As a heartbroken animal lover living in California, I have personally seen the devastating effects of overpopulation in our animal shelters. Too many animals are being euthanized each year due to overcrowding, an issue that could easily be mitigated with proper regulation of animal breeding. Sadly, this is a reality for many shelters across the state. Each year, it's estimated that over 250,000 dogs and cats enter shelters in California, and nearly half are euthanized due to lack of space and resources (based on data from the California Department of Public Health). This is a solvable problem that requires streamlined, enforceable legislation on animal breeding.

We are calling for the California Legislature to implement and enforce stricter regulations on animal breeding to curb this overpopulation issue. Together, we can significantly reduce the number of animals and prevent unnecessary euthanasia in our shelters. Please, help us give these animals the life they deserve by signing this petition. Advocate for change by supporting legislation that regulates animal breeding in our state.

Draft bill language (please comment with feedback or edits)

**Animal Breeding Regulation Act**

Section 1: Title

This Act shall be known and may be cited as the “Animal Breeding Regulation Act.”

Section 2: Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to regulate the breeding of animals to ensure the health and welfare of animals, to prevent overpopulation, and to protect public interests.

Section 3: Definitions

For the purposes of this Act, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

 1. “Animal” means any living, non-human vertebrate creature, whether wild or domestic.

 2. “Breeding” means the practice of mating animals to produce offspring.

 3. “Breeder” means any person, organization, or entity engaged in the breeding of animals.

 4. “Approval” means written authorization from the relevant governmental or regulatory body responsible for animal welfare.

Section 4: Prohibition on Unapproved Breeding

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person, organization, or entity to engage in the breeding of animals without prior approval from the relevant governmental or regulatory body.

(b) Approval shall only be granted upon demonstration that the breeding practices meet all established health, welfare, and ethical standards.

Section 5: Application for Breeding Approval

(a) Any person, organization, or entity seeking to engage in animal breeding must submit an application to the relevant governmental or regulatory body.

(b) The application must include:

 1. The purpose of the breeding program.

 2. Detailed breeding plans, including genetic considerations and health management.

 3. Information on the care and housing of breeding animals.

 4. Evidence of compliance with existing animal welfare laws and regulations.

 5. Any other information deemed necessary by the regulatory body.

Section 6: Evaluation and Approval Process

(a) The relevant governmental or regulatory body shall evaluate applications based on criteria that ensure the health and welfare of animals, prevent overpopulation, and protect public interests.

(b) The evaluation process shall include inspections, interviews, and any other measures necessary to assess compliance with established standards.

(c) Approval shall be granted, denied, or conditioned within 90 days of application submission. If additional time is needed for evaluation, the applicant shall be notified in writing.

Section 7: Penalties

(a) Any person, organization, or entity found to be in violation of this Act shall be subject to penalties, including but not limited to:

 1. Fines not exceeding $50,000 per violation.

 2. Suspension or revocation of breeding permits.

 3. Seizure of animals involved in unapproved breeding.

 4. Other penalties as deemed appropriate by the relevant governmental or regulatory body.

Section 8: Exceptions

(a) This Act does not apply to:

 1. Accredited zoos and aquariums that follow established breeding programs for conservation purposes.

 2. Licensed research facilities that comply with applicable ethical and welfare standards.

 3. Situations where breeding is necessary for the immediate health and safety of an animal.

Section 9: Implementation and Enforcement

(a) The relevant governmental or regulatory body shall be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of this Act.

(b) The body shall establish regulations and guidelines necessary for the effective administration of this Act.

Section 10: Effective Date

This Act shall take effect 180 days after its enactment.

Section 11: Severability

If any provision of this Act or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this Act are severable.

**We will be proposing this in the new legislative year**