dogs
• NH HB 337 Licensing certain sellers of animals
• CO HB 1172 Limits number of breeding dogs, certify breeding dogs in good health
• MN SF 7 Defines standard of care for dog and cat breeders
• OK HB 1332 Requiring licensing and standards for breeding dogs
The AKC’s opposition to licensing and inspecting the nation’s intensive breeding operations (puppy mills) in ALL states is for their own financial gains…at the expense of Oklahoma.
Shame on American Kennel Club.

AKC’s 2006 IRS 990 can be found at www.guidestar.org, listed as AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB COMPANION ANIMAL RECOVERY CORPORATION

Next Steps
HB 1332 has passed out of committee and will soon be heard in the House.

Please send a sample letter to Oklahoma representatives, especially your own.

Dear Representative ________________,

Please support HB 1332. Out of state interests are working hard to kill this very needed bill. Many substandard breeders in our state operate a large cash industry which invites crime, consumer fraud and cruelty to Oklahoma.

The standards under this bill are very minimal and do not affect dog shows, field trials or other events. The transport standards mandate only that the animals have adequate ventilation and not be exposed to temperature extremes. HB 1332 supports the good quality breeders by eliminating those who save money by avoiding health care, proper nutrition, etc. The bad breeders are putting the burden on Oklahoma.

Please level the playing field and support HB 1332.

Sincerely,

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