Today, the Texas House of Representatives passed SB 876. The bill will now go to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk. The bill will require anyone that both owns 5 or more intact females and is engaged in the business of breeding those dogs for sale to secure a state license.
It is vitally important that Governor Abbot hears from his fellow Texans and purebred dog enthusiasts that oppose this onerous and unreasonable legislation. Urge Governor Abbott to veto SB 876. If this bill is signed by the Governor, it will become law.
The bill specifically exempts those that breed primarily for conformation purposes. Those that breed primarily for conformation purposes would not be subject to licensing. Those that breed primarily for hunting, herding livestock, and for participation in other AKC events were already exempt from the law.
Take Action NOW:
AKC remains concerned about the impact of this legislation on those that do not qualify for an exemption. All purebred dog owners in Texas should call and email Governor Abbott and respectfully urge him to veto SB 876. You can submit comments to the Governor’s office HERE. You can contact his office by phone at: (512) 463-1782
Talking Points:
- This legislation is a direct attack on Texas hobby breeders.
- This legislation will require hobby breeders to comply with certain housing standards that were intended to regulate commercial facilities. For example, existing law requires drainage systems for facilities that house dogs and requires surfaces that dogs contact to be made of impervious or replaceable materials. Home based hobbyists will struggle to comply with the existing law and regulations.
- Hobbyists not meeting an exemption will be regulated as commercial businesses if they sell just one puppy from a litter.
- A breeder that sells one puppy will be required to comply with the same regulations as commercial facilities that sell hundreds of dogs per year.
- The bill does not include protections for those that breed dogs that serve and protect Texas communities and those that breed service dogs.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor all bills impacting dog owners in Texas. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.