The Dallas City Council voted unanimously in favor of an ordinance that will prohibit pet stores from selling dogs sourced from dog breeders. This newly adopted ordinance will limit pet choice and consumer protections for Dallas area families seeking a dog that fits their needs and lifestyle.
AKC regularly submitted opposition to the proposal dating back to December 2021. The new law will take effect in six months.
Retail pet sales bans/restrictions limit consumer protections and choice, while doing nothing to actually help dogs. A better solution is to consider broad consumer protection and cruelty laws that hold all accountable who sell or transport dogs and continuing to allow pet stores to source from all humane sources including from breeders.
Further, licensed breeders in and around Texas are already regulated by the state and/or the USDA. Additionally, all breeders are required to follow all state and federal animal welfare laws.
For more talking points on this issue, visit www.akcgr.org/petchoice.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor all Texas legislation impacting dog owners. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.