Insurance co. offers policies
to owners of AKC dogs
The Hartford Financial Services Group is offering auto and home insurance to AKC-registered dog owners. Owners with breeds historically ineligible for coverage may be eligible if they meet specific conditions demonstrating obedience and responsible dog ownership, including passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. Details here.
Purdue vet school study finds vaccinated dogs can develop immune-mediated diseases
Dogs Naturally Magazine reports that researchers at Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine have found that vaccines can cause changes in the immune system of dogs that might lead to life-threatening immune-mediated diseases.
The report that the vaccinated, but not the non-vaccinated, dogs in the studies developed auto-antibodies to many of their own biochemicals, including fibronectin, laminin, DNA, albumin, cytochrome C, cardiolipin and collagen. The vaccinated dogs were attacking their own fibronectin, which is involved in tissue repair, cell multiplication and growth, and differentiation between tissues and organs in a living organism.
The vaccinated Purdue dogs also developed autoantibodies to laminin, which is involved in many cellular activities including the adhesion, spreading, differentiation, proliferation and movement of cells. Vaccines thereby appear capable of removing the natural intelligence of cells. See details here.
Congressmen call on IRS to investigate H$U$
Dog Lovers asked to support effort
Six members of the U.S. Congress have asked the Internal Revenue Service to investigate abuses of the tax-exempt status of the Humane Society of the United States. In an April 18, 2011 letter (read here), the Congressmen accuse H$U$ of violating IRS restrictions on charitable organizations from engaging in legislative lobbying and other political activities.
Frank Losey, an anti-H$U$ activist, has called upon all dog breeders and dog lovers to encourage the six letter-writing congressmen in their efforts and to urge their own congressmen to join in the call for an IRS investigation. Read Mr. Losey's "Call to Action" here.
NAIA Trust Wins a Battle in War Against Volusia County
Over Anti-Breeder Ordinance
NAIA Trust has won a procedural victory in its lawsuit against Volusia County over its 2008 ordinance which strictly regulates “hobby breeders” and allows for warrantless searches of breeders residences. The ordinance, which applies to un-incorporated areas of the county, requires hobby breeders to obtain licenses from the county and to consent to searches of their homes without any notice or cause.
Patti Strand, National Director of NAIA Trust, said "This is what we've been waiting for and we feel very optimistic. Finally we can take the search and seizure issue, the mandatory spay/neuter issue, and all of our other concerns to trial.
NAIA Trust asserts in its complaint that the ordinance is unconstitutionally discriminatory in that it does not regulate commercial breeders or pet shops. NAIA also alleges that forcing hobby breeders to consent to warrantless searches without notice violates both the federal and state constitutions.
It seeks to enjoin Volusia County from enforcing this unconstitutional ordinance. Hopefully, this lawsuit will send a message to other Florida counties and municipalities that passing such stormtrooper laws and violating breeders’ basic constitutional rights will be met with challenges in court. Anti-pet county commissioners in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties also have enacted similar overreaching laws, and pro-H$U$/PETA legislators in other Florida jurisdictions are considering doing so.
Now the real fight begins. The goal is to stop the march of unconstitutional animal laws that empower the government and private groups to take our animals and sell them at a profit without just cause, or force us to perform life altering surgeries on our pets without due process. This is a battle that must be fought. The alternative is to allow our powerful opponents to prevail by outspending us and bleeding our resources while they usurp our constitutional rights.
NAIA Trust needs your contributions to fund this very expensive lawsuit and its other work in opposing anti-pet legislation now pending in the Florida legislature. Click here to make a secure on-line contribution.
Donate to NAIA just by searching the internet!Every time you use GoodSearch.com they will donate to NAIA! Please tell your friends! |
Daytona Bch. passes spay/neuter ordinance
Must Sterilize Pups & Kittens At 6 Mos.
The Daytona Beach City Commission passed an ordinance, by a 5 to 2 vote, that requires all dogs and cats six months and older to be sterilized, unless an unaltered animal permit is obtained for each intact animal. The fee will be $10.00, and the permit is valid for the life of the dog or cat.
