Proposed California Legislation Radically Regulates All Dog Breeding
The proposed California legislation, AB702, seeks to regulate all dog breeding in the state. The bill would require a breeder permit from a local jurisdiction or its local animal control agency for any person wishing to own, possess, or breed an unaltered cat or dog. It would also set minimum standards of care for backyard breeders and limit the number of litters per animal per year. This has caused some controversy as the American Kennel Club opposes the measure, claiming it would be an unnecessary and burdensome imposition on responsible breeders. The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is monitoring the proposal but has not taken an official stance yet.
If passed, this legislation could have far-reaching implications for hobby pet breeders in California. It could drastically reduce the number of hobby breeders in the state as well as affect canine state legislation and regulation organized by veterinary medicine. This could lead to higher prices for purebred puppies and kittens due to reduced competition among breeders.
Need to know the laws surrounding dog-breeding in California? Here’s a comprehensive guide that outlines every detail included in this legislation.
Breeders Have Specific Responsibilities
Breeders have a responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of the animals they breed. This includes providing food, water, shelter and all required standards of care for the animals. They must also provide a written certificate at the time of sale, including contact information, birth date, breed, vet records, sex and coat color. Furthermore, an affidavit should be included swearing that the dog is healthy and/or suitable for sale.
Unfortunately, some commercial breeding operations do not adhere to these responsibilities. For example, Gealea Nichols had 545 dogs on her property at the last USDA inspection in April 2019 with no issues found; however, 11 inspections since 2014 have found non-critical issues such as open wounds and abnormal hair loss in Steffensmeier’s operation. People who pay $2,000 for a dog may not be getting a quality animal due to inbreeding and illness found in some commercial breeding operations. Unsold dogs from these operations can end up in government -run shelters, leading to overcrowding and euthanasia.
AB702 seeks to address these issues by requiring a breeder permit from a local jurisdiction or its local animal control agency for any person wishing to own, possess, or breed an unaltered cat or dog. It would also set minimum standards of care for backyard breeders and limit the number of litters per animal per year.
In California, there are several laws related to dog breeding:
Commercial Breeders: California law defines a commercial breeder as someone who breeds and sells more than two litters of puppies per year, or who sells more than 20 dogs per year. Commercial breeders must be licensed by the state and are subject to inspections to ensure that they are meeting the minimum standards of care.
Spay/Neuter: California law requires that all dogs and cats be spayed or neutered, with some exceptions. This law is intended to help reduce the number of homeless animals in the state.
Animal Cruelty: It is illegal in California to subject any animal to unnecessary suffering or cruelty, including neglecting the basic needs of a dog, such as food, water, and shelter.
Backyard Breeders: While there are no specific laws in California regulating backyard breeders, it is important to be aware that breeding animals without taking proper care of their health and well-being can be considered animal cruelty.
If you are considering breeding dogs in California, it is important to be aware of these laws and to ensure that you are meeting all of the necessary requirements. It is also a good idea to research responsible breeding practices to ensure that you are doing everything you can to produce healthy, well-adjusted puppies.
Are there any specific regulations for breeding facilities in California?
California law requires commercial breeding facilities to be licensed and inspected to ensure that they meet the minimum standards of care for the animals. However, there are no specific regulations for home-based breeding operations or backyard breeders. Yes, there are specific regulations for breeding facilities in California. California law requires commercial breeding facilities to be licensed and inspected to ensure that they meet the minimum standards of care for the animals. These regulations are intended to ensure that the animals are being kept in safe and humane conditions, and that they are receiving proper food, water, and veterinary care.
California’s Commercial Pet Breeders Law, the Pet Breeding Operations Inspection Program is a law established by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. This law requires all commercial pet breeding facilities in California to be licensed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture and to be inspected at least twice a year to ensure that the facilities are meeting the minimum standards of care for the animals.
The minimum standards of care for breeding facilities in California include requirements for food and water, veterinary care, and housing. The breeding facilities must have specific requirement for the size of enclosures, proper ventilation, lighting, temperature, and drainage. They also have to have a plan for dealing with waste and have to have a separate area for eating, sleeping and sanitary needs for each animal.
