Proposal:

Requiring dog breeders/dog owners who wish to breed to be licensed by the state of Georgia.

Reason for Proposal:

Unauthorized breeding can and do lead to many societal problems, as well as potentially leading to animal abuse and cruelty. Following are some examples:

-          No regulation on breeding leads to over breeding (too many animals to accommodate the human population for a manageable number of domestic animals per household that desires to have animals).

-          Overbreeding results in over-populated animal shelters and rescues. Rescues and shelters are continuously fighting the maximum occupancy per organization.

-          Overbreeding is animal abuse and cruelty.

According to the AKC standards and guidelines: “Keep in mind that AKC Rules do not allow, except with special documentation, the registration of a litter out of a dam less than 8 months or more than 12 years of age at the time of mating, or by a sire less than 7 months or more than 12 years of age at the time of mating.”

-          Unregulated breeding leads to animal abuse and cruelty, such as in-home ear and tail cropping done illegally as the breeder acts as a veterinarian.

-          Time-specific litters, such as “Christmas Puppies”, result in animal neglect and a higher shelter/rescue population. Organizations such as the “Bull Pen Rescue” see an increase in drop-offs and surrenders at Christmas time and the beginning of summer due to an increase in family vacations.