An unaltered dog will qualify for an unaltered animal permit if: (a) the dog has competed in at least one show or sporting competition sanctioned by a bona fide national registry within the last 365 days; or (b) the dog has earned a title from a purebred dog registry or dog sport association; or (c) the owner is a member of, and the dog is registered with, a purebred dog breed club which maintains and enforces a code of ethics that includes restrictions from breeding dogs with genetic defects and life-threatening heath problems; or (d) the owner signs a statement under oath attesting that the dog is being trained for competition.
As a condition of permitting, the dog must be microchipped and the number provided to the animal control division. Microchipping is not required of hunting, herding and sporting dogs.
There are other exemptions. Read the new ordinance here.
Permits may be revoked if information is received by the city of violations of the animal control code. The permit holder may request a hearing to contest the revocation. Violators may also be subject to civil penalties with fines of up to $500.
Motel 6 Is AKC Dog Friendly!
Motel 6 is the official lodging provider to the American
Kennel Club and offers a 10% discount to all AKC registrants staying at Motel
6 and
Studio 6 facilities remains in effect. In addition, it has made these
changes:
-- The one pet per room policy has been lifted
-- There is no longer a weight limit on pets
-- Motel 6 does not assess a Pet Fee. Studio 6 has a pet fee of $10.00/day
up to $50.00/stay.
To take advantage of the 10% discount, AKC registrants can log on to motel6.com and enter access code CP542764 for Motel 6 or visit staystudio6.com and enter the access code CP542765 for Studio 6 reservations.
Three Volusia Towns
Swallow MSN Kool-Aid
DeLand, Holly Hill, and Ponce Inlet have joined Volusia County in passing anti-breeder ordinances forcing dogs to be spayed and neutered.
Most recently, Ponce Inlet's commission passed ordinance 2009-06 on May 20. DeLand's city commission voted on May 18 to pass ordinance 2008-17. Holly Hill's commission passed its ordinance, #2849, in April. All are clones of Volusia County's MSN ordinance.
Apparently Volusia County's government is coercing the county's towns and cities into passing MSN laws. The county reportedly is offering its municipalities free use of the county's mobile spay/neuter clinic bus for a few months, if they pass MSN ordinances.
Volusia's Council Passes Hateful Anti-Pet Law
Limits Dogs & Cats to 5 on Acre Lots
No More Than 12 Pets on Any Property
County Council Is Firmly Pro-H$U$
Volusia County’s council sneaked in a breeder-hating ordinance on May 21, amending the county's Zoning Code. Ordinance 2009-17 takes effect immediately and applies to owners of dogs and cats on properties throughout unincorporated parts of the county.
Properties less than an acre now may house a combined total of only 5 dogs and cats, unless the owner obtains a “special exception” from the county council. Properties between one acre and 5 acres are limited to 8 dogs and cats, and properties over 5 acres cannot house more than 12 dogs and cats, without obtaining "special exceptions".
Any property obtaining a "special exception" must meet stringent regulations, including (a) minimum setbacks from property lines, (b) food storage and feeding procedures, (c) temperature, moisture, and shade limitations, (d) flooring rules, (e) cage specifications, and (f) sanitation. For example, the "Method of sanitation" section states:
"Method of sanitation. Cages, rooms and hard-surfaced pens or runs shall be sanitized by washing them with hot water and soap or detergent, or by washing all soiled surfaces with a detergent solution followed by a safe and effective disinfectant, or by cleaning all soiled surfaces with live steam. Pens or runs using gravel, sand or dirt shall be sanitized by removing the soiled gravel, sand or dirt and replacing it as necessary. Feces and soiled litter material shall be removed from all litter pans at least once a day. Absorbent litter and/or any other material used to absorb urine shall be changed when it becomes 30 percent saturated with urine.”
This ordinance by-passed the usual process of presentment by Animal Control, and enabled the anti-pet, pro-H$U$ Volusia County councilmen to sneak the bill through. The county council is firmly in the wallet pocket of H$U$, and dog breeders' and pet owners' pleas for reason are being ignored by their elected representatives across the county.
| From H$U$'s Wayne Pacelle's Playbook: |
 “In fact, I don’t want to see another dog or cat born.” |
What FAKC Is
and What It Does
The Florida Association of Kennel Clubs, Inc. (FAKC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of animals, especially pure bred dogs. It is a "Club of Clubs", with its members being dog clubs throughout the State of Florida which are affiliated with the American Kennel Club (AKC). The FAKC has no individual members.
