Bark N Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk

2023: THE TEXAS LICENSED BREEDERS LAW  Background: Texas passed a law regulating large-scale cat and dog breeders in 2011 (Texas Occupations Code – Chapter 802 – Dog or Cat Breeders Act). While the 2011 law successfully prevented animal cruelty at licensed facilities, loopholes allowed numerous large-scale breeders to avoid inspections and meet basic standards of care. By 2023, it was clear that the Texas Licensed Breeders Law needed reform to regulate commercial breeders masquerading as hobbyists.  SB 876 does just that: first, by requiring breeders with five or more breeding females to be licensed. Previously, only breeders with eleven or more breeding females were regulated, which meant a large swath of the industry went sight unseen. According to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) study, unlicensed breeding facilities are responsible for most cruelty and neglect complaints.   Second, SB 876 removes the need to prove a breeder sold 20 or more animals in a calendar year. Many breeder