It is important for breeders to comply with these regulations to avoid penalties such as fines and penalties, and even criminal charges. And also to make sure that the animals are well taken care of.
Do I need a license to breed dogs in California?
If you meet the definition of a commercial breeder, you must be licensed by the state. If you do not meet this definition, you are not required to have a license. If you meet the definition of a commercial breeder in California, you must be licensed by the state. A commercial breeder is defined as someone who breeds and sells more than two litters of puppies per year, or who sells more than 20 dogs per year. The Commercial Pet Breeders Law, the Pet Breeding Operations Inspection Program established by the California Department of Food and Agriculture oversees the licensing and inspection of these breeders.
If you breed and sell fewer than two litters or 20 dogs per year, you are not considered a commercial breeder and do not need to be licensed by the state. However, it is important to be aware that even if you are not required to have a license, you are still subject to state and local laws and regulations regarding animal welfare, such as the laws related to animal cruelty and neglect.
It is also important to note that some municipalities in California might have more stringent regulations about breeding dog, it is good to check with your local authorities, to make sure that your breeding practices are legal and comply with the regulations.
Regardless of whether you are required to have a license, responsible breeding practices include providing proper care and socialization for the animals, conducting health screenings and genetic testing, and educating yourself about breeding laws and ethical standards.
What are the penalties for violating dog breeding laws in California?
Violations of California’s dog breeding laws can result in fines, penalties, and even criminal charges. Repeat or severe violations may result in the revocation of a breeder’s license, and in the worst cases, animal cruelty charges can be filed. Violations of California’s dog breeding laws can result in fines, penalties, and even criminal charges. The penalties can vary depending on the specific law that has been violated, and the severity of the violation.
For example, if a commercial breeder is found to be in violation of the state’s minimum standards of care, they may face fines, penalties, and a revocation of their license. This means that they would be unable to operate their breeding business until they have corrected the violations and been re-inspected by the state.
If a breeder is found to be in violation of state animal cruelty or neglect laws, they may face criminal charges. This can include misdemeanor or felony charges, and in serious cases, may result in jail time.
Additionally, local authorities may have the power to intervene and shut down a breeding facility if it does not meet the minimal standards of care, or in case of cruelty, neglect or mistreatment is found.
It is important for breeders to comply with California’s dog breeding laws to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals, and to avoid penalties and legal action. It is important to seek professional advice and guidance to understand what laws and regulations apply to breeding operation.
Here are some best practices for responsible dog breeding in California:
Understand the laws and regulations: It is essential for breeders to understand the laws and regulations related to breeding dogs in California, including the Commercial Pet Breeders Law, the Pet Breeding Operations Inspection Program and the animal cruelty laws, and make sure they are complying with them.
Health and genetics: Responsible breeders should conduct health screenings and genetic testing on their breeding animals to reduce the risk of inherited health conditions. They should also be familiar with common health problems and genetic issues that are prevalent in their breed, and work to avoid breeding animals with known genetic disorders.
Proper care and socialization: Breeders must provide their animals with proper care, including nutritious food, clean water, veterinary care, and appropriate housing. They should also provide their animals with regular opportunities for socialization, exercise, and training to help them become well-adjusted and well-behaved.
Screening potential buyers: Responsible breeders should screen potential buyers to ensure that their puppies will go to loving and responsible homes. This can include conducting home visits, asking for references, and educating buyers about the responsibilities of owning a dog.
Spaying and neutering: Responsible breeders should spay or neuter their animals, unless they are being used for breeding and have met certain exemption criteria.
Continuing education: Responsible breeders should be willing to learn and improve their breeding practices over time by attending breed specific educational seminars, and staying current with the latest information and research related to dog breeding.
Breeding should be taken as a serious responsibility, it is a commitment to the well-being of the animals, and breeding should be done with the goal of improving the breed and not just for profit. Remember that breeding is a long-term commitment and should be done for the love of the breed, not just for profit.
