Rhode Island Mandatory Spay/Neuter Bill Tabled, May Return

Last week, the Rhode Island House Health, Education, and Welfare Committee held House Bill 8205 for further study. This means that the bill was not approved by the committee, but that it may further consider the bill at a later date during the remainder of the 2014 legislative session. The AKC commends the many Rhode Island dog breeders and owners, local clubs, and parent clubs that contacted the committee in opposition to the proposal.

Established in 1884, the American Kennel Club promotes the study, breeding, exhibiting, and advancement of purebred dogs. The world’s largest not-for-profit dog registry, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and wellbeing, protects the rights of all dog owners, and promotes the ideas of responsible dog ownership.

The AKC opposes the concept of breeding permits, breeding bans or the mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs. We believe that reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of breeders and owners who meet their responsibilities is a fairer and more effective approach than mandatory spay/neuter laws. Further, laws mandating the spay/neuter of young dogs fail to take into consideration scientific research indicating that juvenile spay/neuter may ultimately prove harmful to a dog’s long-term health, may increase incidences of some tumors, impact continence and reduce lifespan. Ultimately, we believe that all health care decisions, including whether to spay or neuter, should be made by a dog’s owner in consultation with their veterinarian.

To follow is more information about HB205.

WHAT HB 8205 WILL DO: As introduced, HB 8205:

• Limits all Rhode Island residents from owning or harboring any dog over the age of six months that has not been spayed or neutered.
• Provides limited exceptions for certain individuals including persons who hold either a license to keep an unaltered dog, or a license and permit for breeding dogs issued by the animal control officer for the city or town in which they live. An exemption also applies for dogs that, due to age, health, or illness, it would be “inappropriate” to be spayed or neutered.
• Mandates that an “intact” permit be issued to the owner of an unaltered dog if the owner signs a written statement that such animal will not be allowed to breed unless the owner has first obtained a breeding permit.
• Leaves to the discretion of animal control officers whether an “intact” permit may be issued to an individual who refuses to spay or neuter their dog.
• Sets the fee for the “intact” permit at $100 per year per dog.

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Posted by chesliepickett on May 27 2014. Filed under Breaking News, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.