Federal – USDA APHIS has proposed new rules to establish requirements regarding the importation of live dogs for resale, whether through retail or wholesale channels or fee-based adoption, from regions where African Swine Fever (ASF) exists or is reasonably believed to exist. The proposed rules would formalize requirements that have been in place since August 2021, while proposing a technical change that will provide APHIS with flexibility to make changes to the list of acceptable identification (i.e., microchips) that will not require a separate rulemaking process. Comments will be accepted through November 27, 2023. For more information, visit AKC’s Regulatory Resources Center.
Texas — The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has proposed new regulations for dog and cat breeders that must be licensed by the state. The proposed regulations are intended to quickly implement amendments to Texas’ breeders law that were enacted earlier this year, which include: (1) Lowering the minimum number of adult intact female dogs or cats possessed by a person who is engaged in the business of breeding and selling them, from 11 to five; (2) Removing the condition that a person sell at least 20 animals per year before being subject to licensure; (3) Adding a new exemption from licensing for those who breed dogs primarily for breed or conformation shows or similar organized events; and (4) Expanded the herding/sporting/performance exemption to include those who breed dogs for these activities for sale. GR submitted formal comments to TDLR, which is expected to finalize these rules before the end of the year. In the following months, at least one additional rulemaking is expected to further implement necessary changes.