New Pet Ordinance Passed By City Council
In an effort to reduce the prominence of puppy mill animals and lower the number of unwanted animals due to overbreeding, a new ordinance has been approved by the City Council. This new ordinance addresses many of the issues that stakeholders had with earlier ordinances. In addition to pet shops being licensed, the new ordinance requires breeders and distributors to also obtain a business license and comply with licensing requirements and reporting. The new ordinance also enforces reporting requirements with audit and inspections. Here are some other key points:
Pet Shop Reporting Requirements
Pet shops must demonstrate compliance with the rules for each dog or cat that it sells or offers for sale and submit on a quarterly basis a report detailing:
Name, street address, email address, and the USDA license number of each breeder or broker from which the pet shop purchased a dog or cat
Purchase information for each dog or cat must include the ID or registration number of the microchip implanted in the animal
The state license number and/or permit numbers of each breeder and broker if a state license or permit is required of the breeder or broker to operate within the state in which it operates — compliance with foreign authorities if located outside of US
The total number of dogs and cats reported being purchased from each breeder and broker
Distributor Reporting Requirements
Distributors must demonstrate compliance with respect to each dog or cat that it arranges for delivery to a pet shop for purpose of sale and submit on a quarterly basis a report detailing:
Name, full address, email address, and USDA license number of each breeder or broker from which the distributor obtained a dog or cat for delivery to a pet shop, with a detailed listing of each transaction. Must also include the ID or registration number of the microchip implanted in the animal.
The state license number and/or permit number of each breeder or broker if a state license or permit is required of the breeder or broker to operate as such within the state in which it operates — compliance with foreign authorities if located outside of US
The total number of dogs and cats reported as being obtained from each breeder and broker
Pet Store Breeder/Broker Requirements and USDA Compliance
No pet shop can sell to or purchase from any breeder or broker who:
Is not compliant with applicable Nevada law and local ordinances
If located outside of Nevada, is not in possession of all other licenses required for a breeder or broker by the state in which the breeder or broker is located
Is not in possession of a current license issued by the USDA pursuant to the Animal Welfare and regulations
Within two years immediately previous to the purchase, has been cited on a USDA inspection report for direct or critical noncompliance with the Animal Welfare Act and regulations, or for three or more other noncompliance items under the Animal Welfare Act and regulations that directly impact the health of an animal
On the most recent USDA inspection reports immediately previous to the purchase, was cited for no-access violations pursuant to enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and regulations
Directly or indirectly obtained the animal from a breeder, broker, or other person, firm, corporation, or organization to whom this section applies
Microchip Requirements — Document the History of the Animals being sold
Breeders and distributors must microchip all animals; no pet shop can sell any dog or cat unless it has been microchipped
Spay & Neuter Requirements
The new ordinance requires the spaying and neutering of ferrets, rabbits, and potbellied pigs over the age of four months; this is already required for dogs and cats.
Spay & Neuter Reporting Requirements
Pet shops are required to submit a quarterly report of dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, or potbellied pigs sold by the pet shop during that quarter and will include the following information:
Name and residence address of the buyer
The address of the location where the animal will reside, if not the same as the buyer’s residence
The breed and approximate age
A description, including principal colors
Spay & Neuter Enforcement — Voucher System
Each pet shop, breeder, pound, shelter, or rescue organization that sells animals must include the price of spaying and neutering and tell the new owner that spaying and neutering is required; if they don’t offer the service, they must offer a voucher to cover the procedure.
Pet Stores are accountable for the Spay/Neuter Enforcement upon Consumers
Failure to comply with this be grounds for non-renewal of, or disciplinary action against a business license.
The Spay/Neuter ordinance is not intended to stop breeders from breeding
A person may avoid prosecution or a civil proceeding by applying for and obtaining a dog or cat fancier’s permit.