FAKC was formed in the 1950's. Through our member clubs and their membership we represent thousands of dog enthusiast's who possess a wealth of information and experience. FAKC assists member clubs by providing information, support, promoting AKC events, and education. More ...
Obama's USDA
supports H$U$
An internal US Department of Agriculture memorandum recommends H$U$ and other animal welfare whacko groups be allowed to set the agenda for a proposed animal welfare scientific forum. See details here.
Leon County passes changes to
its Animal Control ordinance
Dog clubs have impact at public hearing
Anti-pet owner sections toned down
The Leon County Commission voted unanimously to approve wholesale changes to the county's animal control ordinance on August 23. As bad as it turned out to be, it is not as bad as it would have been if the commissioners had snuck it through on first reading last month, like they tried to do.
As passed, the law limits the requirement for permits for large numbers of dogs to habitual violators of the running loose and public nuisance provisions. FAKC also fought to prevent humane societies from full exemptions from veterinarian exams and vaccinations, which has been a major issue since many Florida animal adoption groups have been importing unhealthy dogs from foreign countries, spreading diseases among local pet dogs.
The FAKC and local dog club members helped to fill the hearing room and send the county staff a message to not mess with Leon County dog owners. Speakers included FAKC president Leah James and lobbyist Pat Mixon, as well as Julie Gallagher, of the Ochlockonee River Kennel Club.
The commissioners promised next year to review the results of the changes to the ordinance. This is a government body which needs careful watching. Leon County residents are urged to communicate often with their commissioners over the next twelve months.
Lake Worth
bans
retail pet sales
City Commission Votes Unanimously
Lake Worth city commission voted unanimously on February 15 to pass Ordinance 2011-5 to ban sales of dogs and cats in pet stores. A pet store is defined as “a retail establishment open to the public that sells or transfers, or offers for sale or transfer, dogs and/or cats, including puppies and kittens, regardless of the age of the dog or cat.”
Sales of pets bred and reared on the premises are exempt. Also exempt are publicly operated animal control facilities or animal shelters, non-profit humane societies, animal rescue organizations, including those which operate out of pet stores.
The ordinance also requires pet stores to post a “certificate of source” of each dog or cat offered for sale or transfer. The certificate must state the name and address of the original source of the animal and license information if the original source breeder is licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The certificate must be signed by the pet store and purchaser or transferee. Violators face a fine of $100, plus court costs. Those who contest a citation, but who is ultimately found guilty, could face a fines from $100.00 to $2,500.00.
Jacksonville Passes Law
Regulating Breeders
All Breeders Subject to Inspections
20 Puppy Sales = "Animal Dealer"
The Jacksonville City Council finally passed a new animal control ordinance -- #2010-527 -- at its meeting on December 14. The ordinance strictly regulates all dog breeders, including require that all litters be registered with the City. All breeders will be subject to periodic inspections. Breeders who sell more than 20 dogs a year will be classified as "animal dealers" and subject to the same regulations as retail pet shops.
Examples of the new regulations:
• Dogs on 8+ foot leashes may be treated as not under physical control.
• Ear cropping, dewclaw removal or tail docking by non-veterinarians may be considered animal cruelty.
A copy of the City's 123 page proposal is available here.
Tallahassee Adopts Animal Control Law
"Big Brother" Prevails in Tallahassee
H$U$-Drafted Unconstitutional Measure
The Tallahassee City Commission unanimously approved on February 24 an unenforceable, H$U$-drafted animal control ordinance which deprives pet owners of their due process ownership rights to their pets. For example, the law empowers an officer to impound a dog if he believes its owner is not providing "water [or] good and wholesome food", or if he believes the owner is not providing "health related grooming, cleaning and parasite control", and other vaguely-worded violations.
The bill gives officers the unconstitutional power to enter private property to investigate or examine "any animal" they may suspect is in violation of its prohibitions. Owners may be fined $250.00 for a "first infraction", such as not picking up their dogs' feces.
Read the ordinance, No. 10-O-15, here.
AKC awards Hillsborough County Dog Fanciers
The American Kennel Club has bestowed its Walter Bebout Memorial Award for Leadership in Canine Legislation upon the Hillsborough County Florida Dog Fanciers.
