Washoe County, NV Expands Breeder Regulations, Revises Dangerous Dog Law October 10, 2014 Dear AKC Delegates, Club Officers, Judges and Breeders, Please pass this information along to residents in the Washoe County (Reno, NV) area. The Washoe County Board of Commissioners will be holding multiple public hearings on proposed changes to the animal control code. The first meeting on Tuesday, October 14th will address proposals regarding commercial breeder language and provisions governing dangerous dogs. Many of the proposed changes are to bring the county into compliance with current state law. As currently written, however, Washoe County proposes different definitions for “breeder” and “commercial breeder” that will likely subject more breeders to provisions intended by the state to apply to larger facilities and breeders. AKC encourages dog owners and breeders to attend the hearing and participate in this important discussion. Meeting Details: Washoe County Board of Commissioners Date: Tuesday, October 14th, 2014 Time: 10:00 AM Location: Commission Chambers, 1001 E. 9th Street, Reno, NV Summary of Proposed Changes under Consideration: Commercial Breeders: The draft of the section relating to commercial breeders can be seen here. The Washoe County draft proposes to define “Commercial Breeder” as “a dealer, operator or other person who is responsible for the establishment which engages in the breeding of five or more litters of cats or dogs in a calendar year, to sell, trade or give away to others.” This is an expansion of the state breeder definition. ** FLASH ** FLASH ** PAY ATTENTION TO THIS PARAGRAPH!!!!! The proposal requires that commercial breeders allow any animal control agent of Washoe County to enter and inspect the premises at any reasonable hour. While much of the section is consistent with state law, the county’s proposed definition for commercial breeder would require some individuals who are not currently subject to state regulation as commercial breeders to be considered commercial entities under county law. The AKC has concerns with defining commercial activity based on the number of litters produced. With small breeds, it is possible that only 1 or 2 puppies will constitute a litter. Commercial activity should be based on the number of dogs sold. The Washoe County draft proposes to define “breeder” as “a dealer, operator or other person who is responsible for the operation of a commercial establishment engaged in the business of breeding. The term does not include a hobby breeder.” This is essentially the same as the state definition. (Note: The full draft of Chapter 55 defines hobby kennel and hobby cattery but not hobby breeder, however the definition section is not being considered at the October 14 meeting. Additional changes may be made to this definition or other provisions of the document before it is presented to the Commission). Additionally, the current Washoe County zoning code designates a “Commercial Kennel” as follows, “Commercial kennels refers to kennel services for dogs, cats and similar animals. Typical uses include commercial animal breeding with four (4) or more animals (dogs), boarding kennels, pet motels, or dog training centers. Commercial kennels require a parcel size minimum of two-and-one-half (2.5) acres regardless of the regulatory zone within which it is located.” Further, a Board of Adjustment Special Use Permit is required in the zoning designations where commercial kennels are permitted. It is a permitted use in several residential designations and therefore could require certain persons designated as “commercial breeders” to allow animal control unfettered access to their private homes. The Washoe County draft proposes to define “Hobby kennel” as “an enclosure where more than three dogs over 4 months of age are kept and maintained. The term “hobby kennel” does not include a commercial enterprise operating under a business license.” (This definition is located in Section 55.010 and will NOT be discussed on October 14th.) Dangerous Dog: The dangerous dog provisions (55.750-55.780) can be seen here. Adds a provision prohibiting the classification of a dog as dangerous on the sole basis of breed. Current law requires a surety bond of at least $50,000 and this would increase that requirement to $250,000. Current law requires liability insurance of at least $50,000 and this would increase that requirement to $250,000. Makes other minor changes to the dangerous dog law. What You Can Do Attend the Washoe County Board of Commissioners Meeting and discuss your concerns with the proposal. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person. Contact your representative on the Washoe County Board of Commissioners. You can input your address here to find out who represents your district. Washoe County Board of Commissioners Berkbigler, Marsha Commissioner, District 1 [email protected] 775.328.2005 Humke, David Commissioner, District 2 & Chairman [email protected] 775.328.2005 Jung, Kitty Commissioner, District 3 [email protected] 775.219.5472, cell Hartung, Vaughn Commissioner, District 4 [email protected] 775.328.2005 Weber, Bonnie Commissioner, District 5 & Vice Chairman [email protected] 775.328.2005
Posted on: Fri, 10 Oct 2014 21:14:07 +0000
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