Anyone who has more than 10 in the care or possession of these animals and sells their offspring for use as a pet. Since most puppy mills are not illegal, we need the public`s help to stop consumer demand for their “product.” You can help HSUS stop puppy mills by getting your next dog from a shelter, rescue group, or humane and responsible breeder that you`ve carefully examined personally. You can also visit the PupQuest website, which is operated by licensed veterinarians and warns about puppy mill dog health issues. `breeder of dogs or cats` means a person who owns at least 11 intact adult females and breeds those animals for sale, directly or indirectly or for remuneration and who sells, exchanges or offers for sale or exchanges at least 20 animals in a calendar year. Individual dog breeders are just as unethical as any puppy mill, but on a smaller scale. Not only is it lazy and wrong to use an animal`s reproductive ability to make a quick buck, but it also contributes to overpopulation and homelessness crisis, just like puppy mills. The kennel is more than 4 dogs are kept for exhibition, testing, sale, breeding or other purposes Breeders` obsession with “pure” lines leads to inbreeding. This causes painful and life-threatening disability in “purebred” dogs, including debilitating hip dysplasia, blindness, deafness, heart defects, skin problems, and epilepsy. Dogs don`t care if their appearance meets a judge`s standards, but they are the ones who suffer the consequences of genetic manipulation. Animal shelters that have been able to intervene on behalf of animals can suddenly face a large number of animals that need immediate veterinary care. In addition, the shelter may be responsible for housing the dogs during an often lengthy legal process. The cost of veterinary care, basic nutrition and shelter can reach tens of thousands of dollars in a matter of weeks if only 50 dogs are seized in an improperly managed facility.
Breeding kennels within the meaning of § 3907 are a place where 5 or more adult or breeding cats are kept and where part or all of the offspring are offered for sale, sold or exchanged for remuneration, or a place where more than 16 dogs or cats raised on site are sold to the public within 12 months. “kennel” does not include a kennel licensed by a community under section 3923-C if the dogs are kept primarily for hunting, display, training, sledding, competition, field trials or exhibitions and not more than 16 dogs are offered for sale, sold or exchanged for value in any 12-month period. When Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 485, California was the first state to ban commercially bred dogs, cats and rabbits. The law, which Governor Brown signed into law in October 2018 and passed on October 1, 2018. January 2019 was controversial. Proponents will reduce unnecessary suffering for animals raised for sale in so-called “puppy and kitten mills,” but opponents will harm pet store owners and force consumers to find a “black market.” (Individual producers can still sell to customers; the law only applies to pet stores.) You don`t want to buy a puppy from a pet store or website. Most of these puppies come from mass breeding facilities – better known as puppy mills. If you have decided to buy a dog from a breeder, you should support the one who cares about the well-being of his dogs.
Given that millions of dogs suffer and die every year because there is no proper home for them, raising a dog is irresponsible and unethical, even once. The dog breeding industry includes puppy mills – hellish mass breeding facilities where dogs are treated like puppy production machines and never receive love or attention or even the opportunity to stretch their legs. Someone takes care of America`s dogs, right? Is it not an arm of our government responsible to ensure that dogs languishing in factory-like breeding facilities are not horribly abused? The following table attempts to compare commercial selection laws by category. An attempt has been made to describe both the laws and regulations of each state. While this chart is intended to give readers an informative perspective on the state`s dog breeding laws, specific questions about compliance and violation of these laws should be directed to attorneys licensed in each state. For decades, HSUS has been a leader in promoting legal and regulatory changes affecting all major livestock facilities. We continue to promote better staffing and funding for USDA inspection programs, which would increase enforcement capacity. The law states that a person who maintains a kennel without obtaining a license, or after a license has been revoked or suspended, commits a civil offense for which forfeiture of not less than $50 and not more than $200 per day may be imposed (§ 3938).
Please note that operating a commercial kennel may not be illegal in your area. However, if you`ve seen specific evidence of cruelty or neglect, the first agency you should contact is a local agency with enforcement powers, such as the local humane society, animal control agency, police, or sheriff`s department. HSUS takes a stand against puppy mills at every possible level, including supporting legislative changes, conducting investigations and litigation, and promoting public awareness and education. HSUS also works with local authorities when asked to close the most abusive puppy mills. Step 3: Contact the breeder or pet store where you bought the dog. Your sales contract or purchase or breeding policy can provide you with financial recourse. Please note that many sellers will encourage you to return the puppy for an exchange or refund, but this may not be in your puppy`s best interest. You may have other refund options that do not require you to return the animal. For example, many states have puppy lemon laws that require pet sellers to reimburse a pet owner`s veterinary bills up to the puppy`s purchase price if the puppy gets sick with a condition that existed at the time of sale. Contact the Attorney General`s Office to learn more about puppy lemons laws in your state or to report a seller if you think a law has been broken.