The Texas House of Representatives has passed legislation that would impose broad new restrictions on people breeding and selling pet animals. House Bill 3180 now moves on to the Senate where it will likely see swift passage if constituents do not make their elected officials aware of the serious problems with this bill. The Texas legislature is due to adjourn at the start of June, so this bill is on the fast track. Persons concerned about HB 3180 must take IMMEDIATE action!

Under the bill, a regulated commercial breeder would be anyone “who possesses 11 or more adult female animals and is engaged in the business of breeding animals for direct or indirect sale or for exchange in return for consideration.” A dealer includes anyone who “is required to collect sales tax for the sale of animals” to purchasers buying at retail.

A Breeders Advisory Committee would be established to advise the Department on proposed rules that include standards, administration and enforcement. Violations range from Class B and C misdemeanors to felonies. The bill includes a ban on having more than 50 adult female dogs at a time. Such a ban does nothing to advance humane care of animals, and would actually increase hereditary defects by needlessly limiting blood lines that breeders could utilize for various breeds. Because of this ban, the more breeds a breeder has, the fewer bloodlines he or she could utilize!

For the full text of the PetAlert, visit www.pijac.org.