As a local animal lover and advocate, I have regularly visited a local shelter and seen the sentence delivered to “man’s best friend”. They live to be our companions, but many people are found to betray the trust of their creations and purchases and be no friend in return. I witness lives become disposable, the lives of our longest animal counterparts. We urge one another to adopt, foster and create animal rescues… but to no end! It is a simple bandaid to a festering wound in society. 

On a positive note, California has been the first to prohibit pet store sales of dogs from puppy mills. It is time to move to the next biggest issue, backyard breeders. This movement isn’t to oppose the ethical breeder who meticulously studies the genetics and behaviors of their dogs, who care for the conditions and families their offspring are adopted to, who design and create with passion and love. Lets focus on creating a process to legitimize and weed out those who have no business breeding “for a buck”. 

Anyone intending to breed must file for application with the state for a fee.
Proposed methods for legitimizing the breeder would include:

a. A written statement of the philosophy, goals and intentions of breeding

b. A passing test to show basic genetics and dog breeding comprehension

c. Acknowledge and sign a contract that includes dog breeding guidelines

Anyone found to be in violation of contract,  holding multiple unaltered animals, or breeding without license are subject to fines to be paid directly to the department of animal services.

Theoretically, putting such a law in place will save tax payer dollars. Reducing the cost of weekly euthanasia and feeding the copious number of dogs (and cats) in California shelters. AB 702 was moving in the right direction!

With enough signatures, this can be proposed to local council and eventually the state. Thank you!