AKC's Government Relations Director stated, “Under Tim Golden’s leadership, the Hillsborough County Florida Dog Fanciers has become a model of how a dog club can truly have a positive impact in their community. Through their public education programs, their outreach to local shelters, their legislative activism and service on the county animal advisory committee, this exceptional group has demonstrated a unique commitment to their community and the wellbeing of all dogs.”
Read more about HCFDF and its legislative successes here.
Univ. of Florida's Current
Canine Vaccine Protocol
The University of Florida's Veterinary College's current canine (and feline) vaccination guidelines are on-line here. They are important to us as breeders and owners, and also as watchdogs of local and state legislation which often relies upon out-of-date vaccination protocols.
AKC Creates Albers
Disaster Relief Award
The American Kennel Club has established a quarterly award for extraordinary community service in disaster preparedness and relief, named in honor of the late Diane Albers, former president of the FAKC. AKC will select recipients among dog clubs and individuals who have volunteered to help dogs which have suffered from the devastation caused by natural disasters. The award will be known as “The Albers Award”.
The first recipients are Deb Hoff and the Fargo-Moorhead Kennel Club of Fargo, North Dakota, for its members’ outstanding services in rescuing pets during the Red River flooding in late March 2009. AKC plans to give the recipients cash awards up to $5,000.00 to be used by them for disaster relief.
Read more about FAKC’s late president, Diane Albers. Read the AKC press release.
AKC Launches Canine Legislation Tracking Service
The American Kennel Club has launched its Canine Legislation Tracking Service. This new service enables you to check the status of all 2010 canine legislation in each of the 50 states, as well as federal legislation.
To use this service, go to the AKC Government Relations web page and click on the large “AKC Government Relations Legislation Tracking” icon. This will bring you to a new page with a clickable map of the United States. To view federal legislation, click on the “US Fed” icon to the right of the map. You can also click on any state to view that state’s pending canine legislation, the latest legislative developments, the progress of specific bills, and, if applicable, AKC legislative alerts and messages.
In addition, you can view the actual text of the bill or read a brief official legislative summary. Any questions or comments regarding this new service should be directed to the AKC Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.
 7 Things H$U$ Doesn't Want You to Know |
Diane J. Albers
February 18, 1943 – December 20, 2008
On
the morning of December 20, 2008, just a week after the Orlando Cluster, Diane
Albers died peacefully in her sleep. The dog world, especially in Florida, will
never be the same.
Diane spoke for us all and feared no one. Diane fought for us all and no just cause was too large for her to handle or too small to get her attention. Diane helped us all whatever the need, whatever the hour, whatever the cost. She was the advocate supreme. In truth, she wore herself out working for us. More ...
E-Z Way to Email Press
Releases to Local Media
NAIA's CapWiz
NAIA Trust's CapWiz offers a convenient way for our member clubs to announce events to local media outlets, such as newspapers, radio, television, and magazines. Just click here to send news releases or other announcements.
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Meet The New, "Political" PETA. Its Initials Are H-S-U-S. |
Polk County Passes
Amendment to Animal Control Ordinance
The Polk County Commission finally passed its long-pending amendments to its Animal Control Ordinance on January 6.
The final version of the ordinance is a combination of a little good news (meaning, it could have been worse) and bad news. It does not contain such anti-pet provisions as a limit on numbers of dogs; it has no breed-specific section; and the spay/neuter provision was softened. However, it does allow the Animal Control Authority to set its fees for license tags and various services, such as impounding, vaccinations, and microchips. The ordinance also includes a noise nuisance provision, but with stricter restrictions on the officer's authority to impound dogs for excessive noise. Read the final ordinance here.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the Polk County dog owners who attended the hearings and meetings with the sheriff's department, and who contacted the county commissioners, all on behalf of our pets.
SOME GOOD NEWS
Miami-Dade Judge Rules
Against BSL Ordinance
The Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation (MCABSL) reports a victory against Miami-Dade's breed-specific ordinance (BSL), when a Miami-Dade circuit judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by the county against an alleged Pit Bull mix dog. The judge ruled that the county failed to prove that the dog met the definition of a Pit Bull, using the county's 51% Pit Bull scale, which is not a part of the ordinance.
MCABSL's website is http://unitedagainstbsl.org For more information, contact Dahlia Canes, telephone 305-323~3960.