Q) Why don’t existing regulations work?

A) Backyard breeders operate in secrecy never disclosing their location and are notorious tax evaders. Deals are made in parking lots to avoid detection and arrest. Rarely will a backyard breeder give out their physical location or home address.

Q) What is the potential recourse for unsuspecting buyers?

A) Since underground economy transactions are untaxed and unreported cash, the unsuspecting consumer is frequently duped with absolutely no recourse if the puppy is not healthy. This often results in veterinary bills in the thousands or euthanasia due to unforeseen and prohibitive costs.

Q) Why would this proposed regulation work?

A) This regulation not only requires tax but registration and proof of identity in order to advertise but more importantly it restricts accepting or running ads for the sale of animals on websites like Craigslist Facebook or other media. Quite unlike backyard breeders, there is very little likelihood that these sites would break the law Which would require large civil penalties.

Q) Why is the registration Requirement more important than the tax itself?

A) The tax is certainly deterrent but much more importantly registration requires complete transparency location information proof of identity proof of veterinary care and express permission for animal control, zoning or law enforcement to inspect the facility or home where the pets are housed.

Q) What are the key components of registration?

A)  Permission to inspect facility by animal control, zoning or law enforcement. Proof of identity and location of animals being bred and sold. Proof of responsible Veterinary care.

Q) Why would backyard breeders or puppy mills comply with these proposed regulations?

A) It’s unlikely that any of them will comply due to required total transparency which These shady operators will find intrusive. The end result virtually all advertising for backyard breeder and puppy mill pets will cease to exist.

Q) What is one of the end results?

A) No tax and registration equal no ads. No ads equal no sales. No sales equal no profits making backyard breeding a burden to those who choose to breed.

Q) What is the possible impact on overpopulation?

A) The results could be an increase in pet adoptions at municipal facilities and or rescue organizations.

Q) Potentially what could the taxes be used for?

A) While it would be up to each Implementing authority, taxes as high as $500 per registration it could fund animal lifesaving initiatives, Improved animal control facilities and personnel.