American Kennel Club Director of Government Relations, Sheila Goffe, reports on the USDA and its continued implementation and enforcement of new requirements for pet breeders. Specifically, dealing with licencing and regulation issues under the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

USDA CONTINUES TO IMPLEMENT & ENFORCE NEW PET BREEDER REQUIREMENTS

It’s been more than six months since the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) began implementing new federal regulations that narrow the definition of “retail pet store”. Prior to this rule change, most small/hobby breeders were considered by the USDA to be retail pet stores and thus exempt from licensing and regulation under the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
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