AMARILLO, TEXAS --
As of Sept. 1, 2012, dog and cat breeders will be required to obtain breeding licenses from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
There are three requirements breeders must meet- those possessing 11 or more intact female dog or cats which are used for breeding, those breeding dogs and cats for direct or indirect sale and those offering the sale of exchange of 20 or more of those animals within one calendar year must apply for breeding licenses.
"If we do find that there are animals that are being kept in improper facilities, then we work with the local authorities to go in and take care of those animals," TDLR Executive Director Bill Kuntz said.
Kuntz added the people of the community will play a big part in reporting illegal breeding or improper facilities.
"We rely heavily on citizen involvement to report violations to us," he pointed out. "If we receive a report of an unlicensed breeding facility, we have investigators that will go out and investigate those complaints."
Amarillo Animal Control Executive Director Mike McGee said the municipal shelter will help authorities with puppy mills and breeders after reports and investigations have been made.
"If we have any evidence or any knowledge of somebody who's trying to run a puppy mill or something of that nature, then we can probably utilize this law to help close them down."
This new law is the first legal contract requiring specific standards designed for dogs and cats that are used for breeding in Texas.
Click here for more information on the Dog and Cat Breeders Act (formerly House Bill 1451).
