From the Texas Veterinary Medical Association
House Bill 3180 is being marketed as a “puppy mill” bill, which assumes the legislation would target puppy mills; however, it targets all breeders, including responsible ones.
Owners of puppy mills are most concerned with selling puppies for profit whereas responsible breeders work to improve the breed and its overall health. The USDA’s Animal Welfare Act already strictly governs commercial breeders.
TVMA members encourage people to seek out pets that best fit their families' needs and lifestyles. This may mean acquiring a pet from a shelter, rescue group, or a responsible breeder. TVMA members also support responsible pet ownership and animal breeding. Setting arbitrary numerical limits for the number of intact animals a breeder may possess does not address the underlying issues of responsible pet ownership and proper animal care.
TVMA is strongly in favor of putting an end to the deplorable conditions present in puppy and kitten mills, and animal cruelty is indefensible. There are currently laws on the books that address the problems inherent in puppy and kitten mills, including those that cover standards of care and treatment and housing requirements for all pet owners. A civil cruelty proceeding can be used to seize any animal not being properly cared for and the owner can be criminally prosecuted. Texas penal code has several sections devoted to animal cruelty issues including Sec 42.092(b). Enforcement of these laws would shut down puppy and kitten mills without putting onerous restrictions on responsible breeders.
TVMA is concerned that by over-regulating breeders in Texas, this legislation could actually result in an increase in the types of operations the bill is supposed to address. Through the imposition of significant fees, insurance requirements, and other costly measures, the only breeders left will be those whose primary motivation is financial profit. Breeders who truly care about their animals and who spend whatever is necessary to provide the best possible care for their animals, will be unable to afford these additional costs. On the other hand, large commercial breeders whose chief concern is turning a profit will find ways to continue to operate - at the expense of the animals.
TVMA has thousands of members and each one believes there is no place in the State of Texas for large scale breeding operations that have little regard for the health and welfare of the animals they breed. In stark contrast to these puppy/kitten mills, there are countless breeders who care deeply about their animals and provide them with the best care possible. TVMA members see these animals on a regular basis and know that their owners are working to improve their breeds and provide healthy, happy animals for thousands of Texas families. Many of these breeders will choose to cease operations rather than submit to the licensing and insurance requirements included in HB 3180. This would truly be a loss for the people of Texas.
