The overpopulation of domesticated animals leads to the euthanization of millions of dogs, cats, and other pets every year. One of the biggest contributors to pet overpopulation us unethical breeding; which, defined here, refers to unregulated commercial breeding in inhumane "puppy mills," and unregulated random-breeding practiced by unlicensed pet owners.

This year, in the month of July alone, over 150 cats and dogs were euthanized by Collier County Domestic Animal Services. We recognize that these numbers are actually quite low compared to most public animal control services in this state; however, we also believe that more could be done to reduce these numbers even further.

We would like the Collier County Board of Commissioners to address the issue of overpopulation within our community by enacting a law that would prevent the sale of commercially bred pets in local pet stores. In addition, we ask that the board of commissioners update current breeding regulations to further deter random breeding within our community.

If you are a citizen of Collier County and would like to help us improve animal welfare within our community, please sign this petition and forward it to as many of your family and friends as possible. We will be updating this petition page as we complete our policy proposal and set a date to go before the commissioners to petition for this change.

Thank you for any support that you can provide! Together we can save the lives of thousands of pets!